Year of Grant: 2014

Location: United States

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of blood cancer, where plasma cells grow and multiply out of control. Over time, MM weakens the immune system, leads to anemia, and causes kidney and bone problems. There are about 25,000 new cases reported each year in the United States. While not a frequent cancer, less than 45% of patients survive past 5 years. Currently, the standard of care usually consists of chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplantation.  

In a phase I, proof-of-principle clinical trial, Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrated that virotherapy, which destroys cancer with a virus containing the human sodium iodide symporter (MV-NIS) but spares normal tissues, can be effective against the deadly cancer MM. Three patients showed remarkable results with one achieving complete remission.

This phase II clinical trial seeks to determine the clinical response frequency and duration of response of at least 37 myeloma patients with recurrent or refractory disease to treatment with MV-NIS. If successful, this treatment holds great promise for a wide spectrum of cancer patients, aside from patients suffering from MM.