The MMRF is deeply committed to closing gaps in access to treatment, information, and resources, especially for patients who have historically been underrepresented in research and who are less likely to have access to high-quality care. We're committed to making myeloma breakthroughs accessible to patients who are high risk, older, live in rural areas, are low-income, and are Black and Hispanic.
We work to ensure that research and clinical trials include patients who are reflective of the real-world myeloma community. We also offer support and share information so that all patients, regardles of age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, or location, have the opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes.
"Ensuring patients have access to potentially lifesaving treatments is critical to our mission of accelerating a cure for each and every myeloma patient. We will not stop until every myeloma patient is free of this terrible disease.”
To better understand myeloma, researchers need to understand how the disease affects all patients. Only then will we be able to find the most effective personalized treatments. We set clear goals for patient enrollment, reduce barriers to clinical trial participation, and work closely with partners to build trust in underserved communities.
For example, in the Horizon Clinical Trials program we aim for at least 20% of participants to be Black and 15% to be Hispanic, matching the demographics of people living with myeloma in the U.S. Interested in participating in clinical research? Our Clinical Trial Finder can help you learn more about trials that might be a good fit for you.
There has been progress in the development of treatments that improve patients’ quality and longevity of life, but there are still a variety of patient groups who do not benefit in the same way from standard therapies. Our patient education and outreach programs are designed to raise awareness among patients and caregivers across the entire myeloma community. Once equipped with the right information and resources, patients can advocate for the best possible care.
In addition to our direct-to-patient outreach programs, the MMRF partners with health systems and community-based organizations who have longstanding relationships in communities disproportionately affected by myeloma, and who offer critical insight into the needs of underserved populations. We host free community summits in collaboration with these partners, offering patients and caregivers a platform to engage with top myeloma specialists, get their questions answered, and access valuable resources and information.
The MMRF's annual Summit brings together healthcare leaders, government partners, and community organizations who all share one goal: ensuring fair access to care, support, and research opportunities for every patient. Together, we work to better understand the challenges patients face and take real steps toward creating a more fair and inclusive healthcare system.
