Irish scientists have made an important discovery in relation to the survival and spread of blood cancer cells. Their findings could lead to better treatments in the future.

Around 240 people in Ireland are newly diagnosed every year with a type of cancer of the blood known as multiple myeloma. It results from an overproduction of plasma cells, which are the white blood cells that produce antibodies. The disease can lead to other related problems, such as bone damage, anaemia and kidney failure. There is no known cure.

However, scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) have identified an enzyme that has a major role in the survival and spread of blood cancer cells.

"While treatments for multiple myeloma have improved over the last decade, and most patients are living longer, there is no cure. Our research is crucial because it sheds new light on the biology of multiple myeloma, which could lead to new strategies to overcome resistance to treatment," commented lead scientist, Prof Michael O'Dwyer, of NUIG.

He said that the team in Galway worked closely with colleagues in the UK and the US.

"In essence, we have linked the overproduction of a specific enzyme called sialyltransferase to disease progression and worse outcomes in multiple myeloma. The increase in this enzyme activity causes a series of knock-on effects," Prof O'Dwyer noted.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Graham Love, CEO of the Health Research Board, insisted that are very important.

"Understanding what causes multiple myeloma to progress, or generate worse outcomes, is the first step towards improving treatment," he said.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Blood.