Icelandic Study Offers New Hope in Fight Against Multiple Myeloma Precursor

An extensive decade-long research initiative in Iceland, known as 'Blood Screening for Survival,' has yielded significant insights into multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Led by Dr. Sigurður Yngvi Kristinsson, a professor of hematology at the University of Iceland, the study has involved over 80,000 participants, with more than 75,000 undergoing screening.

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This study got off to a good start and 80,000 people signed up for it. That allowed us to do everything we wanted to do and answer most of the questions we set out with.

The research has revealed that approximately 5% of the Icelandic population carries a condition termed benign monoclonal gammopathy, which is considered a precursor to multiple myeloma. While many individuals with this condition remain under observation, some have unfortunately progressed to more advanced stages or developed the cancer itself. The study's collaborative team has also been instrumental in treating around a hundred patients with new cancer drugs, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of multiple myeloma.

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So we have been able to delay or prevent multiple myeloma in a large group.

Initially designed to answer whether screening for this precursor stage offers benefits comparable to those for breast or cervical cancers, the study has broadened its scope. It is now contributing to a global redefinition of precursor stages and generating novel knowledge that benefits research worldwide. The International Myeloma Foundation has supported the study since its inception, fostering international collaboration, including visits from former US soldier Eric Blackburn, who is cycling around Iceland to raise funds for myeloma research.

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That is the key question that still awaits an answer, but in the process, we have been able to answer various other questions, so we are redefining what is considered a precursor now and changing definitions and have created all sorts of new knowledge, which is useful not only here at home but all over the world.