According to the results of a large Phase 3 clinical trial, Zometa increases overall and progression-free survival rates among multiple myeloma patients compared to Bonefos and is more effective in preventing bone loss and fractures.  Additonally, the trial found that inclusion of thalidomide as part of an induction regimen further improved responses. 

Dr. Gareth Morgan of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London presented the results, recently published in The Lancet (abstract), at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual …

According to a recent study, myeloma patients with the chromosomal abnormalities del(1p21) or del(17p) had shorter time to disease progression and lower overall survival rates while taking Revlimid-dexamethasone therapy than patients without those abnormalities.

Chromosomal abnormalities result from structural changes of the chromosome.  These changes may occur through deletions, insertions, duplications, or movement of chromosomal regions. Chromosomal abnormalities are considered high-risk factors in multiple myeloma and have been an area of intensive research because they may render patients less responsive …

NCI Initiates Study Of Novel Imaging Techniques To Identify Precursor Stages Of Myeloma – The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is recruiting patients for a study investigating the use of sensitive imaging technologies to identify progression of myeloma precursor diseases. There are currently no diagnostic tests available to determine whether an individual with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma will develop multiple myeloma. New and improved imaging techniques may help physicians better detect the progression of these …

In addition to Velcade’s anti-myeloma effects, Velcade may also enhance bone formation, according to a Korean study of two multiple myeloma patients.

Based on the findings, the study investigators suggested that Velcade (bortezomib) treatment may be beneficial in patients with destructive bone disease.

However, in correspondence with the Myeloma Beacon, Dr. Chang-Ki Min, lead author of the study noted, “I believe that the incidental findings require additional studies. For example, clinical results such as response to Velcade or skeletal-related …

According to a recent study, omitting growth factor administration following stem cell transplantation results in fewer side effects and less and shorter hospitalization for multiple myeloma patients compared to those who do receive growth factors. In addition, the study authors found that there was little difference between the two groups in the repopulation of white blood cells following transplantation.

According to Dr. Morie Gertz, myeloma expert at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and lead author of the study, the …

The results of a recent Phase 1 trial demonstrate that a multiple myeloma vaccine produced disease stabilization in the majority of enrolled myeloma patients with advanced disease.

Researchers from Beth Isreael Deaconess Medical Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute designed an anti-myeloma vaccine by combining myeloma tumor cells with dendritic cells, a type of cell that helps activate the immune system. When administered to patients, the vaccine stimulates the immune system to form a response against myeloma proteins. As a …

Early-stage myeloma, single bone lesions, a negative bone marrow biopsy, and normal M-protein levels in the serum are associated with improved survival in multiple myeloma patients following surgery for skeletal complications, according to a recent German study.

Multiple myeloma is commonly associated with a number of skeletal complications, including fractures, spinal cord compression, elevated calcium levels in the blood, and severe bone pain.

These complications arise as a result of skeletal weakening due to bone lesions. Bone lesions are the …