Updated Data On Revlimid-Based Therapy Versus Stem Cell Transplantation For Myeloma Presented At ESMO Meeting – Intermediate results for a study comparing the efficacy of Revlimid (lenalidomide)-based therapy with the efficacy of stem cell transplantation were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) meeting earlier this month. Half of the patients were treated with melphalan (Alkeran), prednisone, and Revlimid, known as MPR. The other half of patients were treated with high-dose melphalan followed by stem cell transplantation. Initial results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting this summer showed that a complete response was achieved by 13 percent of patients receiving MPR and 16 percent of patients receiving a transplant (see related Beacon news). The updated results at ESMO showed complete response rates of 14 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Although the complete response rate for stem cell transplantation is higher than the rate for Revlimid-based therapy, the rates for the two treatment groups remain similar. For more information, see the ESMO website.

Multiple Myeloma Educational Program – An educational program for multiple myeloma patients will be held on November 6 in Conshohocken, PA. Dr. Patricia Kropf from Temple Cancer Center will talk about treatment options for myeloma patients as well as answer attendee’s questions. A multiple myeloma patient will also speak about his experiences. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the program will start at 10 a.m. at the Philadelphia Marriott West. The event is sponsored by Millennium. For more information, see the Beacon event description or call 1-866-508-6181.

Southwest Multiple Myeloma Symposium – A free workshop for multiple myeloma patients and their families will be held at Arizona State University on November 6. Dr. Joseph Mikhael from the Mayo Clinic will lead the workshop. He and other specialists will speak about multiple myeloma, treatment options, and side effects. There will also be a question and answer session at the end of the workshop. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the program will run from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. with lunch included. For more information, see the International Myeloma Foundation website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.