Results from a recent retrospective study indicate that multiple myeloma patients who receive stem cell transplants may be at greater risk than the general population of developing atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat.

The researchers also found that myeloma patients with kidney failure, heart failure, or high blood pressure were at the greatest risk of developing atrial fibrillation after a stem cell transplant.

The researchers suggest that selecting appropriate patients for stem cell transplantation, correcting risk factors, and using preventative treatment may prevent the occurrence of irregular heart beat …

Researchers from the United Kingdom recently published a review in which they assess the role of kidney transplantation in multiple myeloma.

The authors conclude that, for certain multiple myeloma patients with kidney damage, kidney transplants should be considered more frequently than currently is the case.

Specifically, the researchers identify younger myeloma patients with end-stage kidney disease who require dialysis as the best candidates for a kidney transplant.

They point out that major improvements have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma due to the introduction of new myeloma treatments. They add …

The results of a recent Greek study indicate that kidney impairment is highly reversible in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with regimens containing Velcade, thalidomide, and Revlimid.

Additionally, the Greek researchers found that Velcade (bortezomib)-based treatments were associated with a shorter time to response  and higher rates of restoration of kidney function than thalidomide (Thalomid)- and Revlimid (lenalidomide)-based regimens.

Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that Velcade be used as initial therapy for myeloma patients with kidney impairment.

Dr. Baldeep Wirk of the University of Florida, who …

Results of a small German study indicate that the combination regimen of Velcade, Treanda, and prednisone is effective and well tolerated in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with kidney impairment.

The majority of patients showed improved kidney function after treatment. The study investigators point out that patients responded rapidly, which may have prevented the development of irreversible kidney failure.

Based on their findings, the investigators recommend that the combination therapy be investigated further in larger clinical trials.

Impaired kidney function is a severe complication of multiple myeloma and affects 20 percent to …

Results of a recent small German study indicate that high cut-off hemodialysis combined with chemotherapy may help restore kidney function in multiple myeloma patients with a serious form of kidney failure called acute kidney injury.

In addition, the researchers found that myeloma patients were more likely to recover kidney function if they received treatment soon after their kidneys began to fail.

Based on these results, Dr. Katja Weisel, one of the study investigators from the University of Tübingen, recommends that patients with dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury be treated as soon as possible …

The results from a clinical trial, called the ZMAX trial, suggest that administering Zometa intravenously over a longer period does not increase the drug’s safety compared to shorter infusion times.

Dr. James Berenson, from Berenson Oncology and lead author of the study, stated in email correspondence with The Myeloma Beacon that he hopes these study results will reassure patients that a 15-minute infusion time is safe.  Ultimately, the study authors suggested that infusion duration should be based on individual patient considerations.

Zometa (zoledronic acid) is an intravenous bisphosphonate that reduces bone loss …

The International Myeloma Working Group, a group of leading myeloma specialists, recently announced its recommendations for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients with kidney impairment. The group found that novel agents might improve - and possibly reverse - the complications of kidney impairment. In particular, the group recommended that patients with kidney impairment of any severity undergo treatment with Velcade plus dexamethasone, due to its safety and efficacy profile.

Diagnosis Of Kidney Impairment

Kidney impairment affects between 15 and 40 percent of multiple myeloma patients (please see the Beacon series on …