Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematooncological disease of the elderly, characterized by malignant transformation of plasma cells. In the last 10 years, treatment advances have increased MM patients’ survival, except for a subgroup of so-called functional high-risk MM patients. Such patients have shortened overall survival and progression-free survival, yet they do not have high-risk aberrations defined by the second revision of the ISS staging system (R2-ISS). There is a clinical need for fast and accurate identification of these patients, leading to changed treatment (possibly quadruplet therapy in the first line or immunotherapy). The project's significance lies in the fast and accessible identification of these patients using liquid biopsy of peripheral blood using MALDI-TOF method. Moreover, we will characterize underlying aberrations directly influencing this phenotype using third-generation sequencing. The project connects standard diagnostic methods with advanced techniques to bring the most current and relevant information directly affecting the patients and their treatment.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.