Reducing morbidity and mortality from myeloma by earlier diagnosis using a rapid and simple blood test

Myeloma is a cancer of bone marrow plasma cells that causes anaemia, kidney and skeletal damage and severe immunodeficiency. Of the major cancers, myeloma ranks worst for diagnostic delays and this causes substantial morbidity and early mortality. In the UK there are a median three consultations in primary care before hospital referral. Diagnosis is an even greater problem in low-middle income countries with limited resources. The aim of this project is to develop a simple, rapid blood test that can accelerate myeloma diagnosis. The project will include test development, optimisation and evaluation, which will be supported through placements with an industry partner who are experts in assay development. It will also involve laboratory analysis of clinical samples before moving onto the final project phase of testing the device in preliminary studies in clinical practice (in the UK and Africa). Working in a clinical laboratory, alongside industry and collaborating with clinicians, the goal is to generate an evidence-base for the new test for uptake in larger trials and towards commercialisation to achieve patient benefits in different settings. The post-graduate researcher will learn interdisciplinary skills that are applicable to a broad range of scientific fields and career pathways.