NewsFlash »

Ganetespib Phase 1 Clinical Trial Is Enrolling Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma Patients – The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium is recruiting relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients for a Phase 1 trial of ganetespib as a single agent treatment or in combination with Velcade (bortezomib). Ganetespib, which is being developed by Synta Pharmaceuticals, belongs to a class of drugs called heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors. Another Hsp90 inhibitor that was developed for the treatment of myeloma was tanespimycin; however, development of this drug was halted in late-stage clinical trials (see related Beacon news). Ganetespib has demonstrated anti-myeloma activity in preclinical studies and is currently also being investigated for a variety of solid tumors, including breast, rectal, and lung cancer. For more information, please see the Synta Pharmaceuticals press release or the clinical trial description.

Study Supports Further Investigation Of Activin-A Inhibitor For Treatment Of Advanced Myeloma – The results of a recent study show that circulating levels of activin-A, a protein associated with extensive bone disease and poorer survival, are elevated in patients with advanced stages of myeloma. The results also show that these levels are not affected by treatment with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron). Previous preclinical studies have shown that the inhibition of activin-A may prevent both the development of bone lesions and suppression of bone formation caused by myeloma. The study investigators believe these findings warrant further investigation of activin-A inhibitors for the treatment of advanced multiple myeloma. For more information, please see the study in the Annals of Oncology (pdf).

Researchers Identify New Therapeutic Target For “Myeloma Kidney” – In a recent preclinical study, researchers designed a small protein that effectively inhibits the formation of deposits in the kidney and prevents kidney failure in rats with myeloma. Myeloma kidney, also called cast nephropathy, is a common complication of multiple myeloma in which excess protein blocks the kidneys and results in kidney failure. The formation of these protein deposits is directly related with the overproduction of free light chain (FLC) proteins, which bind to Tamm-Horsfall glycoproteins (THPs), the most abundant protein found in the urine.  The interaction between these proteins results in the production of a gel-like substance that interferes with flow in the kidneys, often leading to organ damage or failure.   The small protein tested in this study interrupts the interaction between FLC proteins and THPs, preventing these proteins from clogging the kidneys.  For more information, please see the study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation (abstract).

IMF Myeloma Workshop For Patients And Families – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be hosting a workshop for multiple myeloma patients and their families on April 21 near Kansas City, KS. Dr. Parameswaran Hari from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Sunil Abhyankar from the University of Kansas, and nurse Nadine Baxter-Hale from the Myeloma Institute of Research and Therapy in Little Rock will present on topics including treatment options, managing side effects, and local clinical trials. For more information or to register, please visit the IMF website.

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

NewsFlash »

General Discussion Forum Added To The Myeloma Beacon Forums – The Beacon forums have been expanded to include a forum for general discussion not specifically related to multiple myeloma.  This new area of the forums is called “The Burgundy Café” and allows those within the Beacon community to get to know each other better through discussions about a wide variety of topics.  Feel free to discuss within the Burgundy Café whatever may be on your mind, as long as the conversation remains respectful and courteous.

Senesco Technologies Submits Application To FDA For Investigational Myeloma Drug SNS01-T – Senesco Technologies announced today that it filed an “Investigational New Drug” application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the company’s compound SNS01-T, which has shown potential for treating multiple myeloma.  Approval of this application would allow Senesco to initiate clinical testing of the compound.  For more information, see the Senesco press release.

John Theurer Cancer Center Receives $2 Million To Improve Safety Of Donor Transplants For Myeloma Patients – Dr. Thea Friedman from the John Theurer Cancer Center in Hackensack, NJ, received a $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute to support her research over the next five years.  Dr. Friedman has been studying ways to improve the outcomes of multiple myeloma patients undergoing allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplants. She plans to start a Phase 1 clinical trial near the end of the year.  For more information, see the John Theurer Cancer Center website.

MMRF And Synta Pharmaceuticals Collaborate To Develop Ganetespib For Myeloma – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and Synta Pharmaceuticals established a joint collaboration to develop Synta’s compound ganetespib (STA-9090) for the treatment of multiple myeloma.  The MMRF will provide $1 million to fund a Phase 1 clinical trial studying ganetespib alone and in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) in relapsed multiple myeloma patients.  Ganetespib belongs to a class of drugs known as Hsp90 inhibitors, which includes tanespimycin and several other compounds that have shown promise in myeloma clinical trials.  Hsp90 inhibitors promote the degradation of proteins that are critical for myeloma cell growth, survival, and drug resistance.  For more information, see the MMRF website.