Results of two Phase 1b clinical trials suggest that panobinostat (Farydak) in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) or Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron) is effective and well-tolerated in patients who are resistant (refractory) to previous multiple myeloma treatment. The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago in early June.

“There are novel therapies that have improved the outcome, literally doubled the survival, of patients …

Significant advances have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma since the introduction of thalidomide (Thalomid), Revlimid (lenalidomide), and Velcade (bortezomib). Combinations of these “novel agents” have significantly improved response rates and survival rates with better safety profiles than stem cell transplants, leading researchers and patients to ask whether the use of transplants is necessary given the efficacy of the novel agents.

Two studies that are investigating whether novel agents are as effective, or possibly more …

Advances in the development of multiple myeloma drugs have had a profound impact on the way the disease is treated. Given the efficacy and relative safety of these novel agents, studies are being conducted to determine whether they may be as effective, or possibly even more effective, than an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Two such studies were presented June 6 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

Results from the two studies suggest …

Results from an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial suggest that pomalidomide (Pomalyst) in combination with dexamethasone (Decadron) is effective and well-tolerated in patients who are resistant (refractory) to previous myeloma treatment with both Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Velcade (bortezomib). The findings were presented by Dr. Martha Lacy of the Mayo Clinic at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago on Saturday.

“We found the pomalidomide-dexamethasone regimen has significant activity in Revlimid- and Velcade-refractory myeloma,” …

Preliminary results from an ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial suggest that carfilzomib (Kyprolis) in com­bi­na­tion with Revlimid (lena­lido­mide) and low-dose dexamethasone (Decadron) is well-tolerated over extended periods of ther­apy in patients who have re­lapsed or are resistant (refractory) to pre­vi­ous myeloma treat­ment.

The findings were presented Friday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

Carfilzomib is a new ther­apy being developed by Onyx Pharmaceuticals and studied for the treat­ment of patients with re­lapsed …