Reduced-Dose Velcade-Thalidomide-Dexamethasone Is Effective For Newly Diagnosed Myeloma – Recently published results from a French study show that the com­bi­na­tion of reduced-dose Velcade ^[1] (bor­tez­o­mib) and thalidomide ^[2] (Thalomid) plus dexamethasone ^[3] (Decadron) is safer and more effective than standard-dose Velcade plus dexa­meth­a­sone for the treat­ment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The results were pre­vi­ously presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in June 2010. Results showed that after four cycles of ther­apy, patients who received the reduced-dose three-drug com­bi­na­tion had a significantly higher response rate and experienced fewer side effects than patients receiving the standard-dose regi­men. The same group of patients con­tinued to have a higher response rate after stem cell trans­planta­tion. For a more detailed summary of the results, please see the Beacon’s ^[4] coverage of the ASCO presentation or the study in the journal Blood ^[5] (abstract).

Phase 3 Clinical Trial Investigating The Need For Stem Cell Transplantation Is Recruiting Myeloma Patients – Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients under the age of 65 years are being recruited at various cancer centers across the United States for a Phase 3 clinical trial that will in­ves­ti­gate whether stem cell trans­plants are necessary in the era of novel agents.  All participants will be treated with a com­bi­na­tion of Revlimid ^[6] (lena­lido­mide), Velcade, and dexa­meth­a­sone.  Half of the patients will then also receive a stem cell trans­plant.  Based on the results, researchers will determine whether stem cell trans­planta­tion sig­nificantly extends pro­gres­sion-free survival. For more in­­for­ma­tion or to enroll, please see the clinical trial ^[7] description.

Teleconference On Clinical Trial Participation – On Thursday, the Inter­na­tional Myeloma Foundation will sponsor a teleconference about the importance of participating in clinical trials.  Dr. Brian Durie, a myeloma specialist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, will discuss the Phase 3 clinical trial comparing carfilzomib ^[8]-Revlimid-dexamethasone and Revlimid-dexamethasone alone.  The call will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT.  For more in­­for­ma­tion, please see the International Myeloma Foundation ^[9] website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar ^[10].