[Inchool]

Myeloma triggers & smoldering for years?

by Inchool on Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:41 pm

Dear Doctor,

Question 1: If diagnosed with smoldering myeloma, are there any triggers one should avoid (eg., eating certain foods, taking a vacation, undergoing medical procedures, etc.) that contribute to the progression of the disease?

Question 2: Will most patients with smoldering myeloma require treatment? Or, is it possible some could smolder for more than 5 years and never progress to active myeloma?

Thank you very much.

[Julie Shilane]

Myeloma triggers & smoldering for years?

by Julie Shilane on Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:48 pm

Dear Inchool,

You can find the answer to your last question in a related forum conversation about smoldering myeloma.

[Inchool]

Myeloma triggers & smoldering for years?

by Inchool on Thu Apr 08, 2010 5:17 pm

Dear Julie,

Thank you for alerting me to the answer to my second question. You're doing a great job here.

[Dr. Bart Barlogie]

Myeloma triggers & smoldering for years?

by Dr. Bart Barlogie on Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:30 pm

In response to Question 1:

There is no evidence that changing lifestyle along any of the lines mentioned can promote the progression of smoldering to active myeloma.

The factors potentially linked to progression of smoldering myeloma are currently being studied by the Southwest Oncology Group in its observation trial (SWOG 0120), investigating tumor cell genetics and immunological aspects. Results should be forthcoming in the next 12 or so months.

Based on earlier work here and at Mayo with thalidomide (Thalomid), a national cooperative trial will be launched later this year that investigates, in high-risk smoldering myeloma, whether (Revlimid) lenalidomide can delay / prevent the progression to active myeloma.