Development Of Dinaciclib For Multiple Myeloma To Continue – An ongoing Phase 2 trial of dinaciclib (SCH-727965) as a single-agent therapy for multiple myeloma has completed enrollment.  Dr. Shaji Kumar, a myeloma specialist at the Mayo Clinic and lead investigator of the study, expects to present results from the trial at the American Society of Hematology meeting in December.  A Phase 1 U.S. trial of dinaciclib in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) is expected to start in several months, also with Dr. Kumar as lead investigator.  A representa­tive from Merck (NYSE: MRK), the company developing dinaciclib, told The Beacon that early analyses of data from the Phase 2 single-agent trial, along with ongoing preclinical research, suggest dinaciclib may work best as a myeloma therapy when used in combination with a proteasome inhibitor, such as Velcade.  Dinaciclib belongs to a new class of anti-cancer drugs known as CDK inhibitors.  Merck is investigating the drug as a potential treatment for several different blood and solid tumor cancers.  For more information, see the related discussion in the Beacon forums.

Halofuginone Slows Myeloma Cell Growth And Enhances Anti-Myeloma Therapies – Results of a preclinical study show that a potential drug known as halofuginone slows the growth of myeloma cells in the laboratory as well as the growth of myeloma cells in mice.  The drug did not, however, harm normal blood cells.  Halofuginone also worked synergistically with Revlimid (lenalidomide), melphalan (Alkeran), dexamethasone (Decadron), and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) to kill myeloma cells.  Halofuginone, which is being developed by Collgard Biopharmaceuticals, is a synthetic derivative of an active ingredient found in the Chinese herb Chang Shan.  For more information, see the study in the British Journal of Hematology (abstract).

Sweetwater Paddle For The Cure – The non-profit foundation Beat Cancer With A Paddle will be holding its 4^th annual Sweetwater Paddle For The Cure fundraiser on May 5 in Tampa, FL.  The event will include a five-mile boating race on the Hillsborough River as well as a two-mile family fun paddle.  There will be separate events for kayaks and standup paddleboards.  Beat Cancer With A Paddle was founded by myeloma patient and Beacon columnist Dr. Arnold Goodman’s family in 2009 with the goal of raising money and awareness for multiple myeloma research while having fun.  All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.  For more information or to register, see the Beat Cancer With A Paddle website.

LLS Teleconference On Advances In Myeloma Treatment – On May 15, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will sponsor a free teleconference call entitled “Myeloma Treatment and Side Effects Management Update.”  The call will begin at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be lead by Dr. Melissa Alsina and nurse Kathy Daily from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, FL.  They will speak about treatment options for myeloma, clinical trials, management of side effects, and survivorship issues for people living with myeloma.  After the talk, Dr. Alsina and Ms. Daily will answer questions from participants.  For more information or to register, please see the LLS website.

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