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C3B3 May Be Active Against Multiple Myeloma Cancer Stem Cells – Results of a preclinical study conducted in Japan indicate that the antibody C3B3 is active in SP cells. SP cells are a specific kind of myeloma cell that demonstrate cancer stem cell-like activity. Specifically, the Japanese researchers found that C3B3 caused SP cell death and suppressed tumor formation. According to the researchers, the results suggest that C3B3 may overcome the drug resistance of myeloma cancer stem cells. They believe that targeting cancer stem cells may be an important approach in working toward a cure for myeloma.  For more information, please see the study in Leukemia (abstract).

XBP1 May Be A New Therapeutic Target For Multiple Myeloma – Results of a recent preclinical study show that reducing the amount of the protein XBP1 in the stem cells of myeloma patients significantly decreases activity of these cells in myeloma cell growth . XBP1 is a protein found in myeloma cells and in stem cells of myeloma patients. Stem cells that carry XBP1 play an essential role in the support of myeloma cell growth and bone destruction. The study investigators believe these findings warrant further investigation of therapeutic targets against XBP1 for the treatment of myeloma-related bone disease.  For more information, please see the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

New Blood Cancer Center To Open At The University Of Cincinnati Cancer Institute – The University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute will be opening the new Hematological Malignancies and Bone Marrow Transplantation center on September 3, 2012. Dr. Elias Anaissie, currently the deputy director of the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will be the director of the new center and will lead the multiple myeloma program. According to Dr. Anaissie, "achieving best myeloma outcomes and maximizing long-term health-related quality of life ... will be the overarching principles for the myeloma program."  Dr. Anaissie added that the new center's principles "will be implemented by individualizing treatment plans ...  and partnering with patients to reach a plan based on a shared decision between patient and physician."  The center’s website will be available soon.

MMRF Education Program – On March 31, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will be hosting an education program for multiple myeloma patients and their families in San Francisco, CA. Myeloma specialists will present on topics including treatment advances and clinical trials. Dr. Jeffrey Wolf of the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center will chair the event. For more information or to register, please visit the MMRF website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.