Multiple myeloma patients on various thalidomide (Thalomid) combination regimens may develop infections despite preventative drug measures, according to a data analysis performed by Italian researchers. The analysis also identified which factors increase a patient’s likelihood of experiencing severe infection. Researchers presented the results on December 6 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans.

In the process of treating multiple myeloma, patients often experience a weakening in their immune system which makes …

A new study suggests that NPI-0052 (marizomib), a new product being developed by Nereus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., may be more active and less toxic in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma despite treatment with Velcade (bortezomib) and other drugs. Researchers presented the preliminary results of the Phase 1 trial on December 7 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Found in marine bacteria, NPI-0052 acts, like Velcade, as a proteasome inhibitor. Both compounds …

A drug combination including Revlimid (lenalidomide) as both an induction and maintenance therapy increases progression-free survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients over the age of 65 years, new Phase 3 research suggests. Researchers presented the preliminary results of the MM-015 clinical trial on December 7 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans.

Currently, Revlimid is only approved in combination with dexamethasone (Decadron) to treat relapsed multiple myeloma patients, according …

In a recent Phase 3 trial, a Velcade (bortezomib) and dexamethasone (Decadron) combination resulted in the longest progression-free survival in multiple myeloma patients, including those at high risk. The study will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in New Orleans on Monday, December 7, 2009.

The trial compared the Velcade-dexamethasone combination (VD) with a vincristine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and dexamethasone combination (VAD). As induction therapies, VD and VAD reduce the number of cancer …

Preliminary results from an ongoing Phase 2 trial show that a combination therapy of Velcade (bortezomib) and Torisel (temsirolimus) is highly effective in reducing blood and urine levels of abnormal monoclonal protein (known as “M” protein) in multiple myeloma patients. The preliminary study results will be presented at the American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) 51st annual meeting in New Orleans on Monday, December 7.

Myeloma cells produce M proteins. Higher levels of M proteins are directly related to increased …

In a recent Phase 2 study, Torisel (temsirolimus) showed little ability to reduce blood and urine levels of abnormal monoclonal protein (known as “M” protein) in relapsed multiple myeloma patients. The results were published in the November issue of the journal Leukemia Research.

Despite recent advancement in treatment options, many myeloma patients relapse and experience disease progression. Therefore, the search continues for new alternatives to treat the disease, especially for patients where previous therapy has proved unsuccessful.

Torisel, a drug …