High Levels Of Interleukin-16 Found In Multiple Myeloma Patients – German researchers recently found that a protein called interleukin-16, which helps regulate the growth of normal white blood cells, is overproduced in the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients. They also found that they could slow the growth of myeloma cells in the laboratory by 80 percent  when they prevented the cells from producing interleukin-16. Based on their findings, the researchers suggested that interleukin-16 may be a basis for new diagnostic or prognostic tests or treatments. For more information, please see the study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute ^[1] (abstract) and a 2004 study ^[2] (abstract) that also investigated interleukin-16's role in myeloma.

Pre-Existing Diabetes Negatively Impacts Prognosis Of Multiple Myeloma Patients – A recent study found that multiple myeloma patients with pre-existing diabetes have lower survival rates than patients without diabetes. The study also found that such patients were more likely to have kidney problems and advanced multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis. In addition, they were less likely to receive bisphosphonates for myeloma-related bone disease. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Haematology ^[3] (abstract).

Quality Of Life Decreases After Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis For Majority – A recent survey conducted in the Netherlands shows that within one year of diagnosis, the majority (74 percent) of multiple myeloma patients report a decrease in quality of life. In addition, patients reported that the most bothersome symptoms within the past week included tingling in the hands/feet (peripheral neuropathy), back pain, bone pain, arm/shoulder pain, and feeling drowsy. In a recent Myeloma Beacon poll, peripheral neuropathy and fatigue, followed by pain, were mentioned as the most life-altering side effects of myeloma treatment. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Haematology ^[4] (abstract) and the Beacon ^[5] poll on life-altering side effects.