After three months of induction chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and dexamethasone (Decadron), I was ready for my stem cell transplant.

From the time I was diagnosed, all I kept hearing about was the stem cell transplant.  It seemed like the holy grail of treatment, and even as a physician I was somewhat mystified by the process.

Since I was fairly young (47) and otherwise in good health, there was no question that I was going to …

A group of Italian researchers found that vertebroplasty provides durable pain relief for multiple myeloma patients with spinal compression fractures. In addition, the procedure reduced the patients’ need for pain-relieving medications and back braces.

At least 70 percent of multiple myeloma patients suffer from bone disease, which is characterized by bone pain, fractures, and elevated calcium levels.  Patients frequently experience compression fractures in the spine, which may cause back pain, partial paralysis of limbs, decreased sensation, and poor urinary control. …

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier today issued a formal announcement that it is investigating the safety of  the multiple myeloma treatments Revlimid and thalidomide. 

The investigation is being carried out due to clinical trial results that suggest Revlimid may increase the risk of secondary cancer in patients taking the drug for extended periods of time.

The announcement confirms a Beacon news update last week that reported evidence that an investigation of Revlimid was underway (see related Beacon news).

Today's FDA statement says that the agency is "aware of …

Results of a recent Polish study show that the drug Mozobil may help multiple myeloma patients who previously had a stem cell transplant collect enough stem cells for a second transplant.

However, the results also showed that previously transplanted patients collected fewer stem cells than patients who had not received a stem cell transplant before.

According to the study authors, these results showed for the first time that Mozobil (plerixafor) is highly effective for previously transplanted myeloma patients.

Autologous …

Today I completed the last of my 13 radiation treatments for the lesion in my right hip.  Let’s hear it for lucky 13!

As I gathered my things and headed to the changing room, one of the radiation techs wished me well and said goodbye.  She added they would all miss me.

“Don’t worry.”  I said.  “I will probably see you again in a few years.”

“Don’t say that!” she replied, a bit surprised.

“That’s ok.  I know my myeloma …

A group of Italian researchers found that elevated monoclonal protein levels and decreased platelet counts are associated with an increased risk of severe infection in multiple myeloma patients treated with thalidomide-based combination therapies.

The researchers also showed that patients who were at a low or intermediate risk for severe infections did not benefit from preventative treatment with antibiotics.

“I think it is reasonable to stop taking prophylaxis in low-intermediate risk patients,” said Dr. Massimo Offidani, lead author of the study. …

I love it when a well-laid plan comes together and I can thumb my nose at that dastardly myeloma, yet again!

My wife, a busy teacher, our two energetic school-aged daughters, and I were excitedly planning our mid-March Spring Break vacation.

At the same time, I had been trying to schedule my next quarterly multiple myeloma check-up, but because of other obligations and a full patient load at the treatment center, the only time available to squeeze me …