Researchers from the Mayo Clinic today reported positive results of a Phase 2 clinical trial combining Actimid (pomalidomide) with low-dose dexamethasone (pom-dex) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients. The results were presented earlier today at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Actimid, also known as pomalidomide or CC-4047, is a molecular relative of the commonly used myeloma treatment thalidomide (Thalomid). Like thalidomide, Actimid is an immunomodulatory agent, meaning that it has the ability to alter or regulate the body's immune response. Both drugs …

At this year's American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, scientists presented on Sunday new results that indicate a promising four-drug regimen in patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma. The four-drug cocktail consisted of Velcade (bortezomib), cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, and thalidomide (Thalomid). Following six cycles of treatment, the patients proceeded to stem cell harvest, transplant, and/or maintenance therapy.

The response rate was tested by determining the decrease of monoclonal protein in the patients’ serum and/or urine. Scientists defined a response to the treatment as a 50 percent or greater decrease in monoclonal protein.

On Sunday …

At this year's American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will report new progress on multiple myeloma research and will introduce five long-term patients who have benefited from novel treatments. Although multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer, new treatments used in combination and in sequence have dramatically improved the quality of life for many patients.

The five patients represented by the IMF at the meeting will be: Hardy Jones, a five-year multiple myeloma survivor who now studies the link between toxins in the marine environment and multiple myeloma; …

The 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) is set to kickoff this Saturday, December 6, in San Francisco.

Each year, the ASH annual meeting is a showcase for critical research and issues related to multiple myeloma and other hematological conditions.  Results of important clinical trials are regularly announced at the meeting, as well as other valuable information on treatments under development.

This year’s four-day event is expected to attract more than 21,000 attendees.  The meeting agenda includes more than 500 oral presentations and nearly 2,500 poster summaries of recent research.

In honor of …