The results from a new study indicate that treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with novel therapeutic agents improves kidney function in most patients, in comparison to treatment with conventional chemotherapy and a high-dose regimen of dexamethasone (Decadron). The authors of the study presented the results of the clinical trial on December 8 at the 51^st American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Multiple myeloma patients commonly experience complications with kidney function, and kidney impairment is associated with increased mortality rates. The Myeloma Beacon recently published a series …

A recent Phase 2 study, presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) meeting, showed that a regimen of Velcade (bortezomib), dexamethasone (Decadron), and doxorubicin (Adriamycin), or VDD, resulted in improved kidney impairment in multiple myeloma patients.

Multiple myeloma patients often face kidney complications including acute light chain induced renal failure (ARF). ARF is a serious complication that can lead to permanent kidney dysfunction and reliance on continual hemodialysis. A normal kidney produces urine for excretion but reabsorbs proteins so they do not leave the body. Anti-myeloma therapy that prevents …

Chemotherapy, also known as anti-cancer agents or antineoplastics, is a treatment that kills cancer cells. It can be taken orally (by mouth), or intravenously (through the vein). High-risk multiple myeloma patients with advanced stages of myeloma are often treated with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy aims to suppress multiple myeloma by targeting cancer cells which characteristically grow at uncontrollable rates. Chemotherapy is toxic to cancer cells and takes effect as the cells multiply. However, chemotherapy can also eliminate healthy cells - especially ones that divide rapidly in the body. For example, cells in the lining …

Doxorubicin (trade name Adriamycin) or hydroxyldaunorubicin is a drug widely used in cancer chemotherapy. It is an anthracycline antibiotic and structurally closely related to daunomycin, and also intercalates DNA. It is commonly used in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. [...]