Myeloma SPOREs

Multiple myeloma, a disease of white blood cells, will claim 10,610 lives in 2011, according to estimates by the American Cancer Society. Another 20,520 new cases will be diagnosed in the same year.  While recent improvements in treatment may result in a more favorable outlook for patients, five year survival rates are still unacceptably low - around 40%. The first solicitation for myeloma SPORE applications was announced in 2001, applications were reviewed in 2002 and the first award given in 2003.  Currently NCI funds two myeloma SPORE grants.