Also known as myeloma, multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells – a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow – becomes cancerous. Healthy plasma cells produce antibodies responsible for fighting diseases and infections. However, cancerous plasma cells cannot produce these antibodies. In addition, they spread through the bone marrow, dominating the space so that there is no longer room for enough normal blood cells.

The cause of multiple myeloma is not yet known and at present, treatment options focus on easing symptoms, rather than curing disease. Researchers at Garvan are collaborating with other research groups across the globe to study multiple myeloma and its mechanisms, so that new and more effective therapies can be developed.

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Our researchers are focused on gaining a better understanding of multiple myeloma, in order to find new ways to treat it. There are still many processes that aren't understood in the progression and dormancy (or remission) of the disease. Our researchers are studying some of the unknown mechanisms behind progression to find new treatments that will effectively target these processes.

A type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow