Everybody reacts differently, I’ve learned, to the challenges that come with a multiple myeloma diagnosis.

What I might dislike or find annoying may not be so troublesome to someone else. Similarly, things that may not bother me much, if at all, can be hugely vexing to others.

Sometimes, as patients, we can be drawn into situations by our disease where we aren’t sure exactly what to expect. Most of us, I think, take these things in stride, and grin and …

The results of a Phase 1 clinical trial in multiple myeloma patients indicate that total body irradiation using a technique that focuses radiation on the bone marrow is a safe and effective way to prepare the bone marrow for stem cell transplantation. By focusing the radiation on the bone marrow, the researchers were able to limit damage to organs in the body and reduce resulting side effects.

Total body irradiation is commonly used prior to stem cell transplantation to destroy …

It’s the second week in January. How many of you have already broken your New Year's resolutions?

That's the problem with resolutions. Losing weight and exercising more. Eating better. Trying not to smoke. These are all noble goals that are almost impossible to keep—to keep perfectly, that is.

Slip and fall off the wagon, and most of us get discouraged and give up.

But I look at goals and resolutions differently. I don't try to be perfect. Instead, I expect …

A recent European study reported poorer overall survival in patients with rare IgD, IgE, and IgM multiple myelomas following stem cell transplantation compared to patients with the more common IgG, IgA, or light chain myelomas. However, the overall survival of nonsecretory myeloma patients, another rare type of myeloma, was similar to that of common myeloma patients.

The authors added that the survival data from their analysis is better than previous data for patients with rare myelomas who received a stem …

Results of a recent study show that multiple myeloma patients who were initially treated with either thalidomide or Revlimid demonstrated strong responses to treatment with Revlimid and pomalidomide following relapse. In particular, researchers observed the highest response rates in patients who received treatment with pomalidomide.

Dr. Sumit Madan of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, presented the study results at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in Orlando last month.

Research has previously shown that thalidomide (Thalomid) and …

According to the results of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, Torisel in combination with Velcade was well tolerated and effective for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Dr. Irene Ghobrial of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute presented the results at the 2010 annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference held in Orlando last month.

Dr. Ghobrial said the trial results were promising in heavily pretreated myeloma patients and that the combination of Torisel (temsirolimus) and Velcade (bortezomib) warrants further …

I believe the supplements I take help keep my body healthy and strong. But I don't take any supplements considered to have anti-myeloma properties.  Not that there are many of these.

Bioperine, a derivative of black pepper, is thought to help increase the absorption of nutritional supplements.  Used in combination with other anti-myeloma supplements, it may enhance anti-cancer effects.

Acetoxychavicol acetate, found in an edible plant in the ginger family that comes from Thailand, has been shown in pre-clinical …