Joselle Cook, MBBS

Forschungsübersicht

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common blood cancer in the U.S. and can cause serious complications, including bone fractures and kidney failure. All cases start with a silent condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which can be detected with a simple blood test.

Some groups, including those with African ancestry or family history, are at a higher risk. Though efforts to understand MM risk remain an active area of research, there are still no clear screening guidelines. Fewer than 10% of those with MGUS are even aware they have it. This represents a major missed opportunity for early detection and timely intervention.

Knowing one’s MGUS status has the potential to pave the way for critical monitoring, early intervention, and participation in clinical trials. The MAGIC study (MGUS/MM Awareness and Genetic Insights Campaign) is the first-of-its-kind, ancestry-informed screening and education initiative.

The project has two distinct phases:

• MAGIC I screened over 270 East African individuals through community events and clinic outreach, demonstrating that targeted ancestry-aware screening is feasible.
• MAGIC II will expand outreach to under-accessed populations across ancestries and geographic regions statewide. Using novel technologies we will identify, at a molecular and genetic level, who is most at risk, how MGUS differs across ancestries, and what immune signals may predict its development.

Our goal is to shift from reactive care to proactive awareness and monitoring. By enabling risk-based, precise screening strategies that reflect real-world populations, we hope to improve outcomes for all.

My “Why”

My path toward cancer research became clear during my internal medicine residency in New York. I cared for many patients with advanced multiple myeloma who arrived at later stages of their disease, often with irreversible complications. That experience stayed with me, and a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic solidified my focus when I was mentored by a Myeloma group deeply committed to changing what was possible for these patients. My motivation comes from watching cancer care evolve in real time. Biology-driven, individualized treatment has transformed outcomes within a single decade. Being part of that progress, while seeing real impact for patients and their outcomes, is my why.

Warum die Finanzierung wichtig ist

As a junior investigator, funding is pivotal. The [Prevent Cancer Foundation’s] support allows me to complete important community-based screening focused on early detection of monoclonal gammopathies. The work addresses who is affected, particularly in underserved communities, and why risk differs across populations. It is investigator-driven and not shaped by industry timelines or products.

The goal is earlier identification, before patients present with fractures and renal impairment. With the first FDA-approved therapy for smoldering myeloma now available, earlier identification matters. Support from the Prevent Cancer Foundation gives this work momentum.