A study of the oxygen levels in the bone marrow of people with myeloma (CHIME)
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is looking at low oxygen levels in the 
of people with myeloma.
It is open to people who have been referred to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester from another hospital.
More about this trial
A low level of oxygen in body tissue is called hypoxia. We know from research that some are surrounded by areas of hypoxia. There is a test that doctors can use to find this out.
Myeloma is a blood cancer () that develops in the . Researchers think that myeloma cells in the bone marrow are surrounded by areas of hypoxia.
There is no standard test to look for hypoxic areas in people with myeloma. The researchers in this study are looking at a possible test for this. To find out how well this works they need to do a large study. But first the team need to know that it is practical to do the test. This is called a .
In this pilot study, you have a as part of your standard care. The team will ask for a small piece of the bone marrow. They will use the test on the bone marrow.
As part of the study, you take capsules called pimonidazole. Pimonidazole is not a treatment. It highlights areas of hypoxia in the body. The team hope that pimonidazole will show areas of hypoxia in the bone marrow.
The aims of this study are to find out:
- more about the link between myeloma cells and areas of hypoxia
- what cells of the
immune system are present - about the
genes of the myeloma cells and immune cells in the hypoxia area - whether it is possible to do a larger study
Please note taking part in this study will not change the treatment you have for your myeloma. You might not get any benefit from taking part but the information gained could help people with myeloma in the future.
Who can enter
The following bullet points are a summary of the entry conditions for this study. Talk to your doctor or the study team if you are unsure about any of these. They will be able to advise you.
Who can take part
You may be able to join this study if all of the following apply. You:
- have myeloma
- have been referred to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester
- are willing to have a
bone marrow test done - are willing to take a capsule called pimonidazole. Your doctor will tell you more about this.
- are up for most of the day, can look after yourself but might not be able to work (performance status 0, 1 or 2)
- are at least 18 years old
Who can’t take part
You cannot join this study if either of the following apply.
- You have another medical condition or a test result that could affect you taking part.
- Your doctor thinks you are not suitable.
Trial design
This is a pilot study. The team need 10 people to take part.
You have a bone marrow test. This is standard care that you would have if you didn’t take part in the study.
As part of the study, before the test you take pimonidazole capsules. You take them between 8 to 16 hours before the test. Ideally this should be 12 hours before. Your doctor will tell you how many capsules you need to take.
Samples for research
The team will ask for some of the bone marrow for the study. They will use this to further increase their knowledge and understanding of myeloma.
Hospital visits
You see the doctor to have a and bloods tests. They will also discuss the study with you.
You then have another appointment to pick up the pimonidazole capsules. And another appointment for your bone marrow test.
Side effects
Pimonidazole capsules, and at the dose you take as part of the study, are not known to have any side effects.
Possible side effects of having a bone marrow test include:
- bruising or bleeding
- infection
- pain
Your doctor will discuss the possible side effects with you and answer any questions you have before you agree to take part in the study.
We have more information about having a bone marrow test.
Location
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Dr Emma Searle
Supported by
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
British Society for Haematology
Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
University of Birmingham
University of Manchester
Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC)
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
