Articles tagged with: Melphalan

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[ by | Apr 22, 2011 11:03 am | 5 Comments ]
Studies Aim To Improve Transplantation Response Rates In Multiple Myeloma Patients

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 …

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[ by | Apr 18, 2011 4:32 pm | Comments Off ]
Mitoxantrone And Melphalan Regimen Is Effective And Well Tolerated In Multiple Myeloma Patients

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) …

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[ by | Nov 17, 2010 3:55 pm | Comments Off ]

NCI Initiates Study Of Novel Imaging Techniques To Identify Precursor Stages Of Myeloma – The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is recruiting patients for a study investigating the use of sensitive imaging technologies to identify progression of myeloma precursor diseases. There are currently no diagnostic tests available to determine whether an individual with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma will develop multiple myeloma. New and improved imaging techniques may help physicians better detect the progression of these precursor diseases. This trial is recruiting participants with MGUS, smoldering myeloma, or myeloma. For more information, see the clinical trial description. To participate in the trial, please contact the research nurse, Mary Ann Yancey, at (301) 435-9227 or .

Phase 2 Trials Of IPH 2101 Are Recruiting Myeloma And Smoldering Myeloma Patients – Several Phase 2 clinical trials are now recruiting multiple myeloma and smoldering multiple myeloma patients to receive the experimental agent IPH 2101 (anti-KIR). IPH 2101 is an antibody drug being developed by Innate Pharma. It helps activate cells of the immune system to destroy cancer cells. IPH 2101 is being studied in patients with smoldering myeloma to see if it delays and/or prevents progression to multiple myeloma (trial description). It is also being studied in multiple myeloma patients in stable partial response after a first line therapy (trial description) and in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) in myeloma patients experiencing their first relapse (trial description). To participate in the smoldering myeloma trial at the National Institutes of Health, please contact the research nurse, Mary Ann Yancey, at (301) 435-9227 or .

Phase 3 Double Transplant Trial Is Currently Recruiting Myeloma Patients – Myeloma patients are now being recruited by the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey to participate in a Phase 3 trial of tandem stem cell transplants with melphalan (Alkeran) followed by melphalan and Velcade (bortezomib). The purpose of this trial is to determine if the addition of Velcade to the second transplant will increase remission times. For more information, please see the clinical trial description.

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[ by | Sep 28, 2010 4:00 pm | 3 Comments ]
Once-Weekly Velcade Is Equally Effective But Better Tolerated In Elderly Multiple Myeloma Patients

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 …

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[ by | Sep 22, 2010 2:58 pm | Comments Off ]
Study Finds It Is Better To Dose Velcade After Melphalan Prior To Stem Cell Transplantation

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 …

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[ by | Sep 15, 2010 2:41 pm | 6 Comments ]
Multiple Myeloma-Associated Amyloidosis – What Every Patient Should Know

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 …

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[ by | Sep 8, 2010 9:55 am | Comments Off ]
Complete Response With Velcade-Melphalan-Prednisone Is Associated With Improved Outcomes In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients

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, …

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