A recent report, published in conjunction with the 45th annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), suggests that skeletal complications are an important prognostic factor in multiple myeloma patients treated with the drug Zometa (zoledronic acid).

The researchers studied osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or death of bone tissue in the jaw, which is a common side effect of Zometa. They found that the development of ONJ was associated with a reduced risk of skeletal-related …

On May 31 at the 45th meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), researchers from Italy will report the results for a Phase 3 study currently comparing the combination Velcade (bortezomib)–melphalan (Alkeran)–prednisone–thalidomide (Thalomid) (VMPT) to Velcade-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) for the treatment of elderly, newly diagnosed myeloma patients.

Overall, the very good partial response rate for patients treated with VMPT was 55 percent, compared to 45 percent for those treated with VMP. After a median follow-up time …

The 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is set to kick off on May 29 in Orlando.

This year, nearly 30,000 clinical specialists are expected to attend the five day meeting to discuss the latest advances in oncology research, care, treatment, prevention, and survivorship. Over 4,000 presentations and posters are scheduled, with this year’s meeting highlighting personalized cancer care.

The ASCO meeting will include many presentations and seminars focused on multiple myeloma. Currently, 50 myeloma-based …

In the current issue of Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, Dr. James R. Berenson from the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research discusses the history of Velcade (bortezomib) and the drug’s current role in treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in patients who are not candidates for high dose therapy.

Until recent years, the only treatment options available for patients unable to receive high dose therapy were standard chemotherapy and steroid regimens used in the conventional treatment of tumors. The …

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s (MMRF) Marathon and Half Marathon Program has just announced a charity partnership with the New York Road Runners that will provide the MMRF with 100 guaranteed entries for the 2009 ING New York City Marathon on November 1 and 100 entries for the NYC Half Marathon on August 30.

Runners interested in participating in either of these popular NYC events as charity runners will have an opportunity to secure their entry now, and bypass the …

Financial Matters For Cancer Patients – On March 28, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will host this free patient seminar on the financial issues that surround cancer treatment. The seminar will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the American Cancer Society offices in Campbell, CA. For more information, visit the LLS Web site.

European Group For Blood And Marrow Transplantation Meetings – From March 28 until April 1, the European Group for …

The Leukemia Cup Regatta – This annual boating competition has raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since its inception in 1988. This year there will be 36 boating regattas. Those occurring in March include: Mobile, AL, March 13-15 at the Buccaneer Yacht Club; Mandeville, LA, March 21-22 at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club; Punta Gorda, FL, March 21-22 at the Isles Yacht Club; and New Orleans, LA, March 28-29 at the New Orleans …