The year 2009 brought a lot of new and ex­cit­ing ad­vancements in the field of mul­ti­ple myeloma. Over the course of 2009, The Myeloma Beacon covered more than 100 im­por­tant myeloma-related stud­ies.

To highlight the most im­por­tant of these stud­ies, the Myeloma Beacon surveyed lead­ing physicians and re­searchers in the field. These physicians and re­searchers were asked to name the three peer reviewed journal articles pub­lished in 2009 and the three conference abstracts from 2009 that have the most im­por­tant findings or implications relating to mul­ti­ple myeloma.

The top three journal …

In its latest version of guidelines for multiple myeloma treatment, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended the use of Revlimid (lenalidomide) as a maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation. The NCCN based their decision on the preliminary findings of three Phase 3 trials: MM-015, CALGB 100104, and IFM 2005-02.

“[Revlimid] as maintenance has been evaluated in three independent randomized clinical trials. Results from each of these trials show improvements in time-to-progression,” the NCCN myeloma guidelines state. “The panel felt that this warranted inclusion; however, this recommendation remains Category 2A …

The findings of a new study suggest that a combination regimen of Velcade (bortezomib), thalidomide (Thalomid), and prednisone, abbreviated as VTP, is as effective as the standard combination of Velcade, melphalan (Alkeran), and prednisone, abbreviated as VMP, in the treatment of elderly patients with multiple myeloma. The trial also discovered that the addition of maintenance therapy led to increased response rates. Researchers presented their Phase 3 study results at the American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) 51st annual meeting in December.

While VMP without maintenance therapy currently is one …

Dr. Robert Kyle, a leading myeloma physician, researcher, and professor at the Mayo Clinic, spoke with The Myeloma Beacon about his approach to treating multiple myeloma patients; participation in clinical trials; many of the key issues for myeloma patients and physicians, including conventional and alternative treatment options; and the future of personalized medicine.

This article is the second part of a two-part series based on the Beacon’s conversations with Dr. Kyle. It will cover the role of clinical trials and key issues in the treatment of multiple myeloma as well as promising …