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Heart Medication Propranolol May Be Effective For Multiple Myeloma – Results from a recent preclinical study show that the betablocker propranolol (Inderal) may be an effective treatment for multiple myeloma. Propranolol is approved as a treatment for various heart conditions, including high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart attacks.  In the current study, Turkish researchers showed that propranolol triggers cancer cell death in human myeloma cell lines. They suggest that the drug be investigated further for the treatment of multiple myeloma. For more information, please refer to the study in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology (abstract).

First Results Of Delanzomib In Cancer Patients Published – European researchers recently published the first results from a Phase 1 study investigating the safety of delanzomib (CEP-18770) in patients with multiple myeloma and solid tumors. Delanzomib, which is being developed by the pharmaceutical company Teva (NASDAQ: TEVA), belongs to the same class of drugs as Velcade (bortezomib) and Kyprolis (carfilzomib) called proteasome inhibitors. Proteasome inhibitors prevent the breakdown of proteins in cancer cells, triggering their death. The study investigators conclude delanzomib has a favorable safety profile.  The most common side effects included skin rash (53 percent of patients), weakness (29 percent), mouth ulcers (21 percent), and fever (16 percent). The researchers did not observe any significant rates of peripheral neuropathy (pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the extremities), a common side effect of Velcade. Since skin rash was dose-limiting, the researchers are working to determine the optimal dosing schedule for delanzomib. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Cancer (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 November 3 in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Robert Kyle from the Mayo Clinic and nurse Page Bertolotti from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute in Los Angeles will speak about topics including treatment options, managing side effects, and local clinical trials. For more information or to register, please visit the IMF website.

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INNO-206 Shows Activity Against Myeloma - Results of a preclinical study show that the investigational drug INNO-206 inhibits blood vessel formation and reduces cell growth in myeloma cell lines.  The drug showed these effects when tested alone; additionally it enhanced the efficacy of Velcade (bortezomib) when tested in combination.  INNO-206 is a derivative of the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (Adriamycin).  This study also showed that INNO-206 was safer in mice than doxorubicin and therefore could be administered at higher doses. For information, please see the study in Clinical Cancer Research (abstract).

TRAIL-Doxorubicin Combination May Eradicate Myeloma Cells – Results of a preclinical study show that a combination of doxorubicin and TRAIL, a protein that induces cell death, was able to eradicate myeloma cell lines. In particular, the TRAIL-doxorubicin combination successfully eliminated cells that are implicated in tumor initiation as well as tumor growth. According to the study investigators, these findings offer a promising new approach to finding a cure for multiple myeloma. For more information, please see the study in PloS One.

Relatives Of Multiple Myeloma Patients Have Increased Risk Of MGUS – Results of a study conducted at the Mayo Clinic indicate that first-degree relatives of multiple myeloma patients are 3.4 times as likely to develop light-chain monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) compared to the general population.  A previous study also showed that these relatives are at an increased risk of developing heavy-chain MGUS. For more information, please see the study in the British Journal of Hematology (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 June 23 in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Ayman Saad from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Natalie Callander from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, and nurse Tiffany Richards from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston will speak about 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.

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Study Reveals Genetic Differences Between MGUS And Multiple Myeloma – In a recent study, Spanish researchers identified chromosomal abnormalities that were more frequent in patients with active mutiple myeloma than in patients with smoldering myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition that may later progress to smoldering or active myeloma. The researchers also found that chromosomal abnormalities tend to be more frequent in active myeloma patients than in smoldering myeloma patients, and also more frequent in smoldering myeloma patients than in MGUS patients.  For more information, please see the study in Leukemia (abstract).

sCD105 Protein May Be An Indicator For Myeloma Severity – Results of a recent study show that levels of the protein sCD105 circulating in the blood are higher in multiple myeloma patients than in healthy individuals. Higher levels of sCD105 also were associated with more advanced stages of disease. sCD105 is known to play a role in the growth of new blood vessels and may thus contribute to tumor progression in myeloma. Researchers believe these findings warrant further study of sCD105 levels as an indicator for disease activity. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Internal Medicine (abstract).

Whole Body MRI Adds Limited Value To Routine Myeloma Remission Testing After Transplantation – A recent study found that the use of whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect persisting or relapsing multiple myeloma post transplant offers little added value compared to current routine laboratory tests. The results of the whole body MRI and routine laboratory tests were in agreement in 79 percent of the patients assessed. For more information, please see the study in European Radiology (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 May 19 in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Rafat Abonour from the Indiana University Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program and nurse Kena Miller from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, will speak about 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.

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Progression From MGUS To Myeloma Is Similar Among Japanese And Westerners – A recent study found that Japanese people with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) progressed to multiple myeloma at rates similar to those previously reported for Westerners.  Specifically, the results showed that 3 percent progressed within 5 years, 9 percent within 10 years, 11.4 percent within 15 years, and 32.1 percent within 20 years.  For more information, see the study in the journal Rinsho Ketsueki (abstract).

Pomalidomide May Be Effective In Patients With Amyloidosis – Results from a Phase 2 study show that pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (Decadron), a combination being studied for the treatment of multiple myeloma, may also be effective in previously treated patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is a blood disorder that results in the abnormal accumulation of proteins in tissues and organs throughout the body.  An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of myeloma patients also develop symptoms associated with amyloidosis (see related Beacon news).  Among the 33 amyloidosis patients included in the study, 48 percent had improved blood cell counts and 15 percent had organ improvement after treatment with pomalidomide and dexamethasone.  The median progression-free survival was 14 months, and the median overall survival was 28 months.  For more information, see the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

Participants Needed For Myeloma Risk Association Study – The International Myeloma Foundation is conducting a study to determine why certain races and family members are at an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma.  The study is a brief survey that multiple myeloma patients can complete via the Internet.  To participate, see the study website.

Clinical Insights Education Program – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is sponsoring an education program for myeloma patients and their families about multiple myeloma clinical insights. The event will be held on April 27 in New York City. Myeloma experts from leading cancer centers will speak about the latest advances in frontline therapy, stem cell transplants, relapsed and refractory myeloma, supportive care, and clinical trials. A question and answer session is included in the program. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the program will conclude at 2:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please see the MMRF website.

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

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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.

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Health Canada Approves Subcutaneous Velcade – Janssen, the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary that markets Velcade (bortezomib) outside of the United States, announced last week that Health Canada has approved the subcutaneous (under-the-skin) administration of Velcade for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Subcutaneous Velcade has been shown to be as effective as intravenous Velcade but is associated with fewer and less severe side effects. The Canadian approval follows the approval of subcutaneous Velcade in the U.S. in January (see related Beacon news). For more information, please see the Janssen press release.

Threshold Pharmaceuticals Begins Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial Of TH-302 For Multiple Myeloma – Threshold Pharmaceuticals last week announced the start of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its investigational drug TH-302 for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of TH-302 alone or in combination with Velcade in myeloma patients who have received at least two prior lines of therapy. TH-302 is a drug that is activated under low oxygen level conditions, which are common in tumors and the bone marrow of people with blood cancers. It is currently also being investigated in a range of solid tumors. For more information about the study or enrollment, please see the Threshold press release or the clinical trial description.

MUC1-2-VNTR Vaccine May Be Active Against Myeloma – The results of a recent preclinical study demonstrate that the DNA vaccine MUC1-2-VNTR delays tumor growth and extends the survival time of mice with multiple myeloma. The vaccine produces an immune response that specifically targets tumors, showing promise as a potential treatment for myeloma. For more information, see the study in Oncology Reports (abstract).

Living With Myeloma Conference – On March 24, the Arizona Myeloma Network will be hosting a free, regional conference for myeloma patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Presentations by myeloma experts will address developments in myeloma research, treatment issues, and supportive care services. For more information or to register, please visit the Arizona Myeloma Network website.

IMF Patient And Family Seminar – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be holding a seminar for multiple myeloma patients and their families on March 23 and 24 in Seattle, WA. Dr. Brian Durie from the Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Bill Bensinger from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and Dr. Keith Stewart from the Mayo Clinic Arizona will present on topics including treatment advances, managing side effects, and new 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.

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Reduced-Dose Velcade-Thalidomide-Dexamethasone Is Effective For Newly Diagnosed Myeloma – Recently published results from a French study show that the com­bi­na­tion of reduced-dose Velcade (bor­tez­o­mib) and thalidomide (Thalomid) plus dexamethasone (Decadron) is safer and more effective than standard-dose Velcade plus dexa­meth­a­sone for the treat­ment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The results were pre­vi­ously presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in June 2010. Results showed that after four cycles of ther­apy, patients who received the reduced-dose three-drug com­bi­na­tion had a significantly higher response rate and experienced fewer side effects than patients receiving the standard-dose regi­men. The same group of patients con­tinued to have a higher response rate after stem cell trans­planta­tion. For a more detailed summary of the results, please see the Beacon’s coverage of the ASCO presentation or the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

Phase 3 Clinical Trial Investigating The Need For Stem Cell Transplantation Is Recruiting Myeloma Patients – Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients under the age of 65 years are being recruited at various cancer centers across the United States for a Phase 3 clinical trial that will in­ves­ti­gate whether stem cell trans­plants are necessary in the era of novel agents.  All participants will be treated with a com­bi­na­tion of Revlimid (lena­lido­mide), Velcade, and dexa­meth­a­sone.  Half of the patients will then also receive a stem cell trans­plant.  Based on the results, researchers will determine whether stem cell trans­planta­tion sig­nificantly extends pro­gres­sion-free survival. For more in­­for­ma­tion or to enroll, please see the clinical trial description.

Teleconference On Clinical Trial Participation – On Thursday, the Inter­na­tional Myeloma Foundation will sponsor a teleconference about the importance of participating in clinical trials.  Dr. Brian Durie, a myeloma specialist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, will discuss the Phase 3 clinical trial comparing carfilzomib-Revlimid-dexamethasone and Revlimid-dexamethasone alone.  The call will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT.  For more in­­for­ma­tion, please see the International Myeloma Foundation website.

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