[Stan]

The C word (Cure)

by Stan on Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:13 pm

HI All,
I found this article in the Blood Journal from April of this year and I haven't seen it discussed in the Myeloma Beacon. Maybe it's here and I just can't find it?
The concluding sentence in the abstract is...
"Conclusion, in multiple myeloma achieving CR after autologous stem cell transplantation is a central prognostic factor. The relapse rate is very low in patients with >11 years of follow-up, possibly signifying a cure for patients in CR"
I find this to be very big news and I cannot find any discussion on it.
The fact that this study was initiated before many of the novel therapies became available is even more exciting.
(I just came home from my first SCT and my brain is functioning at half speed, so...take it easy on me if this has been discussed)
Thanks, Stan
http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/content/early/2011/04/11/blood-2011-01-332320.abstract

[Ricardo]

Re: The C word (Cure)

by Ricardo on Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:34 pm

Hi Stan ... Actually, I think that article was covered not too long ago here at the Beacon. Here's the link: https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2011/05/31/complete-response-after-stem-cell-transplantation-for-multiple-myeloma-indicates-best-prognosis/ .

I think the results written up in the article are one reason many myeloma docs feel it's really important to achieve CR when treating a myeloma patient for the first time.

Still we need to remember that this study was not a trial comparing for example treating some patients aggressively with treating other patients not so aggressively. Some people could say that this study really just shows that patients who respond well to treatment live longer.

Good luck with your transplant!