GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH

Bank On A Cure® is the first global myeloma-specific DNA bank and research initiative. Building on the momentum created by the mapping of the human genome, Bank On A Cure scientists are poring over the vast bank of genetic information the IMF has gathered from myeloma patients worldwide to determine the genetic factors common to all of them. By discovering these patterns, we will be able to develop and tailor better treatment options, minimize the adverse side effects of medications, unlock the mysteries of what causes myeloma, and – ultimately – find a cure.

In 2006, Bank On A Cure delivered an extraordinary achievement: from a pool of over a half-million genetic variations that can affect cancer, our researchers targeted 3,400 genes that specifically influence myeloma. From there, they designed the prototype for a myeloma-specific gene-testing chip (called an SNP chip), the very first of its kind.

Now, every genetic sample from our vast DNA bank will run through Bank On A Cure’s specialized DNA testing machines with a copy of this uniquely developed SNP (pronounced “snip”) chip in order to search for patterns and combinations indicative of myeloma. This custom chip is the linchpin of all Bank On A Cure’s data collection and processing. Data analysis using the SNP chip has already produced results:

• Analyzing patients' drug metabolism and processing.
• Studying myeloma medication's debilitating side effects, such as deep vein thrombosis and neuropathy.
• Addressing bone disease.

Bank On A Cure research was recently honored by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Scientific Committee as part of 2007's "Best of ASH" session.

BANK ON A CURE ® RESEARCH TEAM

Bank On A Cure is an international, collaborative initiative, comprised of world-renowned myeloma researchers. The primary investigators are:

	Dr. Hervé Avet-Loiseau Laboratory of Hematology University Hospital Nantes France
	Dr. Dalsu Baris Staff Scientist Division of Cancer Epidemiology National Cancer Institute (NCI) USA
	Cancer Research and Biostatistics (CRAB) John Crowley, PhD, Director USA
	Dr. Meletios Dimopolous Professor and Chairman Department of Clinical Therapeutics University of Athens School of Medicine Alexandra Hospital Greece
	Dr. Brian G.M. Durie (SWOG) National Director for Hematologic Malignancies Aptium Oncology, Inc. Specialist in Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders Cedars-Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center USA
	Dr. Hartmut Goldschmidt Professor of Medicine University of Heidelberg Germany
	Dr. Roman Hajek Associate Professor Department of Internal Medicine University Hospital Brno Czech Republic
	Dr. Gareth Morgan Professor of Haematology The Royal Marsden Hospital United Kingdom
	Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar (ECOG) Professor of Medicine Division of Hematology Mayo Clinic USA
	Dr. Jesús San Miguel Head, Department of Hematology Hospital Universitario de Salamanca Professor of Medicine Universitario de Salamanca Spain
	Dr. John Shaughnessy Associate Professor of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Director, Lambert Laboratory of Myeloma Genetics USA
	Dr. Pieter Sonneveld Senior Staff Hematologist University Hospital Rotterdam Dijkzlgt Professor of Hematology Erasmus University, Rotterdam The Netherlands
	Dr. Brian Van Ness Professor & Department Head Genetics, Cell Biology and Development University of Minnesota USA

BANK ON A CURE ® ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

The IMF Administrative Team works closely with Bank On A Cure scientists to establish needs, priorities, and timelines:

	Michael Katz Project Manager
	David Smith Project Administrator
	Lisa Paik Project Assistant