The 46th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) kicks off on June 4 in Chicago.

More than 30,000 clinical specialists from all over the world are expected to attend the five day meeting to discuss the most current research in cancer treatment and care. This year’s meeting, which will feature more than 4,000 presentations and posters, will primarily focus on the theme of “Advancing Quality through Innovation.”

The ASCO meeting will include many presentations and seminars …

Last week, I recommended a newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patient should take some time, step back and gather information about the growing number of treatment options.

Let's assume you have followed my advice by getting your oncologist’s opinion, then asking why. Next, you have spoken with one or more patient counselors at the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). You have searched The Myeloma Beacon archives for possible options. Hopefully you have even sought out a second opinion at a major cancer …

A recent study conducted in Scandinavia shows that the combination treatment of melphalan (Alkeran), prednisone and thalidomide (Thalomid), referred to as MPT, has significant anti-myeloma effects when compared to melphalan and prednisone treatment, referred to as MP, in elderly patients.  However, MPT treatment did not increase progression-free and overall survival or improve quality of life compared to MP treatment.

Studies examining the effect of adding thalidomide to MP treatment have previously been conducted in several European countries.  …

People with multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions may be at risk for bone fractures and osteoporosis, found a review published in the journal Joint Bone Spine in March.

For those with multiple myeloma, this increased risk of osteoporosis means higher risk of fractures even in places in the bone that do not have cancerous cells. For those with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a blood disorder characterized by a high level of monoclonal protein, or those with smoldering multiple …

This guide, which will be published as a series of articles over the next couple of weeks, is intended to help clarify the clinical trial process and to answer common questions so that you can decide whether a clinical trial is the right option for you. The guide will explain the different types of clinical trials, address common concerns, provide answers from physicians to common questions, describe patients’ clinical trial experiences, and provide resources for finding a clinical trial.

If …

You have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. You have just been diagnosed with cancer. You and your family and friends are shocked, scared, and shaken. The initial reaction—by you and your doctor—is to start treatment right away.

STOP! Time is rarely of the immediate essence following a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Multiple myeloma tends to be a slow moving, plodding, yet unstoppable disease. A few hours, days, or even weeks are unlikely to affect your overall prognosis.

Even if you have …

Leading myeloma specialists from across Europe recently published an article in the journal The Oncologist that summarized the current treatment options and availability of therapeutic agents for multiple myeloma patients in Europe. This article, Part 4 in the series, summarizes the European authors’ recommendations for the management of side effects.

The European authors provided recommendations for managing side effects related to novel agent use in myeloma patients. The recommendations are similar to how the side effects are managed …