Hello again, myeloma world.

Today's review of myeloma-related research and news covers a particu­larly wide range of topics.

We start our review with a quick look at a new study related to Pomalyst and its use in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients. (The Beacon published a separate article about this study earlier today.)

Next, we report on changes the U.S. Food and Drug Admin­istra­tion has made in the procedures for “com­passion­ate use” access to unapproved drug treat­ments, including potential new myeloma therapies.

We then turn to discussion of a European study …

I took off from writing my column in January while under­going treat­ment and try­ing to sort through other treatment options.

Since my donor (allogeneic) stem cell transplant in August 2012, my multiple myeloma had recurred again with aggressive extramedullary disease (myeloma outside of the blood and bone marrow).

This progression occurred despite several cycles of a regimen of Kyprolis (car­filzomib), Pomalyst (pomalidomide, Imnovid), cyclophosphamide (Cy­toxan), and dexamethasone (Decadron), leaving me in a very bad situ­a­tion.

Fortunately, my disease responded to a couple of cycles …