In addition to Velcade’s anti-myeloma effects, Velcade may also enhance bone formation, according to a Korean study of two multiple myeloma patients.

Based on the findings, the study investigators suggested that Velcade (bortezomib) treatment may be beneficial in patients with destructive bone disease.

However, in correspondence with the Myeloma Beacon, Dr. Chang-Ki Min, lead author of the study noted, “I believe that the incidental findings require additional studies. For example, clinical results such as response to Velcade or skeletal-related …

The Myeloma Beacon is pleased to announce the addition of an opinion section to its website. 

In the opinion section, patients, caregivers, and others with an interest in myeloma have the opportunity to share their views on myeloma-related topics. These may include, among others, an opinion on a topic, a call to action, or tips/advice for myeloma patients.

“We recognize that myeloma patients, caregivers, and others with an interest in the disease have the desire to voice their opinion …

One week ago, I celebrated an important milestone: I have survived 43 months with multiple myeloma.

What was so important about 43 months? That was the median life expectancy at the time I was diagnosed.

It is only human nature to immediately ask the question, “Doctor, how long do I have to live?” after you learn you have cancer.

My Mayo Clinic oncologist, Dr. Steven Zeldenrust, was forthright and honest with me when I asked him that question back in …

According to a recent study, omitting growth factor administration following stem cell transplantation results in fewer side effects and less and shorter hospitalization for multiple myeloma patients compared to those who do receive growth factors. In addition, the study authors found that there was little difference between the two groups in the repopulation of white blood cells following transplantation.

According to Dr. Morie Gertz, myeloma expert at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and lead author of the study, the …

The results of a recent Phase 1 trial demonstrate that a multiple myeloma vaccine produced disease stabilization in the majority of enrolled myeloma patients with advanced disease.

Researchers from Beth Isreael Deaconess Medical Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute designed an anti-myeloma vaccine by combining myeloma tumor cells with dendritic cells, a type of cell that helps activate the immune system. When administered to patients, the vaccine stimulates the immune system to form a response against myeloma proteins. As a …

The International Myeloma Working Group, a group of leading myeloma specialists, recently announced its recommendations for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients with kidney impairment. The group found that novel agents might improve - and possibly reverse - the complications of kidney impairment. In particular, the group recommended that patients with kidney impairment of any severity undergo treatment with Velcade plus dexamethasone, due to its safety and efficacy profile.

Diagnosis Of Kidney Impairment

Kidney impairment affects between 15 and 40 …

More and more studies are showing that using maintenance therapy after a patient achieves a complete or very good partial response delays progression of multiple myeloma.

In this case, disease progression is the amount of time it takes for your multiple myeloma to return after it responds to treatment, also frequently called relapse. Maintenance therapy can be used following a stem cell transplant or after using novel therapies during the initial phase of treatment.

The jury is still out whether …