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Multiple Myeloma Patients Have Low Risk Of Heart Problems Following Stem Cell Transplantation –  Results of a recent retrospective analysis show that 1.6 percent of patients with multiple myeloma develop heart problems following treatment with high-dose melphalan (Alkeran) and autologous stem cell transplantation; however, 5.6 percent of amyloidosis patients develop heart problems after the same procedure. Amyloidosis is a blood disorder that results in the abnormal accumulation of proteins in tissues and organs throughout the body.  An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of myeloma patients also develop symptoms associated with amyloidosis (see related Beacon news). For amyloidosis patients, a melphalan dose of less than 200 mg/m², pre-existing heart problems, and abnormal protein accumulation in more than three organs were associated with an increased risk of heart problems following treatment. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Haematology (abstract).

AZD7762 May Increase The Efficacy Of Certain Chemotherapy Agents Against Myeloma – Results of a preclinical study indicate that the protein AZD7762 may increase the efficacy of alkylating chemotherapy agents, such as Treanda (bendamustine), melphalan (Alkeran), or doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Specifically AZD7762 increased the agents’ ability to kill multiple myeloma cells. However, AZD7762 did not enhance the efficacy of Velcade (bortezomib), which is not an alkylating agent. AZD7762 is a protein that decreases the ability of cells to repair damaged DNA. Based on their findings, the researchers recommended that AZD7762 be further investigated in combination with alkylating agents. For more information, please see the study in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics (abstract).

Anti-CD47 Antibodies May Inhibit The Growth Of Multiple Myeloma Cells – Results of another preclinical study suggest that treatment with an anti-CD47 antibody may slow the growth of myeloma cells. CD47, a protein frequently found on the surface of myeloma cells, prevents immune cells from engulfing and killing myeloma cells. The anti-CD47 antibody, which belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, blocks CD47 and allows immune cells to function properly and to kill myeloma cells. Other monoclonal antibodies that are already in clinical testing for multiple myeloma include elotuzumab, siltuximab, and daratumumab. For more information, please see the study in Leukemia (abstract).

MMRF Teleconference On Highlights From The ASCO Meeting For Patients And Caregivers – On June 14, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will sponsor a teleconference call entitled “Highlights From the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting for Patients and Caregivers.” The call will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and will be led by myeloma experts Dr. Ravi Vij from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and by Dr. Todd M. Zimmerman from the University of Chicago Medical Center. They will talk about the latest advances in myeloma treatment from the 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. After the talk, they will answer questions from participants. For more information or to register, please see the MMRF website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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Development Of Dinaciclib For Multiple Myeloma To Continue – An ongoing Phase 2 trial of dinaciclib (SCH-727965) as a single-agent therapy for multiple myeloma has completed enrollment.  Dr. Shaji Kumar, a myeloma specialist at the Mayo Clinic and lead investigator of the study, expects to present results from the trial at the American Society of Hematology meeting in December.  A Phase 1 U.S. trial of dinaciclib in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) is expected to start in several months, also with Dr. Kumar as lead investigator.  A representa­tive from Merck (NYSE: MRK), the company developing dinaciclib, told The Beacon that early analyses of data from the Phase 2 single-agent trial, along with ongoing preclinical research, suggest dinaciclib may work best as a myeloma therapy when used in combination with a proteasome inhibitor, such as Velcade.  Dinaciclib belongs to a new class of anti-cancer drugs known as CDK inhibitors.  Merck is investigating the drug as a potential treatment for several different blood and solid tumor cancers.  For more information, see the related discussion in the Beacon forums.

Halofuginone Slows Myeloma Cell Growth And Enhances Anti-Myeloma Therapies – Results of a preclinical study show that a potential drug known as halofuginone slows the growth of myeloma cells in the laboratory as well as the growth of myeloma cells in mice.  The drug did not, however, harm normal blood cells.  Halofuginone also worked synergistically with Revlimid (lenalidomide), melphalan (Alkeran), dexamethasone (Decadron), and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) to kill myeloma cells.  Halofuginone, which is being developed by Collgard Biopharmaceuticals, is a synthetic derivative of an active ingredient found in the Chinese herb Chang Shan.  For more information, see the study in the British Journal of Hematology (abstract).

Sweetwater Paddle For The Cure – The non-profit foundation Beat Cancer With A Paddle will be holding its 4^th annual Sweetwater Paddle For The Cure fundraiser on May 5 in Tampa, FL.  The event will include a five-mile boating race on the Hillsborough River as well as a two-mile family fun paddle.  There will be separate events for kayaks and standup paddleboards.  Beat Cancer With A Paddle was founded by myeloma patient and Beacon columnist Dr. Arnold Goodman’s family in 2009 with the goal of raising money and awareness for multiple myeloma research while having fun.  All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.  For more information or to register, see the Beat Cancer With A Paddle website.

LLS Teleconference On Advances In Myeloma Treatment – On May 15, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will sponsor a free teleconference call entitled “Myeloma Treatment and Side Effects Management Update.”  The call will begin at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be lead by Dr. Melissa Alsina and nurse Kathy Daily from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, FL.  They will speak about treatment options for myeloma, clinical trials, management of side effects, and survivorship issues for people living with myeloma.  After the talk, Dr. Alsina and Ms. Daily will answer questions from participants.  For more information or to register, please see the LLS website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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Progression From MGUS To Myeloma Is Similar Among Japanese And Westerners – A recent study found that Japanese people with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) progressed to multiple myeloma at rates similar to those previously reported for Westerners.  Specifically, the results showed that 3 percent progressed within 5 years, 9 percent within 10 years, 11.4 percent within 15 years, and 32.1 percent within 20 years.  For more information, see the study in the journal Rinsho Ketsueki (abstract).

Pomalidomide May Be Effective In Patients With Amyloidosis – Results from a Phase 2 study show that pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (Decadron), a combination being studied for the treatment of multiple myeloma, may also be effective in previously treated patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis.  Amyloidosis is a blood disorder that results in the abnormal accumulation of proteins in tissues and organs throughout the body.  An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of myeloma patients also develop symptoms associated with amyloidosis (see related Beacon news).  Among the 33 amyloidosis patients included in the study, 48 percent had improved blood cell counts and 15 percent had organ improvement after treatment with pomalidomide and dexamethasone.  The median progression-free survival was 14 months, and the median overall survival was 28 months.  For more information, see the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

Participants Needed For Myeloma Risk Association Study – The International Myeloma Foundation is conducting a study to determine why certain races and family members are at an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma.  The study is a brief survey that multiple myeloma patients can complete via the Internet.  To participate, see the study website.

Clinical Insights Education Program – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is sponsoring an education program for myeloma patients and their families about multiple myeloma clinical insights. The event will be held on April 27 in New York City. Myeloma experts from leading cancer centers will speak about the latest advances in frontline therapy, stem cell transplants, relapsed and refractory myeloma, supportive care, and clinical trials. A question and answer session is included in the program. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the program will conclude at 2:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please see the MMRF website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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Delanzomib Shows High Activity Against Myeloma In Preclinical Studies – Results of pre-clinical studies indicate that delanzomib (CEP-18770) is highly active against myeloma cells. Specifically, the researchers found that delanzomib is comparable in activity to Velcade (bortezomib). Delanzomib, like Velcade, is a boronic acid-based proteasome inhibitor that suppresses cancer cell growth by inhibiting the enzymes that break down important proteins in cancer cells. The researchers also found that delanzomib inhibited tumor enzyme activity significantly more than Velcade (60 percent versus 32 percent). In laboratory studies, delanzomib also killed cancer cells that developed resistance to Velcade. According to the study investigators, these results provide rationale for clinical studies investigating the effects of delanzomib. For more information, please see the study in Molecular Pharmaceutics (abstract).

Longer-Term Zometa Use Reduces Rate Of Skeletal Complications In Multiple Myeloma Patients – Results of a recent study show that longer-term use of Zometa (zoledronic acid), an intravenous bisphosphonate, reduces the rate of skeletal complications in multiple myeloma patients with bone disease. In their study, researchers retrospectively assessed the rate of skeletal complications in 1,655 myeloma patients over time. Sixty-four percent of patients received Zometa, while the remaining 36 percent did not receive any form of bisphosphonate therapy. The researchers found that patients who received Zometa for longer periods of time (more than 1.5 years) had a lower risk of developing skeletal complications, including fractures, compared to patients who received Zometa for shorter periods of time. Patients who received Zometa also experienced lower death rates than patients who did not receive bisphosphonate therapy. For more information, please see the study in the American Journal of Hematology (abstract).

TRAF6 May Be A New Therapeutic Target For Multiple Myeloma – Results of a recent pre-clinical study indicate that inhibition of TRAF6 decreases the spread of myeloma cells and increases the rate of self-induced cancer cell death. TRAF6 is a protein involved in cell signaling pathways and plays an important role in promoting the growth, survival, and drug resistance of myeloma cells. According to the study investigators, these results showed that TRAF6 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple myeloma. For more information, please see the study in Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma And Leukemia (abstract).

MMRF Chicago Awards Dinner – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will hold the Chicago Awards Dinner on April 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. During the event, Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic, will receive the MMRF’s Spirit of Hope Award. Proceeds from the event will go toward the MMRF’s research efforts. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the MMRF website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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C3B3 May Be Active Against Multiple Myeloma Cancer Stem Cells – Results of a preclinical study conducted in Japan indicate that the antibody C3B3 is active in SP cells. SP cells are a specific kind of myeloma cell that demonstrate cancer stem cell-like activity. Specifically, the Japanese researchers found that C3B3 caused SP cell death and suppressed tumor formation. According to the researchers, the results suggest that C3B3 may overcome the drug resistance of myeloma cancer stem cells. They believe that targeting cancer stem cells may be an important approach in working toward a cure for myeloma.  For more information, please see the study in Leukemia (abstract).

XBP1 May Be A New Therapeutic Target For Multiple Myeloma – Results of a recent preclinical study show that reducing the amount of the protein XBP1 in the stem cells of myeloma patients significantly decreases activity of these cells in myeloma cell growth . XBP1 is a protein found in myeloma cells and in stem cells of myeloma patients. Stem cells that carry XBP1 play an essential role in the support of myeloma cell growth and bone destruction. The study investigators believe these findings warrant further investigation of therapeutic targets against XBP1 for the treatment of myeloma-related bone disease.  For more information, please see the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

New Blood Cancer Center To Open At The University Of Cincinnati Cancer Institute – The University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute will be opening the new Hematological Malignancies and Bone Marrow Transplantation center on September 3, 2012. Dr. Elias Anaissie, currently the deputy director of the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will be the director of the new center and will lead the multiple myeloma program. According to Dr. Anaissie, "achieving best myeloma outcomes and maximizing long-term health-related quality of life ... will be the overarching principles for the myeloma program."  Dr. Anaissie added that the new center's principles "will be implemented by individualizing treatment plans ...  and partnering with patients to reach a plan based on a shared decision between patient and physician."  The center’s website will be available soon.

MMRF Education Program – On March 31, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will be hosting an education program for multiple myeloma patients and their families in San Francisco, CA. Myeloma specialists will present on topics including treatment advances and clinical trials. Dr. Jeffrey Wolf of the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center will chair the event. For more information or to register, please visit the MMRF website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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Dr. Adam Cohen Joins The Myeloma Beacon’s Medical Advisor Team – Dr. Adam Cohen, an assistant professor of clinical oncology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, has joined The Myeloma Beacon’s team of Medical Advisors. Beacon Medical Advisors assist with answering medical questions posted in the Beacon’s multiple myeloma forums. For more information about getting medical advice answered in the forums, please see these instructions.

Senesco Technologies And Mayo Clinic To Begin Clinical Trial Of SNS01-T For Myeloma – On August 24, Senesco Technologies announced an agreement with the Mayo Clinic to conduct a clinical trial to study SNS01-T, an investigational drug that Senesco is developing for multiple myeloma. The trial will assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SNS01-T in relapsed as well as refractory multiple myeloma patients. The trial is expected to start by the end of September.  For more information, please see the Senesco website.

Retaspimycin Shows Modest Activity In Phase 1 Trial For Myeloma – Results from a Phase 1 clinical trial showed that retaspimycin hydrochloride (IPI-504), an investigational drug being developed by Infinity Pharmaceuticals, has modest activity in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients. Retaspimycin stabilized disease in four of eighteen patients participating in the trial. The most common side effect was pain at the infusion site.  All side effects were mild or moderate. For more information, see the study in the journal Leukemia and Lymphoma (abstract).

Boston Workshop For Multiple Myeloma Patients – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will hold a one-day workshop for myeloma patients and their families on September 9 in Boston. Dr. Paul Richardson, a myeloma expert from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will lead the program. Throughout the day, myeloma experts will talk about prognosis, treatments for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients, supportive care options, and clinical trials. The specialists will also be available to answer questions. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the program will run from 10 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. at the Westin Copley Place. For more information or to register, please see the MMRF website.

For a more detailed list of myeloma-related events, please see the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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Protein May Interfere With Revlimid Doses In The Body – Results of a recent small Phase 1 clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of Revlimid (lena­lido­mide) in com­bi­na­tion with Torisel (temsirolimus) suggest that P-glycoprotein, a protein that causes the removal of certain drugs from cells into the bloodstream, interferes with Revlimid dosing. High levels of P-glycoprotein in cancer cells may be the cause of drug resistance. The researchers observed higher than expected concentrations of Revlimid in the patients’ bloodstreams. Experiments in the lab showed that P-glycoprotein removed Revlimid from the cancer cells. The experiments also showed that the rate of removal was lower when Torisel was added to the experiments, which, according to the study authors, is evidence that the two drugs inter­act via P-glycoprotein. For more in­­for­ma­tion, please see the study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (abstract) or the Ohio State University Medical Center press release.

Phase 2 Trial Of Carfilzomib For Multiple Myeloma Is Recruiting Patients – The Multiple Myeloma Clinical Research Section at the National Cancer Institute is recruiting participants for a Phase 2 trial to test the effectiveness of the investigational drug carfilzomib in com­bi­na­tion with Revlimid and dexamethasone (Decadron) in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Patients will receive eight 28-day treat­ment cycles. Those who show at least stable disease after the treat­ment may con­tinue to receive 12 cycles of low-dose Revlimid main­te­nance ther­apy. In addi­tion to current standard, clinical methods for determining responses to the drugs, the researchers will use new molecular methods to assess response and to detect minimal residual disease. To par­tic­i­pate in the trial, please contact the research nurse, Mary Ann Yancey, at (301) 435-9227 or .

Chicago Area Workshop For Multiple Myeloma Patients – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation will hold a one-day educational workshop for myeloma patients and their family members on August 20 in Oak Brook, IL. The pro­gram will be led by Dr. Todd Zimmerman, a myeloma expert from the University of Chicago Medical Center. Throughout the day, myeloma experts will talk about treat­ments options for newly diagnosed and re­lapsed/refractory patients, including stem cell trans­plants, supportive care options, and clinical trials.  The specialists will also be available to answer questions.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the pro­gram will last from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Hamburger University at the Hyatt Lodge. For more in­­for­ma­tion or to register, please see the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation website. 

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.