OTMC Translational Research Group

The OTMC Translational Programme, led by Anjan Thakurta, is dedicated to advancing biomarker strategies for the treatment and long-term management of Multiple Myeloma, precursor conditions, and Amyloidosis, as well as the translational development of novel therapies for areas of unmet clinical need. The programme integrates clinical insight with translational research to improve outcomes across the myeloma disease spectrum.

The OTMC translational group has two major areas of focus.

First, the group is focused on the development and clinical translation of biomarker assays for Multiple Myeloma, precursor disease, and Amyloidosis. This includes ongoing support for NHS adoption of the Myeloma Genome Project genomics panel and blood-based measurable residual disease (MRD) testing using mass spectrometry. The translational group also oversees the OTMC Biobank and biobanking staff based at the Botnar Research Centre, alongside a large-scale integrated Myeloma Data Hub.

In collaboration with Karthik Ramasamy and Udo Oppermann, the group leads the development and clinical implementation of next-generation immune and genomic assays. These resources are designed to accelerate discovery research, enable deep molecular characterisation, and support collaborative studies with academic and industry partners.

The computational arm of the programme develops and applies advanced AI and machine learning approaches to analyse complex multimodal healthcare and omics datasets. This work aims to generate deeper insights into disease biology, risk stratification, and therapeutic response in Multiple Myeloma, while also enabling the identification of early biological signals that precede overt disease and organ involvement.

Second, the group studies mechanisms of resistance to current therapies and supports the development of novel treatment strategies. This work combines clinical sample analysis with laboratory-based studies investigating the genomic, immune, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying high-risk disease, treatment resistance, and disease progression.

In partnership with industry collaborators, the group conducts translational research using preclinical models and clinical trial patient samples to evaluate novel targeted and epigenetic therapies, investigate combination treatment strategies, and support the progression of discoveries from biological insight to clinical drug development.

Aim

To advance personalised and curative strategies for Multiple Myeloma through integrated translational, clinical, and computational research, with a focus on understanding disease biology, predicting risk, overcoming therapeutic resistance, and developing novel treatment strategies.

Specific Objectives

• Molecular and Epigenetic Characterisation - Define the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms driving treatment resistance, disease progression and re-sensitisation.
• Translational Research and Clinical Implementation -  Evaluate novel targeted and epigenetic therapies, alone or in combination, in preclinical models and clinical trial patient samples, with a focus on overcoming therapeutic resistance and translating research findings to inform treatment decisions in clinical trials.
• Resource Development - Build and maintain a comprehensive Myeloma Biobank and Data Hub to accelerate discovery research, molecular profiling, and collaborative studies.
• Computational Innovation - Develop and apply AI and machine learning methods for the analysis of complex multi-modal clinical and omics datasets to uncover disease patterns, predict risk, and inform therapeutic decisions.
• Collaborative Discovery - Facilitate national and international collaborations with academic and industry partners, driving translational impact and clinical innovation in Multiple Myeloma.
• Amyloidosis Research - Investigate the management and risk prediction of Amyloidosis to improve patient stratification and clinical outcomes.