The philanthropic organization FJC recently awarded a $1 million grant to the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR).

The grant will go toward IMBCR’s “Cure Myeloma Project,” a research project IMBCR claims is the nation’s foremost effort to find a cure for multiple myeloma.

Specifically, the money will fund six research projects to be conducted by leading myeloma scientists. The topics of these projects are:

• Tumor necrosis factor receptor 6 (TRAF6) dominant negative peptides - According to IMBCR, blocking TRAF6 expression may hinder cell growth and increase programmed cell death of myeloma cells while inhibiting the cells that function in the breakdown and resorption of bone tissue resulting in bone loss.

• Targeting and activation of cytotoxic treatments within tumor cells using myeloma-specific oligonucleotides – Cytotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy, are used to damage harmful tumor cells. This research project could further develop such treatments for myeloma patients.

• Developing anti-PTN receptor neutralizing antibodies - PTN is a protein found in several types of tumors.  PTN is thought to be involved in the formation of new blood vessels to tumors, an event that is critical for tumor growth and spreading.  Developing antibodies that could stop formation of these blood vessels might prevent tumors from spreading.

• Myeloma stem cells – Myeloma stem cells are responsible for creating new myeloma cells. Even if all myeloma cells are eradicated during treatment, new cells can form as long as the stem cells are still active. For this reason, researchers are trying to find ways to kill these cells or prevent them from reproducing.

• Treatment of metastatic cancers - Metastatic cancers are those that start in one area and spread to other parts of the body.

• Development of additional SCID-hu models of other cancers – Scientists have produced human microenvironments in mice using transplanted human bone and marrow. These microenvironments allow them to study multiple myeloma firsthand and develop ideas for treatments. This particular research project will try to develop such microenvironments for other cancers.

IMBCR focuses on improving treatment methods and finding a cure for myeloma patients. Headquartered in Los Angeles, it is the only independent non-profit cancer research institute currently working to reach this goal.

FJC states that its objective is to be the premier foundation of donor advised funds. The organization sponsors charitable projects through grants and loans. Since its founding in 1995, FJC has provided over $100 million in grants to charities across the globe.

For more information, please visit the IMBCR Press Release.