Dr Berenson,
Should a smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patient be receiving either Aredia or Zometa and how often?
I am a smoldering myeloma patient diagnosed 1/08, MGUS for 11 years prior.
Hypogammaglobunemia which requires monthly Privigen (intravenous immunoglobulin).
Forums
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
Smoldering myeloma patients should receive Zometa on a monthly basis if they have any evidence of bone loss.
However, there is a recent study suggesting that Zometa does improve overall survival regardless of bone status. This certainly is provocative.
I would not recommend Aredia at this point. I only use Zometa on a monthly basis. I would recommend Aredia only for patients not tolerating Zometa.
However, there is a recent study suggesting that Zometa does improve overall survival regardless of bone status. This certainly is provocative.
I would not recommend Aredia at this point. I only use Zometa on a monthly basis. I would recommend Aredia only for patients not tolerating Zometa.
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Dr. James Berenson - Name: James R. Berenson, M.D.
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
Hello all,
I realize this is a very old post, but I was wondering if anyone had any new perspectives regarding the use of Zometa for Smoldering multiple myeloma, especially if one has osteopenia.
Thanks to all who respond.
Dana
I realize this is a very old post, but I was wondering if anyone had any new perspectives regarding the use of Zometa for Smoldering multiple myeloma, especially if one has osteopenia.
Thanks to all who respond.
Dana
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DanaH - Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, SMM as of 1/2012
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
Hi.
My mom, who has severe Osteoporosis, has been given the exact same instructions by her Oncologist as the doctor above has written. We were told that she should have "monthly" Zometa infusions from now on. Prior to Smoldering multiple myeloma diagnosis, she was getting Reclast infusions once per year, but he said that is not aggressive enough therapy for someone with risk of fractures.
My mom, who has severe Osteoporosis, has been given the exact same instructions by her Oncologist as the doctor above has written. We were told that she should have "monthly" Zometa infusions from now on. Prior to Smoldering multiple myeloma diagnosis, she was getting Reclast infusions once per year, but he said that is not aggressive enough therapy for someone with risk of fractures.
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Andie1789 - Name: Andie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My mom
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 82
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
I also would like to know the benefits of Zometa if you are in remission and the bone involvement is minimal and inactive based on PT/cat scans.
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coachhoke - Name: coachhoke
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apri 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
Dr.Berenson's information was 3years old.
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coachhoke - Name: coachhoke
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apri 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
The Beacon's recent article on the current expert consensus recommendations on bisphosphonates for multiple myeloma says the following about bisphosphonates for smoldering myeloma:
"In patients with smoldering, or asymptomatic, myeloma, the experts note that both Zometa and Aredia reduce the risk of developing bone disease, but neither slow progression to multiple myeloma. Thus, they suggest that low- and intermediate-risk asymptomatic patients who have osteoporosis be treated with bisphosphonates at doses used for osteoporosis. For patients with high-risk smoldering myeloma and bone loss that may be myeloma-related, especially if the patients have abnormal MRIs, the experts recommend using bisphosphonates at the doses used for symptomatic myeloma."
The comments on the Beacon article also have an extended discussion of how exactly the recommendations can -- and cannot -- be interpreted when it comes to smoldering myeloma patients.
"In patients with smoldering, or asymptomatic, myeloma, the experts note that both Zometa and Aredia reduce the risk of developing bone disease, but neither slow progression to multiple myeloma. Thus, they suggest that low- and intermediate-risk asymptomatic patients who have osteoporosis be treated with bisphosphonates at doses used for osteoporosis. For patients with high-risk smoldering myeloma and bone loss that may be myeloma-related, especially if the patients have abnormal MRIs, the experts recommend using bisphosphonates at the doses used for symptomatic myeloma."
The comments on the Beacon article also have an extended discussion of how exactly the recommendations can -- and cannot -- be interpreted when it comes to smoldering myeloma patients.
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
Thanks, Beacon Staff. I appreciate your referral to the more current consensus; but it is still not clear to me I'd there are any benefits from Zometa when I'm in remission, no active lyric bone lesions, no pain anywhere; just on 10 mg. of Revlimid and feeling real good.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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coachhoke - Name: coachhoke
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apri 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
Hi Beacon Staff,
Thanks so much for posting the link to the consensus report which you so kindly discussed with me at the time. I will be interested to read if any other MB members w/ SMM will comment if they have been using Zometa or Aredia.
Thanks again and the best regards,
Dana
Thanks so much for posting the link to the consensus report which you so kindly discussed with me at the time. I will be interested to read if any other MB members w/ SMM will comment if they have been using Zometa or Aredia.
Thanks again and the best regards,
Dana
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DanaH - Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, SMM as of 1/2012
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Zometa or Aredia for smoldering myeloma
I get the IV of Zometa monthly and it seems to make me have what I call growing pains in my bones for a few days afterwards but, the other thing I realized is that it gets me a chance to see my other friends at the clinic and I get to see the caring nurses who remembered me almost a year from the last visit and I get a great feeling that I am getting the best care possible to help me deal with this bothersome bug.
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WJP
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