A translational unit has been launched in Oxford to carry out research into multiple myeloma.
The Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre (OTMC) aims to develop a roadmap for personalised patient care and early diagnosis of myeloma. It is based at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, NDORMS.
The centre will focus on internationally competitive research into the processes underlying multiple myeloma and related plasma cell diseases. It will be co-led by Professor Anjan Thakurta, recently appointed chair of translational medicine, Professor Karthik Ramasamy, clinical lead for myeloma in Oxford and the wider Thames Valley, and Professor Udo Oppermann, chair in musculoskeletal sciences and director of laboratory sciences at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences.
Prof Thakurta said: “I am very happy to join the Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre to advance research efforts and their translation into the clinic to achieve better health outcomes and cure for more patients. The fantastic research infrastructure of Oxford University and a strong collaboration with the hospital/NHS provides an opportunity to create a new paradigm of translational research and myeloma patient care in the UK.”
Professor Gavin Screaton, head of the medical sciences division at the University of Oxford said OTMC is uniquely placed to build on the strengths and depths in pre-clinical and clinical myeloma research within Oxford University.
“Partnering with other resources and institutions will be key to the OTMC’s success and we will be working with the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), the NHS, patient organisations as well as other public and private sector organisations to make a major and impactful change to diagnosis and treatment of myeloma for the NHS,” he added.
Professor Jonathan Rees, head of department at NDORMS said the new research programme will have a major impact in myeloma patient care.
“The world-leading research conducted by the team will see improved diagnostics, the provision of personalised care and the potential cure of myeloma,” he said. “These likely breakthroughs will not only lead to much improved myeloma care for patients but also more cost-effective care with potentially vast savings for the health service.”
Source: University of Oxford
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