Panobinostat In Combination With Velcade Shows Potential For Relapsed Multiple Myeloma (ASH 2009) – Researchers presented results at the American Society of Hematology Meeting (ASH) from a Phase 1 clinical trial that show that oral panobinostat ^[1] (Farydak ^[2], LBH589) in combination with intravenous Velcade ^[3] (bortezomib) has anti-myeloma effects. Researchers tested different doses of both panobinostat (10 mg to 30 mg) and Velcade (1.0 mg/m² to 1.3 mg/m²). They found frequent blood-related adverse events, such as thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) and neutropenia (low white blood cell count). They concluded that dosing will be modified for future Phase 2/3 studies. For more information, please see abstract 3852 ^[4] on the ASH meeting Web site.

Afinitor Is Safe In Relapsed And Refractory Multiple Myeloma; Drug Will Move To Phase 2 Clinical Trials (ASH 2009) – Afinitor ^[5] (everolimus) is safe in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, according to preliminary results from a Phase 1/2 clinical trial presented at the 2009 Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Afinitor was given orally at 5 mg to 10 mg daily. Researchers observed only one case of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). A sufficient amount of anti-myeloma activity was observed for this drug to continue to Phase 2 testing, which puts more emphasis on the efficacy of the drug. For more information, see abstract 3850 ^[6] on the ASH annual meeting Web site.

ACE-011 Increases Hemoglobin And Helps Build Bone In Multiple Myeloma Patients Receiving Chemotherapy (ASH 2009) – Preliminary results from a study presented at the 2009 Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) reveal that ACE-011 ^[7] (sotatercept ^[8]) increases hemoglobin (an iron-rich protein in red blood cells) and bone formation, decreases bone pain, and has anti-tumor activity in multiple myeloma patients receiving chemotherapy. A low hemoglobin count indicates a low red blood cell count (anemia), which is a common complication in multiple myeloma, as are bone lesions, and bone pain. All participants were on a regimen of melphalan ^[9] (Alkeran), prednisone ^[10], and thalidomide ^[11] (Thalomid). For more information, see abstract 749 ^[12] on the ASH meeting Web site.

Researchers Demonstrate Feasibility And Safety Of Vaccine In Multiple Myeloma (ASH 2009) – Preliminary results from a Phase 1 clinical trial of a multiple myeloma vaccine, presented at the 2009 Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), indicate that using a vaccine in multiple myeloma is possible and that it is safe and tolerable. The study included 15 patients who had undergone peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation – a treatment in which stem cells are collected from the bloodstream of a healthy donor and delivered to the myeloma patient after high-dose chemotherapy.  The most frequent side effects were local skin reactions, typical of most vaccines. Further studies will evaluate the vaccine’s full potential. For more information, see abstract 1858 ^[13] on the ASH meeting Web site.

For more information about myeloma-related studies covered at ASH, please see the Myeloma Beacon coverage of the ASH 2009 Meeting ^[14].