Patients who do not respond at least partially to treatment with Revlimid (lenalidomide) or thalidomide (Thalomid) prior to a stem cell transplant may have significantly shorter survival times, according to a recent study published in the journal Blood.

Currently, the standard treatment plan involving stem cell transplantation begins with induction therapy, which decreases the number of abnormal cells and proteins in a patient’s bone marrow before collection of stem cells for the transplant. Next, patients undergo high-dose chemotherapy …

In its latest version of guidelines for multiple myeloma treatment, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended the use of Revlimid (lenalidomide) as a maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation. The NCCN based their decision on the preliminary findings of three Phase 3 trials: MM-015, CALGB 100104, and IFM 2005-02.

“[Revlimid] as maintenance has been evaluated in three independent randomized clinical trials. Results from each of these trials show improvements in time-to-progression,” the NCCN myeloma guidelines state. “The …

A recent study published in the journal Neurological Sciences determined that injecting bone cement into fracture sites in the spine, a procedure called vertebroplasty, leads to fast pain relief and restored mobility in multiple myeloma patients.

Myeloma cells accelerate processes that degrade bone, resulting in bone lesions and fractures. Spinal fractures, in particular, are a common complication associated with multiple myeloma and can leave patients unable to walk. Treatment options include radiation therapy, medication, and a minimally invasive procedure called …

LLS Increases Financial Support For Myeloma Patients - As of Feb 1, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will provide multiple myeloma patients with up to $10,000 to cover insurance-related expenses such as co-payments and insurance premiums. The new limit is an increase from the pre­vi­ous limit of $5,000 and is retroactive for expenses beginning July 1, 2009. For more in­­for­ma­tion or to apply, please see the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Web site.

Carfilzomib Phase 3 Clinical Trial Design Is …

Description:
Defibrotide is an anticoagulant (a drug that prevents blood clotting) that may make myeloma cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. It is not an anti-tumor drug and only has a significant effect on myeloma when combined with cancer-fighting drugs.  Defibrotide may decrease blood clotting and nerve damage …

A recent study suggests that the addition of defibrotide to the combination regimen of melphalan (Alkeran), prednisone, and thalidomide (Thalomid) may result in fewer side effects in multiple myeloma patients. The Phase 1 clinical trial results were recently published in the journal Haematologica.

With the development of multiple myeloma therapies, the traditional melphalan-prednisone (MP) treatment regimen has been combined with substances such as Velcade (bortezomib) and thalidomide for more effective results. In particular, clinical trials …

Phil Brabbs, a software product manager and former kicker for the University of Michigan football team, was diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma the day after his 28th birthday. “At 28, looking at my son who was two, you think, ‘Will this kid ever remember me?’ It was really frightening,” he said.

“To get a cancer diagnosis when it seems like you’re doing everything right – you don’t smoke, you drink modestly, you exercise – it was quite shocking. But I …