It is an exciting time for multiple myeloma patients, researchers, and physicians.  New treatment combinations and options are popping up left and right.

More treatment options mean most myeloma patients are living longer, and sometimes enjoying a better quality of life.

Most patients, but not all.  Unfortunately, multiple myeloma patients die every day from the cancer itself or from complications caused by years of chemotherapy.

A fellow survivor recently e-mailed me about an article he read about a relatively young, …

Results of an Italian study show that patients taking Revlimid who progressed on thalidomide had similar overall response and survival rates as patients taking Revlimid who discontinued thalidomide after achieving at least a partial response.

Based on these results, the study authors concluded that Revlimid (lenalidomide) may be equally effective in myeloma patients who previously progressed on thalidomide and myeloma patients who previously responded to thalidomide.

Revlimid and thalidomide (Thalomid) belong to the same class of drugs called …

In my first column last month, I discussed my initial diagnosis of multiple myeloma as well as my decision to have treatment close to home and to go with a less aggressive approach.  Once this decision was made, it was time to move forward.

I was anxious to get going with treatment: get treated, go into remission, and be done with this whole thing, or so I thought.   I know, I read all about myeloma being incurable, but deep …

Results of a recent study suggest that balloon kyphoplasty provides better pain relief and more back-specific mobility one month after treatment than non-surgical care in multiple myeloma patients and other cancer patients with spinal fractures.

Based on these findings, the study authors suggested that balloon kyphoplasty be considered as an early treatment option for cancer patients with vertebral compression fractures.

One of the hallmarks of multiple myeloma is bone disease, which is noted by bone pain, bone fractures or lesions, …

This article is the third in a five-part series about emerging vaccines for multiple myeloma. It describes vaccines for which clinical trials have been completed. The first article in the series provides an introduction to the concept of a myeloma vaccine, and the second article provides an introduction to the various types of myeloma vaccines that are currently under development. The fourth article focuses on ongoing vaccine research, and the fifth article tells the story of …

I just returned from an event designed to help kick off multiple myeloma awareness month. I didn’t remember March was “our month” until I was getting ready for the program.

In the competitive world of raising awareness about the different types of cancers, using specific colors and symbols to help “brand” each cancer is all the rage.

The pink ribbon representing breast cancer has been far and away the most effective.  Prostate cancer is trying to make light blue equally recognizable. …

Multiple myeloma patients participating in the international MM-015 study will continue to receive Revlimid maintenance treatment, despite concern that there might be a link between such treatment and a higher risk of developing second cancers.  Celgene, the manufacturer of Revlimid, confirmed yesterday that no changes are currently planned for the trial protocol.

In a statement provided to The Myeloma Beacon, Dr. Antonio Palumbo, chief of the Myeloma Unit at the University of Torino in Italy and lead investigator of the …