Efforts to develop new targeted therapies require a critical mass of well-annotated biologic samples. However, because myeloma is an uncommon and heterogeneic cancer, quality tissue samples necessary to identify genetic targets for myeloma and drugs active against these targets are both limited in number and scattered throughout the country. Scarcity of high-quality tissue has posed one of the greatest obstacles in advancing research in myeloma.

In response to this need, the MMRC has created a central repository of peripheral blood and bone marrow samples under the guidance of Rafael Fonseca, MD, Mayo Clinic, a leading expert in multiple myeloma genetics whose laboratory has extensive experience in tissue banking and processing. The MMRC Tissue Bank integrates patient tissue samples with corresponding genomic and clinical data; this will enable researchers to identify and validate optimal molecular targets for myeloma and drugs active against these targets, as well as conduct correlative studies.

This project aims to accrue samples in the MMRC Tissue Bank for use in MMRC research efforts, including correlative studies and clinical trials. MMRC Member Institutions will collect additional blood and bone marrow samples of patients with multiple myeloma at the time of their blood and bone marrow draws.

• Up to 40 cc of extra bone marrow aspirate and up to 50cc of peripheral blood will be collected.
• All samples will be shipped to the MMRC Tissue Bank at the Mayo Clinic for genomic processing and storage for future use in MMRC research efforts, including genomics.
• Each sample will be given an anonymized subject identification number that will serve as an identifier as the sample is being used in the research laboratory.
• Each sample will be then be linked to the patient's corresponding medical record, which is also de-identified.

This will enable researchers to perform critical correlative analyses to determine why, for example, a particular drug is or is not effective in a patient or subgroup of patients. These types of analyses are forming the foundation for new approaches to individualized drug development in myeloma.

All samples will be collected following informed consent and will be uniformly collected, shipped, processed and stored following Good Laboratory (GLP) Practices and in a manner consistent with all regulatory requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).