GDC-0941 May Be Active In Multiple Myeloma – Results of a recent pre­clinical study suggest that the investigational drug GDC-0941, which is being developed by the biotech company Genentech, may have anti-myeloma activity and may increase the activity of Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexa­methasone (Decadron). Like perifosine, another investigational myeloma treatment, GDC-0941 inhibits an enzyme in cancer cells known as phos­pho­inositide 3-kinase (PI3K). By in­hibit­ing PI3K, GDC-0941 disrupts the cell division cycle and causes cancer cell death. It is being investigated as a treatment for a variety of different cancers, including breast cancer and lung cancer. Based on their findings, the re­searchers recommend that GDC-0941 be further developed as a potential treatment for myeloma. For more information, please see the study in the journal Oncogene (abstract).

Phase 1 Clinical Trial To Study CUDC-907 In Multiple Myeloma And Lymphoma Patients – The pharma­ceutical company Curis (NASDAQ:CRIS) has launched a Phase 1 trial of CUDC-907 in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Patients must have received at least two prior thera­pies to be eligible for the study. CUDC-907 is a multi-targeted agent that inhibits both PI3K and histone deacetylase (HDAC) in cancer cells. Other HDAC inhibitors that are being investigated as potential treat­ments for multiple myeloma include Zolinza (vorinostat), panobinostat, and ricolinostat (ACY-1215). For more information, including trial locations, please see the clinical trial description.

LLS Teleconference About Latest Myeloma Research From ASH – On January 29, the Leukemia & Lym­phoma Society (LLS) will sponsor a free teleconference call about the latest myeloma research from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting.  Dr. Kenneth Anderson, director of the Jerome Lipper Myeloma Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, will lead the program, which will run from noon till 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.  Dr. Anderson will speak about current and emerging myeloma treatments, the role of clinical trials in the development of myeloma treatment, and advances in the management of treatment side effects. For more information or to register, please see the LLS website.