The XII International Myeloma Workshop is set to kickoff next Thursday, February 26, in Washington, D. C., after being relocated from the previous conference site of Mumbai.

The conference, which occurs every two years, will bring together multiple myeloma experts from around the world to discuss new milestones in myeloma treatment and research.

The workshop began in 1987 after the first bone marrow transplantation was performed on a myeloma patient. Thirty-five leaders in the myeloma community formed a “think tank” where they could share results and work to advance treatment.

At this year’s four-day event, there are expected to be over 1,000 attendees from a wide range of countries. The Myeloma Beacon will be covering the conference and readers can expect several articles related to the meeting. An overview of the key symposia and presentations is given below.

There will be five specific symposia given by invited speakers:

• Understanding molecular pathways and genetic changes that lead to myeloma
• The inhibition of signaling pathways that lead to myeloma growth and drug resistance
• Immune and antibody targets for new treatments
• The bone marrow microenvironment and how it sustains the growth of myeloma cells
• New thoughts on stem cell transplantation

The many additional oral and poster presentations will focus on results from preclinical and Phase 2/3 studies, new treatment agents, basic biology research, and clinical care.

Over the past year, leading myeloma experts have drafted three consensus panel reports on topics of interest to the myeloma community. The results of these consensus reports will also be presented at the meeting.

One report involves the development of standard guidelines for the uniform reporting of clinical trial results. The consensus panel reports that there needs to be consistency in the reporting of such results in order to compare results across trials and to determine if results are valid.

Another panel report will focus on guidelines for a standard set of investigational tests for patients with suspected myeloma. The panel proposes standard tests at diagnosis, as a follow-up to therapy, and for relapse.

The final panel presentation will report the suggested guidelines for risk stratification in myeloma. Additionally, a presentation will be given on statistical issues in the design and analysis of clinical trials.

There will also be six educational symposia during the event given by leading experts in the field. A brief description of those related to myeloma patients and clinicians are given below.

Continuum of Treatment in Multiple Myeloma: A Chronic Disease—Speakers will focus on myeloma as a controllable disease. New options for treatment, timing of stem cell transplantation, and an interactive case study are highlights.

Current Approaches to Supportive Care in Myeloma—Topics include the treatment of myeloma bone disease and the reduction of side effects due to treatment.

Clinical Updates and Trends in Multiple Myeloma—Highlights include the importance of a complete response, new frontline treatments, treatments for patients not eligible for stem cell transplantation, and future directions.

New Pathways for Treating Multiple Myeloma—Speakers will discuss the importance of maintaining bone health during treatment and novel targeted agents in myeloma therapy.

Recent Advances in the Use of Free Light Chain Analysis—Speakers will present the new International Myeloma Working Group guidelines to using the new test in diagnosing myeloma. Please see our previous article on the technique for more information.

Further information about the International Myeloma Workshop, including registration forms, venue information, meeting abstracts, and symposia details, can be found at the meeting Web site. For our coverage of the recent 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology please see the related articles here at the Beacon.