A recent retrospective study finds that initial treatment with Revlimid may not prevent myeloma patients from collecting enough stem cells for transplantation.

Many of the study's results confirm the findings of previous research, which has shown that Revlimid (lenalidomide) reduces a patient's ability to mobilize stem cells for stem cell collection (see related Beacon news).

However, only 2 percent of the patients in the new study were unable to mobilize enough stem cells for at least a single transplant, and this low overall rate of mobilization failure was the same in patients who …

A recent study suggests that Mozobil helps multiple myeloma patients with prior exposure to Revlimid collect enough stem cells for transplantation.

The study investigators conclude that stem cell mobilization with the aid of a growth factor plus Mozobil (plerixafor) is an effective upfront approach for multiple myeloma patients who plan to undergo a transplant, regardless of previous Revlimid (lenalidomide) exposure.

“With growth factor and preemptive Mozobil, virtually all patients with multiple myeloma can have successful stem cell collection,” said Dr. Luciano Jose Costa of the Medical University of South Carolina, and …

Results of a recent Italian study show that Neupogen and Neulasta are comparable in efficacy and safety for the prevention and treatment of low white blood cell counts in multiple myeloma patients receiving outpatient stem cell transplants.

However, patients who were treated with Neulasta only received one injection after the transplant, which according to the study authors may be more convenient for the patients.

“In our experience, the possibility of a single [injection] is more comfortable for patients, mainly in an outpatient regimen,” said Dr. Felicetto Ferrara of the Cardarelli Hospital in …

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 …