New Gene Expression Test to Enhance Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis and Treatment at The Royal marsden
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a leading specialist cancer hospital in London, will begin offering the MMprofiler gene expression profiling test to patients with multiple myeloma in early 2026.This new testing service, provided through technology from SkylineDx, aims to improve the accuracy of diagnostic assessments and provide consultants with a deeper understanding of individual myeloma cancer cell behavior to inform treatment planning.
Initially, the MMprofiler test will be available to patients with private insurance. The hospital intends to submit an request to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to secure access for NHS patients.
The development of this service is rooted in research led by Professor Martin Kaiser, Professor in Molecular Haematology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Haematologist at The Royal Marsden. Professor KaiserS work highlights the limitations of relying solely on DNA testing for risk assessment in multiple myeloma. He explains that some patients experiance early relapse despite not exhibiting known high-risk indicators at diagnosis.
“Our findings show that RNA-based testing can uncover hidden risks in multiple myeloma that DNA tests alone miss,” stated Professor kaiser. “By combining DNA profiling with RNA-based testing, we could change how we diagnose and treat the disease, allowing us to personalise care and intervene earlier for patients at greatest risk.”
The research,which demonstrated the value of combining DNA and RNA analysis,was supported by the David Forbes-Nixon Family Charitable Foundation and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Royal Marsden Biomedical Research Center.
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer research, London, hailed the development as a important advancement.”this exciting discovery marks a major advance in our ability to identify and treat high-risk multiple myeloma more effectively… It is indeed a powerful example of how precision diagnostics can transform patient care.” He emphasized the potential for improved survival, quality of life, and efficient resource allocation through earlier and more accurate risk identification.
Myeloma UK, a blood cancer charity, also welcomed the news. Shelagh McKinlay, Director of Research and Advocacy at Myeloma UK, stated that advanced genetic testing “has the power to be transformative” and is “a critical factor in delivering a functional cure” for myeloma, a currently incurable cancer. The charity has provided funding for professor Kaiser’s research, recognizing its importance in advancing personalized treatment strategies.
