Certain chromosomal abnormalities are linked to reduced survival rates in some multiple myeloma patients, states an article in the January edition of Leukemia.

The Mayo Clinic developed a risk stratification model based on this information, which examines high-risk chromosomal characteristics and the percentage of newly diagnosed myeloma patients who display each characteristic.

Patients with a deleted chromosome 13 (seen in 14 percent of newly diagnosed patients) show a significantly reduced rate of survival, with …

The current standard for staging multiple myeloma is now the International Staging System (ISS), according to Leukemia magazine.

The main focus of the ISS is a readily available laboratory test called the serum beta-2 microglobulin test. Beta-2 microglobulin is plentiful on the surface of white blood cells. Increased production or destruction of these cells causes beta-2 microglobulin levels in the blood to increase. This increase is seen in people with cancers involving white blood cells, but it …

A recent article in Leukemia features an updated list of diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma.

The list, developed primarily by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), provides three main criteria that must be met in order to diagnose multiple myeloma. They are as follows:

• Abnormal clonal plasma cells present in the bone marrow

• Monoclonal protein present in the urine and/or blood serum

• Evidence of end-organ damage such as bone lesions, anemia,

 …

Jeans And Jewels Gala – This event, which will be held February 14, will focus on raising awareness and funding for research to cure multiple myeloma. It features live entertainment, food, and silent and live auctions with proceeds going to the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). It will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Treesdale Community Center in Gibsonia, PA. For more information, visit the IMF Web site.

Tour De Palm Springs Century Ride – The …

A report published February 5 in the New England Journal of Medicine explores the impact of regulations on the rising cost of cancer drugs, including those for the treatment of multiple myeloma such as thalidomide (Thalomid), Revlimid (lenalidomide), and Velcade (bortezomib).

The report’s author, Dr. Peter B. Bach, notes how only 15 years ago there was just one common cancer drug on the market costing over $2,500 a month. Now, he says, it is quite common to …

The philanthropic organization FJC recently awarded a $1 million grant to the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR).

The grant will go toward IMBCR’s “Cure Myeloma Project,” a research project IMBCR claims is the nation’s foremost effort to find a cure for multiple myeloma.

Specifically, the money will fund six research projects to be conducted by leading myeloma scientists. The topics of these projects are:

• Tumor necrosis factor receptor 6 (TRAF6) dominant negative

 …

A recent study has linked a chemical called 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) to an increased chance of developing multiple myeloma.

MBT has a variety of uses, but it is most commonly used to speed up the process of rubber production. It is considered a high volume chemical in the United States, as over one million pounds of it are produced in the country each year. Previous research had cited this chemical as a possible carcinogen.

This particular study, conducted by the University …