The results of a recent study suggest that donor stem cell transplants may not be necessary as part of first line therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. These findings were presented at the recent European Hematology Association (EHA) meeting held in Barcelona, Spain.

Despite its frequent use in the treatment of multiple myeloma, stem cell transplantation remains a risky procedure with many possible complications.

Patients can either receive their own stem cells during this procedure (autologous stem cell transplant) …

If you are a multiple myeloma patient, you probably understand the costs associated with your cancer. Unlike some people who probably need to trim their budget by bringing a bag lunch to work or skipping their daily latte, that kind of “fiscal responsibility” won't help much with monthly chemotherapy bills totaling as much as $7,000 a month or more!

Financially surviving multiple myeloma takes careful budgeting and planning—no fun when you are already sick and stressed. Here are some tips …

Maintenance therapy with thalidomide (Thalomid) improves progression-free survival of multiple myeloma patients but has no impact on overall survival, according to a recent study. Additionally, patients with an aggressive form of myeloma show no benefit from this treatment. The findings were presented by Dr. James Child of the United Kingdom’s Clinical Trials Research Unit at the European Hematology Association (EHA) annual meeting in Barcelona on June 13.

Maintenance therapy is long-term, often low-dose and continuous, treatment given to prevent …

No doubt, you remember exactly how you found out that you had multiple myeloma. There are as many unique diagnosis stories as there are patients. Below is how I became a full-fledged citizen of what I respectfully call "Myelomaville."

I was counting on the fact that Superman would never lead me astray. Well, not really Superman, but Dr. Christopher Reeves, D.O., one of my local physicians. Imbued with an active imagination, it was a short hop for me to promote …

After reading last week's column, hopefully you have had some time to ponder the all-important question: What am I going to do with the rest of my post-cancer life?

As you continue to identify your post-cancer priorities, it is time to set some goals to help make your new life plan a reality.

Goal setting can be difficult for any cancer patient—but especially for those with multiple myeloma. We live in a “no man's land” filled with uncertainty. Many …

At the 15th annual European Hematology Association (EHA) meeting, held June 10 to 13 in Barcelona, Spain, physicians and researchers gathered to share developments in the field of hematology, including multiple myeloma.

The research presented at the meeting covered all areas of hematology, which is the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood-related diseases. Due to the broad number of interests and studies, the meeting was divided into different sessions over the course of the four days, with most of …

Preliminary results from a Phase 1 clinical trial suggest that everolimus (RAD001), in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide), may have potential in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The findings were presented on June 4 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting.

Everolimus is marketed by Novartis under the brand name Afinitor for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer and under the name Zortress to prevent kidney transplant rejection.  Everolimus …