The independent platform for news, articles and advice for professionals in laboratory medicine

Multiple myeloma study completes enrolment and method development

Binding Site has announced that the iStopMM (Iceland Screens, Treats or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) study has reached an important milestone, with the publication of a paper outlining the design and recruitment of this population-based screening study

The large-scale study – which includes over 80,000 individuals, more than half of the eligible population of Iceland – aims to use a combination of blood-based testing, imaging, bone marrow sampling and clinical questionnaires to improve our basic understanding of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which precedes multiple myeloma (MM).

The iStopMM study was first conceived as a result of informal discussions during Binding Site’s 7th International Symposium: Clinical applications of free light chain and heavy/light chain analysis in 2015. In January 2016, work commenced on screening all adults over the age of 40 in Iceland for the earliest signs of MM, aiming to prevent the cancer before it develops. As an active partner in this study, Binding Site has successfully tested over 75,000 samples to date using its Freelite immunodiagnostic assay and benchtop Optilite analyser, providing valuable data to help understand and treat MGUS.

Stefan Wolf (Binding Site CEO) commented: “At Binding Site, our mission, above all else, is to have the patient at the heart of everything we do. It is a privilege to be involved in a study of this size and calibre. Ultimately, this pivotal research will be key to answering two important questions: Is population-based screening for MGUS beneficial? and What is the optimum monitoring approach for patient management?”

Professor Sigurdur Kristinsson (Principal Investigator for the iStopMM study) added: “We chose to collaborate with Binding Site on this project because the company has a history of changing the way we look at multiple myeloma and its precursors. Freelite is a reliable, very accurate assay that has been used all over the world for several years, and is the current standard of care when it comes to this disease. All in all, we knew we were in good hands.”

Pictured from the left are Professor Sigurdur Kristinsson and Dr Stephen Harding (Binding Site CSO).

Further reading

Rögnvaldsson S, Love TJ, Thorsteinsdottir S et al. Iceland screens, treats, or prevents multiple myeloma (iStopMM): a population-based screening study for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and randomized controlled trial of follow-up strategies. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11 (5): 94. doi: 10.1038/s41408-021-00480-w.

www.bindingsite.com

 

Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025