A group of researchers has created a new biomaterial that shows great promise for treating bone lesions or minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma. Their research highlights a hopeful method for bone repair and tumor management.
The researchers confronted a significant issue in managing multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer characterized by the accumulation of harmful plasma cells in the bone marrow. This condition causes painful bone lesions in 80% of affected individuals, which lead to extreme discomfort and fractures that frequently do not heal. This creates a damaging cycle that aids in the survival and regrowth of tumors.
“In our collaborative effort, our goal was to create advanced materials for bone repair that could replicate the stability of healthy trabecular bone. We wanted these materials to promote healing by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, while also boosting the function of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone. Additionally, we aimed for these materials to deliver localized drug treatments to inhibit tumor growth and aid in bone regeneration,” explained Professor Dirk Hose of TORC.
The result of their work is called “sicXer,” referred to as a “mesoporous silica-collagen xerogel.” This innovative material is designed to closely imitate mineralized collagen, which is the structural backbone of bone. Utilizing advanced silica-based mineralization techniques inspired by marine glass sponge spicules, the team modified the mechanical characteristics and degradation rates of sicXer to align closely with human bone properties.
“From sicXer, we then created ‘boXer,’ a drug-infused variation of the material. BoXer contains bortezomib, an anti-myeloma medication known for promoting bone formation while effectively targeting tumor cells. This material delivers its therapeutic “payload” directly at the site of bone lesions, providing a dual benefit—promoting bone regeneration and controlling localized myeloma,” added Dr. Anja Seckinger of TORC.
In their upcoming publication, the researchers reveal boXer’s capability to encourage bone formation in preclinical studies involving both healthy and diseased bone. They demonstrated success in suppressing myeloma cells, even those resistant to systemic bortezomib treatments. The findings indicate substantial potential for stabilizing and healing fracture-prone bone lesions.
The research team sees sicXer and boXer as parts of a new combined approach for treating multiple myeloma through both systemic and localized therapies. Beyond cancer treatment, these materials could also be useful in addressing non-cancerous conditions involving bone degeneration or fractures.
“This breakthrough satisfies a vital unmet need in multiple myeloma treatment by merging structural bone repair with focused tumor management. We are excited to move toward clinical trials to unlock the potential benefits of sicXer and boXer for patient care,” concluded Professor Hose.
