Multiple Myeloma Patients Have Low Risk Of Heart Problems Following Stem Cell Transplantation –  Results of a recent retrospective analysis show that 1.6 percent of patients with multiple myeloma develop heart problems following treatment with high-dose melphalan (Alkeran) and autologous stem cell transplantation; however, 5.6 percent of amyloidosis patients develop heart problems after the same procedure. Amyloidosis is a blood disorder that results in the abnormal accumulation of proteins in tissues and organs throughout the body.  An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of myeloma patients also develop symptoms associated with amyloidosis (see related Beacon news). For amyloidosis patients, a melphalan dose of less than 200 mg/m², pre-existing heart problems, and abnormal protein accumulation in more than three organs were associated with an increased risk of heart problems following treatment. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Haematology (abstract).

AZD7762 May Increase The Efficacy Of Certain Chemotherapy Agents Against Myeloma – Results of a preclinical study indicate that the protein AZD7762 may increase the efficacy of alkylating chemotherapy agents, such as Treanda (bendamustine), melphalan (Alkeran), or doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Specifically AZD7762 increased the agents’ ability to kill multiple myeloma cells. However, AZD7762 did not enhance the efficacy of Velcade (bortezomib), which is not an alkylating agent. AZD7762 is a protein that decreases the ability of cells to repair damaged DNA. Based on their findings, the researchers recommended that AZD7762 be further investigated in combination with alkylating agents. For more information, please see the study in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics (abstract).

Anti-CD47 Antibodies May Inhibit The Growth Of Multiple Myeloma Cells – Results of another preclinical study suggest that treatment with an anti-CD47 antibody may slow the growth of myeloma cells. CD47, a protein frequently found on the surface of myeloma cells, prevents immune cells from engulfing and killing myeloma cells. The anti-CD47 antibody, which belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, blocks CD47 and allows immune cells to function properly and to kill myeloma cells. Other monoclonal antibodies that are already in clinical testing for multiple myeloma include elotuzumab, siltuximab, and daratumumab. For more information, please see the study in Leukemia (abstract).

MMRF Teleconference On Highlights From The ASCO Meeting For Patients And Caregivers – On June 14, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will sponsor a teleconference call entitled “Highlights From the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting for Patients and Caregivers.” The call will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and will be led by myeloma experts Dr. Ravi Vij from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and by Dr. Todd M. Zimmerman from the University of Chicago Medical Center. They will talk about the latest advances in myeloma treatment from the 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. After the talk, they will answer questions from participants. For more information or to register, please see the MMRF website.

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