A groundbreaking study published in PNAS reveals that an RNA nanoparticle therapy has the potential to prevent the spread of multiple myeloma (MM), a type of bone marrow cancer, in mice. Administered alone or in combination with an FDA-approved MM drug, the therapy demonstrated reduced tumor burden and increased survival rates in the mouse model. This research, conducted by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, presents a promising avenue for treating this incurable disease.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. These cells produce antibodies that aid in fighting infections. However, MM leads to the production of abnormal proteins that negatively impact various bodily functions, including kidney health and blood cell production. The aggressive nature and rapid mutation rate of MM make it challenging to treat effectively. In 2020 alone, MM was responsible for over 100,000 deaths worldwide, and patients with advanced and chemotherapy-resistant MM typically have a survival rate of just six to nine months. Innovative therapies are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes.
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