Seeking longer life for multiple myeloma patients

Melissa’s 2020 grant was co-funded by Cure Cancer, Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme and Leukaemia Foundation. 

Melissa is based at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). 

Multiple myeloma is a deadly blood cancer annually diagnosed in 140,000 people worldwide – and in about 2,000 in Australia. It is preceded by a pre-cancerous condition known as smouldering myeloma, in which patients have no debilitating bone problems or other symptoms typical of the fully developed disease. 

About Dr Melissa Cantley

Dr Melissa Cantley’s groundbreaking work aims to identify biomarkers for smouldering myeloma.  

“We know that, every year, one in ten smouldering myeloma patients will develop multiple myeloma, but at this time there are no diagnostic tests to identify who will do so,” she says. 

Melissa’s research is vital in identifying patients with smouldering myeloma who are at high risk of developing the active disease, enabling early intervention that could dramatically improve patient outcomes and quality of life. 

Her innovative research idea was kickstarted by a two-year Cure Cancer grant, which enabled her to get her idea off the ground and investigate blood-based biomarkers to predict the progression of smouldering myeloma. The aim is to develop a diagnostic tool that could identify patients at risk of disease progression, moving beyond the ‘watch and wait’ approach that is currently the standard of care. 

Melissa’s research

The early funding from Cure Cancer became a crucial stepping stone for Melissa's research journey. Starting with this initial grant, her team developed special techniques to study proteins in blood samples. This innovative work led to two prestigious NHMRC Ideas Grants - a remarkable achievement for an emerging scientist. It's a perfect example of how backing promising researchers early in their careers can help them grow their projects and attract major funding to pursue potentially life-changing discoveries. 

Melissa and her collaborators have now launched a national prospective study that aims to identify biomarkers that indicate the risk of progression in smouldering myeloma. This study involves researchers and haematologists from across Australia and is already showing great promise in uncovering critical data that could change the way this disease is diagnosed and treated. The study is part of a wider effort to improve outcomes for patients by using blood-based biomarkers to predict the likelihood of progression from smouldering to active myeloma. 

Collaborations and partnerships

Melissa and her team work with blood specialists throughout Australia, helping them study more patients with early-stage blood cancer (called smouldering myeloma). They're also partnering with scientists in Sweden to find warning signs in the blood that could tell doctors when the disease might get worse. By working together with doctors and researchers both in Australia and overseas, they're making important progress in understanding this condition.  

These partnerships have been crucial in advancing her research efforts, providing access to larger patient cohorts and diverse expertise that strengthen the overall impact of her work. 

Beyond studying the disease itself, Melissa is part of the MyWELL project, which focuses on helping myeloma patients cope better emotionally. The project was created after many patients reported needing more mental health support. Its goal is to look after the whole person - not just treating their physical symptoms, but also supporting their mental well-being and helping them live better with their condition. 

Melissa’s inspiration

Having completed her PhD in 2013 at The University of Adelaide, Melissa’s interest in myeloma stemmed from the fact that up to 80% of patients who have it develop bone disease, involving many of the same features and cell types. When she started work in the myeloma field, she was astounded to learn that myeloma patients are only treated when they show signs of organ damage, which in many cases can be irreversible. 

“It’s really opened my eyes to the impact of research and how it directly affects people’s lives, and it drives me to look for the big discoveries I know will have a direct impact on patients and their families. We regularly host visits by multiple myeloma patients and their carers to our lab; having the opportunity to talk with them and their loved ones is such a strong reminder of why we do what we do.” 

The importance of funding

Dr Melissa Cantley is incredibly grateful for the funding she has received, recognising its vital role in advancing her research. “I truly appreciate all of you who support Cure Cancer; your generosity is crucial to the success of our research,” she says. This funding has allowed her team to make substantial progress in understanding the complexities of myeloma and how early intervention can improve patient outcomes. 

Her work has already garnered significant recognition. In 2014, she was selected as one of 15 young Australian researchers to represent the country at the prestigious 64th Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany. The experience had a lasting impact on her career, helping shape the scientist she is today. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the research funding we receive; it is vital to support our efforts to explore and decode the complexities of myeloma with our ultimate goal to improve outcomes for those living with the disease.” 

Together, we can cure cancer.

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