An international group of myeloma researchers has recently identified five genetic variations that may be associated with an increased risk of developing thalidomide-related peripheral neuropathy.  Several of these genes are involved in repairing nerves or controlling inflammation in the peripheral nervous system.

The researchers indicated that these genetic variations may be a tool to help identify patients who are at a greater risk of developing thalidomide-related peripheral neuropathy.

However, the researchers pointed out that their findings were based on data from patients who received intermediate doses of thalidomide and who developed the …

The results of a recent Japanese study suggest that a vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone regimen without intermittent high-dose dexamethasone reduces the risk of bacterial infection in multiple myeloma patients without affecting the treatment’s efficacy. 

Based on these findings, the study authors recommended avoiding the administration of intermittent high-dose dexamethasone with the vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone regimen in myeloma patients at high risk for infection. 

The combination treatment of vincristine (Oncovin), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and dexamethasone (Decadron) plus high-dose pulses of dexamethasone (referred to as VAD-HD) was first approved as a treatment for advanced multiple myeloma.

It …