The results of a small, retrospective analysis show that stem cell transplants may be safe and feasible in multiple myeloma patients over the age of 70.

Based on their findings, the authors of the analysis concluded that older patients should not be excluded from stem cell transplants based on age alone.

However, according to Dr. Ashraf Badros, from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, who was not involved in the study, further trials are needed to confirm and extend these findings so that physicians have a firm basis for …

According to a recent Greek study, elderly myeloma patients who relapse early after receiving therapy with novel agents have a significantly shorter overall survival time compared to patients who remain in remission longer. In addition, results showed that a poorer quality of response to treatment with novel agents is associated with early relapse in these patients. 

“This study confirms other data that a [better quality of] response argues for a good outcome in patients with myeloma,” said Dr. Edward Libby from the University of New Mexico Cancer Center in Albuquerque who was …

A drug combination including Revlimid (lenalidomide) as both an induction and maintenance therapy increases progression-free survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients over the age of 65 years, new Phase 3 research suggests. Researchers presented the preliminary results of the MM-015 clinical trial on December 7 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans.

Currently, Revlimid is only approved in combination with dexamethasone (Decadron) to treat relapsed multiple myeloma patients, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration. This trial’s findings …

A recent study in the April issue of Blood compared combination treatment regimens for elderly myeloma patients.

The study found that elderly multiple myeloma patients undergoing treatment with melphalan (Alkeran) and prednisone , known as an MP regimen, enjoyed higher 1-year and overall survival rates than those undergoing treatment with thalidomide (Thalomid) and dexamethasone (Decadron), known as a TD regimen. The combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone resulted in greater tumor reduction, but it did not ultimately translate to better outcome, due to the high rate of fatal toxicities. …