Multiple myeloma patients have increased access to cutting-edge care while helping doctors conduct groundbreaking research at a new Ohio State center. The goals of the new Paula and Roger Riney Family Foundation Center for Advanced Research Excellence (Myeloma CARE) can be simplified as “putting drugs in veins—giving treatment to patients,” says leading multiple myeloma specialist Don Benson, MD, PhD. Backed by a $10 million gift from Paula and Rodger Riney and their family, Benson and his OSUCCC – James colleagues will continue their work on five drugs designed to treat myeloma. These therapies will utilize immunotherapy and targeted (or precision) cancer treatment techniques “that will exploit the Achilles heel of myeloma cells, their vulnerability,” says Benson, the James Myeloma program director. Benson shares more inside info about the Myeloma CARE center on our Cancer-Free World Podcast. Listen via the video player above or on Soundcloud. The drugs will work by utilizing the body’s immune system to detect, target and kill myeloma cells. “By the end of two years, we want to get at least one or two across the finish line and into clinical trials,” Benson says. “The goal is new treatments to patients as fast as possible.” Benson says that this type of philanthropy, funding and fast-tracking multiple and specific cancer-fighting drugs already in development, “is unique, I’ve never heard of it before.” The Rineys have now funded research at five cancer centers, and Benson said the physicians and scientists from these world-leading comprehensive cancer centers collaborate, share data and results, which in turn speeds up the process of learning about and beating myeloma. “Roger Riney (who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017) is kind and generous and thoughtful,” Benson says. “The goals of the Riney Center are ambitious, but achievable.”