Novel materials show promise in treating multiple myeloma bone lesions

· News-Medical

The team tackled a critical challenge in treating multiple myeloma-a blood cancer where malignant plasma cells accumulate in bone marrow, leading to debilitating bone lesions in 80% of patients. These lesions cause severe pain and fractures that often fail to heal, and within, a vicious cycle takes place that supports tumor survival and regrowth.

Professor Dirk Hose of TORCThrough our multidisciplinary effort, we aimed to develop advanced bone repair materials capable of mimicking the stability of healthy trabecular bone while promoting bone healing by reducing the activity of bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) and enhancing bone-building cell (osteoblast) function, and which at the same time can deliver localized drug treatments to suppress tumor activity and support bone regeneration."

In their forthcoming paper, the researchers demonstrate boXer's ability to stimulate bone formation in preclinical models of healthy and diseased bone. They also managed to suppress myeloma cells, including those resistant to systemic bortezomib treatment. The results show promising potential for stabilization and healing of fracture-prone bone lesions.

"This innovation addresses a significant unmet need in multiple myeloma treatment by combining structural bone repair with targeted tumor control. We are eager to move towards clinical testing to realize the potential of sicXer and boXer in improving patient outcomes." Professor Hose concludes.

Source:

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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