Matthew T. Drake, M.D., Ph.D., studies bone loss across both normal and disease states. Specifically, Dr. Drake is interested in the mechanisms underlying age-related bone loss and the skeletal microarchitectural changes that accompany this condition. Additionally, he is working toward a better understanding of the effect of cancer on the skeleton, and particularly of the mechanisms at the root of skeletal metastasis and malignancy-associated bone loss.

Focus areas

• Monoclonal gammopathy bone disease. Dr. Drake is the program director and principal investigator (PI) on a study focused on the origins and development of monoclonal gammopathy bone disease, with funding from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
• Multiple myeloma. Dr. Drake led an investigation, funded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, aimed at better understanding how the disease causes bone destruction. He was also the PI on Mayo Clinic studies looking specifically at the molecular basis for bone destruction in multiple myeloma as well as bone microarchitecture in multiple myeloma, smoldering multiple myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

Significance to patient care

The long-term aim of Dr. Drake's research is to improve understanding of how both normal aging and the presence of malignancies can lead to the softening or destruction of bone mass, with the ultimate goal of contributing to new or improved methods for the prevention and treatment of bone loss.