Results of a recent retrospective analysis show that the heavy/light chain test has high potential as a tool for the detection of abnormal monoclonal protein, the evaluation of response to therapy, and as a prognostic marker in multiple myeloma patients.

The heavy/light chain test was more sensitive to low levels of monoclonal (M)-protein compared to conventional detection methods. Thus, the study investigators conclude that the test may become valuable in confirming and quantifying M-protein levels, measuring patient responses to treatment, …

I am happy that I have entered a relatively quiet period in my recovery from my allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant and that things seem to be going well.  I am returning to something closer to a normal life, whatever that is anymore, and my mind has turned to other musings.

So, I thought I would write about something other than multiple myeloma and stem cell transplants, which brings me to the Lance Armstrong story.

As an avid cyclist, weekend …

Results from a recent Spanish study suggest that treatment with a combination of intravenous busulfan and melphalan is as effective as melphalan alone in preparing patients with multiple myeloma for stem cell transplantation.

Given that the busulfan (Busulfex)-melphalan (Alkeran) regimen uses a lower dose of melphalan (140 mg/m²) than the melphalan-only regimen (200 mg/m²), these findings may benefit patients who are unable to tolerate high doses of melphalan.

A previous study found that an oral busulfan-melphalan combination might …

Earlier this week, I was talking with three other long-lived multiple myeloma survivors who are all in remission.  The fascinating part was that all four of us got there in different ways.

One had undergone a successful allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant.  He hasn’t been on maintenance for years.

The second was just finishing the arduous, four-year Total Therapy treatment regimen at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).  He plans not to use maintenance therapy.

The third started …

There’s been a fair amount of discussion lately in the columns and comment boards here at The Myeloma Beacon about stem cell transplants, as well as their effectiveness and their impact on our bodies.

Myeloma patients who have yet to have a transplant often scour the Internet looking for help and information about what they may face.  For many, stem cell transplantation is not an “if,” but more a matter of when.

The pre-transplant period brings for most people uncertainty, …

Italian researchers have developed a vulnerability score to better assess survival in multiple myeloma patients. The score is based on the patient’s overall health and the presence of other diseases.

The investigators found that a high vulnerability score was associated with shorter overall survival in all patients, regardless of the patient’s age.

Based on their findings, the investigators recommend that the score be investigated further in larger prospective studies. If its usefulness is confirmed in these studies, the score could …

A few weeks ago, I underwent an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of my spine. This procedure is not unusual for multiple myeloma patients. The MRI generates images of bones and organs and can be used to determine the presence and status of cancerous lesions in myeloma patients’ bones.

After my autologous stem cell transplant in March, I had developed painful carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands and wrists. My hematologist ordered an MRI to rule out spinal cord lesions as …