Results of a Canadian retrospective analysis indicate that multiple myeloma patients who develop one or more new monoclonal proteins (M-spikes) after stem cell transplantation may have improved progression-free and overall survival compared to those without a new M-spike.

Myeloma cells overproduce a single type of antibody, known as a monoclonal or M-protein. Different types of myeloma are classified according to the type of M-protein the patient’s myeloma cells produce.

When a patient’s original M-spike disappears and an M-spike of a …

Results from a recent retrospective study demonstrate that the risk of infection is significantly higher in multiple myeloma patients compared to the general population.

Furthermore, the study investigators found that the rate of infection in myeloma patients has increased in recent years.

“Our study raises the question whether modern myeloma therapy increases the risk of infections,” said Dr. Cecilie Blimark from the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, who presented the study findings at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) …

Results from an ongoing Phase 1 study demonstrate that lorvotuzumab mertansine in combination with Revlimid and dexamethasone is effective as a therapy for relapsed and refractory myeloma patients.

The updated trial results were presented by Dr. Jesus Berdeja from the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Atlanta last month.

Ten patients are currently continuing with the clinical trial. According to Dr. Berdeja, these interim results support the continued evaluation of …

ARRY-520 is one of several potential new anti-myeloma agents that was highlighted at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting earlier this week.

Initial results from two clinical trials show promise for ARRY-520 (filanesib), alone or in com­bi­na­tion with other myeloma drugs, as a thera­peutic option for heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients.

“ARRY-520 shows promising activity in com­bi­na­tion with dexa­meth­a­sone in heavily pretreated myeloma patients,” said Dr. Jatin Shah, from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and …

Results of a recent small Australian study suggest that multiple myeloma patients who relapse within 12 months of their first transplant may benefit from a second transplant with melphalan plus Velcade as the intensive therapy immediately prior to their second transplant.

Based on these findings, the investigators propose that this regimen be further explored in the context of back-to-back stem cell transplants in patients who are at risk for an early relapse.

The study investigators note, however, that their study …

After a routine blood test, Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo was diagnosed with myeloma in 2008 at the age of 38. Like many patients before her, Yolanda was unfamiliar with the term "multiple myeloma" prior to her diagnosis.

"[My husband and I] were just kind of mind boggled, it hit us so quickly. I wasn't sure what myeloma was. I had never heard of it," said Yolanda.

After her initial diagnosis was confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy, her doctor planned to put …

Indian researchers recently identified several factors linked to improved survival among multiple myeloma patients who have undergone stem cell transplantation.

These factors included albumin levels at diagnosis and the achievement of a response – particularly a complete response – after transplantation.

Patients who achieved a complete response after transplantation, for example, had a median overall survival of 17 years.

The use of novel agents as initial treatment was also associated with improved overall survival.

Based on their findings, the study investigators recommend …