New test prototype for monitoring MGUS patients funded

Birmingham researchers to make MGUS monitoring more efficient

Birmingham researchers have received £230k from Cancer Research Horizons to develop a prototype test for monitoring people with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance), a precursor to blood cancer multiple myeloma.

Approximately 6,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with myeloma annually. MGUS affects patients with abnormal cells producing monoclonal proteins in the bone marrow, increasing their risk of developing myeloma by 1% each year.

Currently, MGUS patients undergo regular blood tests every 3 months after diagnosis. This can reduce to 6 months or yearly if the disease remains stable. Testing requires patients to attend healthcare settings and samples to be sent to laboratories, placing strain on the NHS.

The prototype developed by Dr Jennifer Heaney and Dr Sian Faustini at the University of Birmingham aims to measure monoclonal protein levels, identifying patients who may require further hospital investigations to enable early treatment for myeloma.

Dr Heaney and Dr Faustini are collaborating with Dr Tracey Chan at University Hospitals Birmingham on a clinical pilot of the test later this year.

The aim is to reduce the burden of monitoring for both patients and the NHS.