High-dose melphalan continues to be the gold standard regimen for multiple myeloma patients prior to autologous stem cell therapy, according to a recent review of research investigating alternative preparative treatments before stem cell transplantation. 

The authors of the review pointed out, however, that current research on variations of this regimen may provide improved transplantation response rates for myeloma patients in the future. 

High-dose chemotherapy prior to stem cell transplantation, often called a preparative or conditioning regimen, is administered with the intention of eliminating cancerous cells from the patient’s bone marrow. High-dose chemotherapy …

The use of mitoxantrone and melphalan prior to stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients results in favorable survival rates and manageable side effects, according to the results of a Phase 2 clinical trial.

Although the results of the study are encouraging and confirm the results of previous trials, Dr. Anne Beaven, from Duke University Medical Center and lead author of the study, noted that the trial was conducted before the introduction of novel agents into routine clinical practice.

“Until a trial is performed combining this regimen with maintenance Revlimid (lenalidomide) …

A follow-up analysis of recent trial results suggests that reducing Velcade administration from twice weekly to once weekly when given in combination with melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide reduces side effects in elderly multiple myeloma patients.  The less frequent administration did not affect the efficacy of the treatment.

The researchers had reported earlier this summer that the addition of thalidomide (Thalomid) to Velcade (bortezomib), melphalan (Alkeran), and prednisone (referred to as VMPT), followed by long-term treatment with Velcade and thalidomide (VT), improved response rates and progression-free survival in elderly …

Results of a recent study suggest that a single dose of Velcade given after high-dose melphalan results in better outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients after stem cell transplantation than a single dose of Velcade given before high-dose melphalan.  Side effects of the regimen with Velcade were similar to those seen with melphalan alone.

Treatment with high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantion is a standard therapeutic approach for younger, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.  High-dose chemotherapy prior to stem cell transplantation, often called a conditioning regimen, is administered with the …

During the course of their disease, multiple myeloma patients may develop a condition called amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is a disease in which proteins accumulate in organs such as the heart or kidneys, leading to organ damage and complications associated with some multiple myeloma treatments.

The following article describes amyloidosis as it relates to multiple myeloma and includes some of the current treatment recommendations for patients with this dual diagnosis.

What Is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis occurs when proteins accumulate in organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, or intestines.

There are …

Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who achieved a complete response to the combination of Velcade, melphalan, and prednisone experienced longer time to disease progression, time to next therapy, and treatment-free interval compared to patients who achieved a partial response. 

The benefits associated with complete response were similar regardless of whether complete response was achieved early or late in the treatment course.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the achievement of a complete response should be considered an important treatment goal. They recommended that VMP be continued in patients tolerating therapy, …