News»

NewsFlash »

MMRF ‘Laugh For Life’ Fundraising Event — On May 5, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will host the ‘Laugh For Life’ fundraiser in New York City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The event will feature dinner, live and silent auctions, and an entertaining line up of stand-up comedians.  More information, as well as ticket purchase, may be found at the MMRF Web site.

Dacetuzumab Clinical Trials Currently Enrolling — Seattle Genetics, Inc. has announced preclinical data for dacetuzumab, an anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody currently being tested for treatment of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In the most recent results, dacetuzumab enhanced patient response to regimens of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and researchers have identified a tumor mutation that helps predict which patients will respond to dacetuzumab. Two clinical trials, the first testing dacetuzumab alone and the second testing it in conjunction with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron), are currently enrolling. For more information, see the Seattle Genetics, Inc. preclinical results press release.

Sign Up With LLS’s 'Team In Training' For The Nation’s Triathlon – On September 13, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will host the Nation’s Triathlon, the only triathlon dedicated to fighting blood cancer, in Washington, D.C.  Although the event is already sold out, individuals can still participate by joining LLS’s 'Team in Training' (TNT) program. By signing up with TNT, participants will receive four to five months of certified coaching, race gear, and travel and lodging arrangements. For more information, see the LLS Team in Training Web site.

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

News»

NewsFlash »

OICR Announces $2.25 Million In Funding Toward Cancer Research — On April 22, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) announced that it would invest $2.25 million in five promising early-stage cancer technologies. One recipient of the award, Dr. Aaron Schimmer of the Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Program in Toronto, has identified a proteasome inhibitor (5AHQ) that may be used to stop development of multiple myeloma tumors. Because 5AHQ operates using a different mechanism from another commonly used proteasome inhibitor, Velcade (bortezomib), 5AHQ may be used as a primary treatment agent for patients that are Velcade-resistant. To learn more about 5AHQ and the OICR grant, see the press release by the CNW Group.

GRN163L Clinical Trails For Multiple Myeloma — Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients are being recruited for a Phase 1 trial involving GRN163L, a drug that inhibits telomerase. Telomerase is an enzyme that is essential for sustained cell proliferation in many malignant tumors. These Phase 1 clinical trails will test for safety and tolerability as well as disease response. For more information about the Phase 1 study, visit the ClinicalTrials Web site. To learn more about GRN163L, see the press release by the Geron Corporation.

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

NewsFlash »

The Road To Discovery: Emerging Therapies In Blood Cancers — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will host a free patient education program on April 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The White Inn in Fredonia, NY. The program will discuss how new drugs are discovered, researched, and approved for treatment; recent and ongoing advances in the treatment of blood cancers; and participation in clinical trials as a possible treatment option. Pre-registration for this event is required on or before April 24. For more information, visit the LLS Web site.

Regatta Cup — The 2009 Leukemia Cup Regatta series, sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), will hold several fundraisers around the country throughout the month of May. Locations include San Diego; Panama City Beach, FL; Carlyle, MO; Southport, NC; and Lake Mission Viejo, CA. The annual Regatta Cup series has raised more than $27 million since its inception in 1988, with the 2008 events raising more than $3.6 million from 38 Regattas.

ARRY-520 Clinical Trials For Multiple Myeloma — Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients are being recruited for a Phase 1/2 trial involving ARRY-520, a drug that prevents cancer cell reproduction. These Phase 1/2 clinical trials will test for safety and tolerability as well as disease response. For more information about the Phase 1/2 study, visit ClinicalTrials Web site. To learn more about ARRY-520, see the press release by ARRAY BioPharma.

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

NewsFlash »

St. Anthony's Triathlon – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society  (LLS) will host the St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL on April 26. During the race, participants will swim through Tampa Bay, bike along waterways and harbors, and run through neighborhoods in the area. For more information, visit the LLS Web site.

49th Annual Scientific Meeting Of The British Society For Haematology – The British Society for Haematology will hold its annual conference from April 27 – 29 in Brighton. The conference will include educational sessions, satellite symposiums, and poster sessions. For more information, visit the British Society of Haematology Web site.

MLN4924 Clinical Trials For Multiple Myeloma – Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients are being recruited for a Phase 1 clinical trial involving MLN4924, a drug that inhibits cancer cell proliferation. These Phase 1 clinical trials will test for safety and tolerability as well as disease response. Phase 2 clinical trials involving MLN4924 are expected to begin within the year to test the effectiveness of the drug. MLN4924 is also being tested as a treatment for lymphoma. For more information about the Phase 1 study, visit ClinicalTrials Web site.

2009 Rush Limbaugh Cure-A-Thon For The LLS – To kickoff his 19th annual Cure-A-Thon, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), Rush Limbaugh personally donated $300,000 toward the search for a cure for blood cancers. In his April 17 broadcast, Limbaugh mentioned that the total number of donors to the Cure-A-Thon increased 33 percent this year, and he is optimistic about raising a record-breaking amount. He praised the efforts of the LLS in education and research, especially noting the society's efforts in supporting the development of Velcade. To read the transcript from his broadcast, visit the Rush Limbaugh show. Donations for the Cure-A-Thon are still being accepted.

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

News»