Articles tagged with: Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium
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Ganetespib Phase 1 Clinical Trial Is Enrolling Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma Patients – The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium is recruiting relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients for a Phase 1 trial of ganetespib as a single agent treatment or in combination with Velcade (bortezomib). Ganetespib, which is being developed by Synta Pharmaceuticals, belongs to a class of drugs called heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors. Another Hsp90 inhibitor that was developed for the treatment of myeloma was tanespimycin; however, development of this drug was halted in late-stage clinical trials (see related Beacon news). Ganetespib has demonstrated anti-myeloma activity in preclinical studies and is currently also being investigated for a variety of solid tumors, including breast, rectal, and lung cancer. For more information, please see the Synta Pharmaceuticals press release or the clinical trial description.
Study Supports Further Investigation Of Activin-A Inhibitor For Treatment Of Advanced Myeloma – The results of a recent study show that circulating levels of activin-A, a protein associated with extensive bone disease and poorer survival, are elevated in patients with advanced stages of myeloma. The results also show that these levels are not affected by treatment with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron). Previous preclinical studies have shown that the inhibition of activin-A may prevent both the development of bone lesions and suppression of bone formation caused by myeloma. The study investigators believe these findings warrant further investigation of activin-A inhibitors for the treatment of advanced multiple myeloma. For more information, please see the study in the Annals of Oncology (pdf).
Researchers Identify New Therapeutic Target For “Myeloma Kidney” – In a recent preclinical study, researchers designed a small protein that effectively inhibits the formation of deposits in the kidney and prevents kidney failure in rats with myeloma. Myeloma kidney, also called cast nephropathy, is a common complication of multiple myeloma in which excess protein blocks the kidneys and results in kidney failure. The formation of these protein deposits is directly related with the overproduction of free light chain (FLC) proteins, which bind to Tamm-Horsfall glycoproteins (THPs), the most abundant protein found in the urine. The interaction between these proteins results in the production of a gel-like substance that interferes with flow in the kidneys, often leading to organ damage or failure. The small protein tested in this study interrupts the interaction between FLC proteins and THPs, preventing these proteins from clogging the kidneys. For more information, please see the study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation (abstract).
IMF Myeloma Workshop For Patients And Families – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be hosting a workshop for multiple myeloma patients and their families on April 21 near Kansas City, KS. Dr. Parameswaran Hari from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Sunil Abhyankar from the University of Kansas, and nurse Nadine Baxter-Hale from the Myeloma Institute of Research and Therapy in Little Rock will present on topics including treatment options, managing side effects, and local clinical trials. For more information or to register, please visit the IMF website.
For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.
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Eighth Canadian Province Approves Revlimid Funding – Revlimid (lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone (Decadron) is now funded and accessible in Manitoba, Canada for multiple myeloma patients who have been previously treated. Only two provinces, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, deny access to myeloma patients who do not have private insurance. Myeloma Canada, an organization dedicated to supporting myeloma patients, will continue campaigning for universal coverage of Revlimid. For more information, please see the Myeloma Canada press release.
Astex And MMRC Begin Phase 2 Study Of AT7519 For Myeloma – Astex Therapeutics has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial, funded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), of AT7519 for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients. AT7519 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that prevents the growth and spread of myeloma cells by interfering with cell division. Previous trials have shown it has significant anti-tumor effect. AT7519 will be tested alone and in combination with Velcade (bortezomib). For more information, see the MMRC press release.
IMF Will Hold Myeloma Patient And Family Seminar – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will hold an educational program for multiple myeloma patients and their families on August 27 and August 28 in Universal City, CA. Doctors in the myeloma field will answer questions and cover topics such as managing side effects, current standard treatments, and on-going clinical trials. The cost for the seminar is $60 per person. For more information or to register, please see the IMF website.
For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center To Field Questions At The Beacon's Forums This Week – Dr. William Bensinger, myeloma expert at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA, will be be responding to medical questions posted in the Myeloma Beacon's forums this week. Readers who have not yet visited the Beacon's new myeloma discussion forums are encouraged to do so, as they already contain a number of informative postings about topics such as myeloma treatment options, managing treatment side effects, and alternative myeloma therapies.
Treanda Combination Therapy Enters Phase 1B/2 Trial For Multiple Myeloma – Last week, the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) announced the start of a Phase 1B/2 clinical trial that will evaluate a combination of Treanda (bendamustine), Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron) in relapsed multiple myeloma patients. Treanda is already approved in Germany in combination with prednisone for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In the United States, the drug is approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and certain lymphomas. For more information, see the MMRC press release or the clinical trial description.
MMRF Kicks Off Race For Research 5K Walk/Run Series – On April 25, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will kick off its annual Race For Research 5K Walk/Run series to raise awareness and funds for multiple myeloma research. The events will take place in eight cities across the Unites States. The first one is scheduled for April 25 in San Francisco. For more information and registration details, see the MMRF Web site.
For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.
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Preliminary results from an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial indicate that carfilzomib (Kyprolis), a new proteasome inhibitor, has significant therapeutic results in patients with relapsed myeloma. The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) reported the results at the Joint ECCO 15-34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress, which was held in Berlin from September 20 to 24.
Carfilzomib selectively induces cell death in cancer cells by blocking the activity of proteasomes, which are enzymes that break down proteins. Carfilzomib is similar to Velcade (bortezomib), the first proteasome inhibitor approved for multiple myeloma treatment. However, carfilzomib …
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For the first time, researchers have sequenced the full multiple myeloma genome.
Sequencing the full multiple myeloma genome enables scientists to discover which genes are present in a myeloma tumor, as well as to determine which genetic regions may harbor mutations. This knowledge will help researchers better understand both myeloma’s development -- how normal plasma cells in the bone marrow transform into cancerous ones – and new, tailored targets for attacking the disease.
This genetic reconstruction project by the Multiple Myeloma Genomics Initiative, which is spearheaded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium …
