The International Myeloma Working Group, a group of leading myeloma specialists, recently published a report establishing recommendations regarding the use of donor stem cell transplantation as a treatment option for multiple myeloma. The myeloma experts came to the conclusion that due to the risks associated with donor stem cell transplantation and limited data supporting its efficacy, it should only be recommended to multiple myeloma patients during clinical trials.

Over the past decade, the life expectancy of multiple myeloma patients has …

A combination of cyclophosphamide, low-dose thalidomide, and dexamethasone is effective and well tolerated in multiple myeloma patients, according to a recent Polish study. Response rates were favorable for both newly diagnosed and relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma patients.

 “Low-dose thalidomide was well tolerated, and serious side effects described with high or even intermediate doses were diminished,” said Dr. Anna Dmoszynska, the lead author of the study, in an email to the Beacon.

In recent years, thalidomide (Thalomid) has proven …

Dexamethasone, which is also sold under the brand name Decadron, is a powerful corticosteroid. Multiple myeloma patients can use dexamethasone by itself or in combination with a number of other anti-myeloma agents.

Dexamethasone (dex) works so well with novel therapy agents like Velcade (bortezomib) and Revlimid (lenalidomide), the manufacturer should come up with an advertising slogan like: “Multiple myeloma drugs work better with dex!”

Dex can reduce inflammation and reduce bone pain. Most importantly, it contains powerful, unknown …

Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who achieved a complete response to the combination of Velcade, melphalan, and prednisone experienced longer time to disease progression, time to next therapy, and treatment-free interval compared to patients who achieved a partial response. 

The benefits associated with complete response were similar regardless of whether complete response was achieved early or late in the treatment course.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the achievement of a complete response should be considered an important …

An important tenet of my monthly Burgundy Thread column has been to explore the concept that we multiple myeloma patients are inexorably connected to one another through our shared experiences and that by reaching out to one another, we all benefit.

Having battled multiple myeloma for nearly two years, I’ve learned how vital it is for me to intentionally keep myself connected on several fronts as myeloma has come boisterously storming into my life.

In its essence, being connected means …

This article is the second in a two-part series about nutrition for multiple myeloma patients. The first article provides an introduction to nutrition for cancer patients as well as tips for getting the right nutrition. This, the second article, describes sources and amounts of nutrients that are important for myeloma patients.

Taking nutritional supplements is common among multiple myeloma patients and other cancer patients. These supplements, including vitamins, …

In this week’s column I would like to share some of my observations and thoughts about where I think the treatment of multiple myeloma is heading.

First, the good news: More drugs are being developed now for myeloma than for any other cancer. And, for the most part, they are working! These drugs—pomalidomide, carfilzomib, perifosine, Zolinza (vorinostat), etc.—most often work best when combined with other approved novel therapy agents thalidomide (Thalomid), Revlimid (lenalidomide), and/or …