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ASH 2009 Conference Prompts Doctors To Change Myeloma Treatment Practices, Study Finds – A study conducted by Majestic Marketing Research Group discovered that 43 percent of doctors surveyed intend to change their multiple myeloma treatment practices based on results presented at the American Society of Hematology’s 2009 meeting. Most of these changes will increase use of either Velcade (bortezomib) or Revlimid (lenalidomide). The MM-015 study evaluating a Revlimid combination (see related Beacon news) left a particularly strong impression on the majority of doctors surveyed. For more information, please see the Majestic Research press release.

Sagent Pharma Launches Generic Alternative to Aredia – Sagent Pharma announced the launch of a generic alternative to Aredia (pamidronate disodium), a treatment for cancer-related osteoporosis marketed by Novartis Pharma. The injection will come in single-dose vials of 30 mg/10 mL and 90 mg/10 mL. For more information, please see the Sagent Pharma press release.

Terpenoid Therapeutics Raises $950,000 For Myeloma-Related Drug Development – Terpenoid Therapeutics has raised $950,000 of its intended $1.05 million for the development of two cancer drugs, one of which will treat bone disease associated with cancers such as multiple myeloma. Researchers anticipate the drug will cause fewer side effects than current treatment options. For more information, please visit the MedCity News Web site.

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A recent study, presented at the International Academy of Oral Oncology, suggests that in order to prevent jawbone disease, myeloma patients should receive a dental examination before beginning bisphosphonate (BP) therapy.

The duration of BP therapy and the severity of myeloma are linked to the development of jaw bone disease, or osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the jaw, causing the jawbone tissue to die.

BPs are a class of drugs that prevent bone from breaking down. They are commonly given to …

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Researchers have announced that current clinical treatment guidelines do not adequately incorporate quality of life considerations and are calling for increased attention to the “patient perspective” in myeloma treatment.. Presently, few studies have examined quality of life issues. For those that have, their results have often failed to have a meaningful effect on clinical decision-making.

A study in the European Journal of Haematology identified 15 high-quality clinical trials since 1990 that included quality of life as a principal focus. These studies examined the impact of various myeloma treatments and therapeutic interventions on …

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Pamidronic acid (INN) or pamidronate disodium (USAN), pamidronate disodium pentahydrate is a nitrogen containing bisphosphonate, used to prevent osteoporosis. It is marketed by Novartis under the brand name Aredia. [...]