Inhibition Of MAGE-C1/CT7 Increases Sensitivity Of Myeloma Cells To Velcade – Results of a recent Brazilian study show that inhibiting the MAGE-C1/CT7 gene in myeloma cells increases their sensitivity to Velcade (bortezomib). Specifically, researchers found that Velcade decreased the number of dividing myeloma cells by 48 percent when the cells were inhibited from activating the MAGE-C1/CT7 gene; in comparison, when the cells were allowed to activate the gene, Velcade decreased the number of dividing myeloma cells by between 9 percent and 13 percent. The researchers also observed an increased frequency of programmed cell death when inhibited myeloma cells were treated with Velcade. Based on these results, the study authors concluded that the MAGE-C1/CT7 gene protects myeloma cells against the anti-cancer effects of Velcade. They speculated that targeting this gene could be a strategy for future multiple myeloma therapies. For more information, please see the article in the journal PLoS ONE.

GO-Y030 And GO-Y078 Inhibit Myeloma Cell Growth – Results of a recent Japanese study indicate that the molecules GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 suppress the growth of myeloma cells by inhibiting signaling pathways within the cells. GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 are synthetic variants of curcumin, a substance found in the Indian spice turmeric. In this study, researchers found that GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 were 7 to 12 times more effective at suppressing the growth of myeloma cells than curcumin. Moreover, GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 were 6 to 15 times more effective at inhibiting signaling pathways in myeloma cells and 14 times more effective at suppressing production of interleukin-6, a protein responsible for myeloma cell growth. Based on these results, the study authors concluded that GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 are potential candidates for future anti-myeloma therapies. For more information, please see the article in the journal Anticancer Research (abstract).

LLS Web Cast: Making Cancer Treatment Decisions – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will be hosting a web cast tomorrow at 1 p.m. EST about making cancer treatment decisions. Topics covered include questions patients should ask to make informed treatment decisions, benefits and risks of standard treatments, clinical trial design and participation, and financial considerations related to cancer treatment. Dr. Gail J. Roboz of Weill Medical College in New York and Beth Patterson of Mission Delivery in Hampton, VA will speak at the event. For more information about the event or to register, please visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma website.

Multiple Myeloma Educational Program – An educational program for multiple myeloma patients will be held on December 7 in St. Louis, MO. Multiple myeloma specialist Dr. Keith Stockerl-Goldstein will speak about treatment options for myeloma patients as well as answer patients’ questions. Multiple myeloma patient Karl V. will also speak about his experiences. Registration will begin at 6 p.m., and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Millennium, the manufacturer of Velcade. For more information or to register, please call 1-866-508-6181.

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