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Medical and health sciences
- Hematology
- Anatomical pathology
- Clinical hematology
Monoclonal gammopathy (the presence of an M-protein in the blood) is found in 3% of people above 50 years. The spectrum of associated diseases is very large and extends beyond myeloma and lymphoma, though most patients are asymptomatic. Thus: 1. We need sensitive analytical methods for M-protein detection and differentiation from background immunoglobulins. 2. Since M-proteins are prevalent, and more often of unknown significance, a causal relationship needs to be demonstrated in each patient. Therefore we aim to develop and implement mass spectrometry-based M-protein diagnostics in serum and urine, paired with advanced clonal sequencing of bone marrow and blood. We aim to develop and implement innovative techniques for analysis of deposition of M-protein in tissues. This research will be done in collaboration with different groups from UGent and VIB-Gent and requires bench fee. The potential benefit for the patients will be immense, as there is a clear unmet need for better M-protein detection for diagnosis and follow-up.