Ankit Dutta

My research focus is on a genomic approach towards an understanding of clonal evolution and disease progression in multiple myeloma.

In almost every case, the largely incurable blood cancer multiple myeloma (MM), develops from asymptomatic disease stages known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined clinical significance (MGUS) and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM). It is believed complex nonlinear genetic changes drive MGUS/SMM to develop into MM. To date, the genetic factors driving the progression from MGUS/SMM to MM are unknown.

My PhD project aims to unravel the genetic complexities of MM disease progression and tumour evolution using cutting edge next generation sequencing techniques on a rare collection of paired MGUS/SMM to MM patient sample set. High throughput genetic analysis is a novel concept in the MM space; with the “Initial genome sequencing and analysis of multiple myeloma” (Chapman et. al.) performed in 2011.

Determining genomic changes and clonal evolution models critical in the progression of MGUS/SMM to MM will help us identify biomarkers that can predict which people are prone to developing MM. Ultimately, we are hoping to develop new treatments to delay or cure the disease at the MGUS/SMM stage.