Heart Medication Propranolol May Be Effective For Multiple Myeloma – Results from a recent preclinical study show that the betablocker propranolol (Inderal) may be an effective treatment for multiple myeloma. Propranolol is approved as a treatment for various heart conditions, including high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart attacks.  In the current study, Turkish researchers showed that propranolol triggers cancer cell death in human myeloma cell lines. They suggest that the drug be investigated further for the treatment of multiple myeloma. For more information, please refer to the study in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology (abstract).

First Results Of Delanzomib In Cancer Patients Published – European researchers recently published the first results from a Phase 1 study investigating the safety of delanzomib (CEP-18770) in patients with multiple myeloma and solid tumors. Delanzomib, which is being developed by the pharmaceutical company Teva (NASDAQ: TEVA), belongs to the same class of drugs as Velcade (bortezomib) and Kyprolis (carfilzomib) called proteasome inhibitors. Proteasome inhibitors prevent the breakdown of proteins in cancer cells, triggering their death. The study investigators conclude delanzomib has a favorable safety profile.  The most common side effects included skin rash (53 percent of patients), weakness (29 percent), mouth ulcers (21 percent), and fever (16 percent). The researchers did not observe any significant rates of peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the extremities), a common side effect of Velcade. Since skin rash was dose-limiting, the researchers are working to determine the optimal dosing schedule for delanzomib. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Cancer (abstract).

IMF Myeloma Workshop For Patients And Families – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be hosting a workshop for multiple myeloma patients and their families on November 3 in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Robert Kyle from the Mayo Clinic and nurse Page Bertolotti from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute in Los Angeles will speak about topics including treatment options, managing side effects, and local clinical trials. For more information or to register, please visit the IMF website.