Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer arising from malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. In Norway, it affects approximately 500 new patients each year. Clinically, the disease presents with anemia, immunodeficiency, recurrent infections, kidney failure, and osteolytic bone disease.

Myeloma cell growth and survival depend heavily on the bone marrow microenvironment. Interactions with stromal and immune cells create a supportive niche that promotes tumor survival, proliferation, and drug resistance. The presence of myeloma cells also disrupts normal bone cell differentiation and function, driving the development of osteolytic lesions

Research

Our aim is to advance the understanding of disease pathobiology with the long-term goal of improving treatment, survival, and quality of life for patients. Our research spans basic, translational, and clinical studies.

We use a broad panel of human myeloma cell lines and multiple mouse models, including a xenograft system with a humanized 3D bone scaffold and the Vk*MYC myeloma model. We also work with fresh patient samples and biobanked material from Biobank1, which stores samples from all regional myeloma patients and additional cohorts from across Norway.

Our work leverages extensive local resources, including advanced imaging and flow cytometry, micro-CT, bone histology, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. In addition, we have established a regional myeloma registry through the Clinical Academic Group initiative, providing real-world clinical data to support research, enhance patient follow-up, and strengthen recruitment to clinical trials in Central Norway.

Myeloma registre in Central Norway (in Norwegian)