Significant advances have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma since the introduction of thalidomide (Thalomid), Revlimid (lenalidomide), and Velcade (bortezomib). Combinations of these “novel agents” have significantly improved response rates and survival rates with better safety profiles than stem cell transplants, leading researchers and patients to ask whether the use of transplants is necessary given the efficacy of the novel agents.

Two studies that are investigating whether novel agents are as effective, or possibly more effective, than an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) were presented June …

Advances in the development of multiple myeloma drugs have had a profound impact on the way the disease is treated. Given the efficacy and relative safety of these novel agents, studies are being conducted to determine whether they may be as effective, or possibly even more effective, than an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Two such studies were presented June 6 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

Results from the two studies suggest that ASCT (in which a patient’s own stem cells are transplanted after …

Many multiple myeloma patients are afflicted by tingling and pain in the hands, arms, feet, and legs (known as peripheral neuropathy). Treatments for myeloma can make this neuropathy worse. Dr. Paul Richardson of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discussed the prevention and management of peripheral neuropathy (PN) during an education session on June 7 at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting.

Dr. Richardson explained that myeloma, itself, causes nerve damage that leads to the pain and tingling. Up to 20 percent of patients experience some PN prior to treatment.

Myeloma …

Multiple myeloma patients are at an increased risk of developing deep vein blood clots, and several myeloma treatments further increase the risk. However, blood clots can often be prevented with the use of blood thinners, according to Dr. Todd Zimmerman of the University of Chicago during a myeloma education session on June 7 at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting.

Dr. Zimmerman reported that there is a nine-fold increase of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein) among multiple myeloma patients, even before they begin treatment. …

An ongoing Phase 2 trial of carfilzomib has dem­onstrated that car­filz­o­mib may be effective in treating re­lapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, including patients who are resistant to or re­lapsed after Velcade (bor­tez­o­mib) treat­ment. The results were presented by Dr. Ravi Vij of Washington University in St. Louis at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago on June 5.

“Single agent car­filz­o­mib has dem­onstrated significant activity in re­lapsed/refractory myeloma,” said Dr. Vij during his presentation.

Carfilzomib, developed by Onyx Pharmaceuticals, is a new drug cur­rently being in­ves­ti­gated …

The combination treatment of reduced-dose Velcade (bortezomib), thalidomide (Thalomid), and dexamethasone (Decadron), abbreviated vTD, appears to be a safe and effective induction treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients prior to stem cell transplantation.

The combination treatment yielded higher complete and partial remission rates, and fewer and less severe side effects, than treatment with standard dose Velcade plus dexamethasone (VD).

The vTD vs. VD findings were presented by Dr. Philippe Moreau of the University Hospital in Nantes, France, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in …

Revlimid (lenalidomide) is an effective maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients, according to two Phase 3 studies presented on Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Based on the results of these two studies as well as a previous study, Revlimid maintenance therapy is likely to become a common addition to the treatment of myeloma.

Dr. Sergio Giralt of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston led a discussion about these two studies during which he said, “[These are] …