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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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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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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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Health Canada Approves Subcutaneous Velcade – Janssen, the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary that markets Velcade (bortezomib) outside of the United States, announced last week that Health Canada has approved the subcutaneous (under-the-skin) administration of Velcade for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Subcutaneous Velcade has been shown to be as effective as intravenous Velcade but is associated with fewer and less severe side effects. The Canadian approval follows the approval of subcutaneous Velcade in the U.S. in January (see related Beacon news). For more information, please see the Janssen press release.

Threshold Pharmaceuticals Begins Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial Of TH-302 For Multiple Myeloma – Threshold Pharmaceuticals last week announced the start of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its investigational drug TH-302 for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of TH-302 alone or in combination with Velcade in myeloma patients who have received at least two prior lines of therapy. TH-302 is a drug that is activated under low oxygen level conditions, which are common in tumors and the bone marrow of people with blood cancers. It is currently also being investigated in a range of solid tumors. For more information about the study or enrollment, please see the Threshold press release or the clinical trial description.

MUC1-2-VNTR Vaccine May Be Active Against Myeloma – The results of a recent preclinical study demonstrate that the DNA vaccine MUC1-2-VNTR delays tumor growth and extends the survival time of mice with multiple myeloma. The vaccine produces an immune response that specifically targets tumors, showing promise as a potential treatment for myeloma. For more information, see the study in Oncology Reports (abstract).

Living With Myeloma Conference – On March 24, the Arizona Myeloma Network will be hosting a free, regional conference for myeloma patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Presentations by myeloma experts will address developments in myeloma research, treatment issues, and supportive care services. For more information or to register, please visit the Arizona Myeloma Network website.

IMF Patient And Family Seminar – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be holding a seminar for multiple myeloma patients and their families on March 23 and 24 in Seattle, WA. Dr. Brian Durie from the Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Bill Bensinger from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and Dr. Keith Stewart from the Mayo Clinic Arizona will present on topics including treatment advances, managing side effects, and new 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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Inhibition Of MAGE-C1/CT7 Increases Sensitivity Of Myeloma Cells To Velcade – Results of a recent Brazilian study show that inhibiting the MAGE-C1/CT7 gene in myeloma cells increases their sensitivity to Velcade (bortezomib). Specifically, researchers found that Velcade decreased the number of dividing myeloma cells by 48 percent when the cells were inhibited from activating the MAGE-C1/CT7 gene; in comparison, when the cells were allowed to activate the gene, Velcade decreased the number of dividing myeloma cells by between 9 percent and 13 percent. The researchers also observed an increased frequency of programmed cell death when inhibited myeloma cells were treated with Velcade. Based on these results, the study authors concluded that the MAGE-C1/CT7 gene protects myeloma cells against the anti-cancer effects of Velcade. They speculated that targeting this gene could be a strategy for future multiple myeloma therapies. For more information, please see the article in the journal PLoS ONE.

GO-Y030 And GO-Y078 Inhibit Myeloma Cell Growth – Results of a recent Japanese study indicate that the molecules GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 suppress the growth of myeloma cells by inhibiting signaling pathways within the cells. GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 are synthetic variants of curcumin, a substance found in the Indian spice turmeric. In this study, researchers found that GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 were 7 to 12 times more effective at suppressing the growth of myeloma cells than curcumin. Moreover, GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 were 6 to 15 times more effective at inhibiting signaling pathways in myeloma cells and 14 times more effective at suppressing production of interleukin-6, a protein responsible for myeloma cell growth. Based on these results, the study authors concluded that GO-Y030 and GO-Y078 are potential candidates for future anti-myeloma therapies. For more information, please see the article in the journal Anticancer Research (abstract).

LLS Web Cast: Making Cancer Treatment Decisions – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will be hosting a web cast tomorrow at 1 p.m. EST about making cancer treatment decisions. Topics covered include questions patients should ask to make informed treatment decisions, benefits and risks of standard treatments, clinical trial design and participation, and financial considerations related to cancer treatment. Dr. Gail J. Roboz of Weill Medical College in New York and Beth Patterson of Mission Delivery in Hampton, VA will speak at the event. For more information about the event or to register, please visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma website.

Multiple Myeloma Educational Program – An educational program for multiple myeloma patients will be held on December 7 in St. Louis, MO. Multiple myeloma specialist Dr. Keith Stockerl-Goldstein will speak about treatment options for myeloma patients as well as answer patients’ questions. Multiple myeloma patient Karl V. will also speak about his experiences. Registration will begin at 6 p.m., and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Millennium, the manufacturer of Velcade. For more information or to register, please call 1-866-508-6181.

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

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Reduced-Dose Velcade-Thalidomide-Dexamethasone Is Effective For Newly Diagnosed Myeloma – Recently published results from a French study show that the com­bi­na­tion of reduced-dose Velcade (bor­tez­o­mib) and thalidomide (Thalomid) plus dexamethasone (Decadron) is safer and more effective than standard-dose Velcade plus dexa­meth­a­sone for the treat­ment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The results were pre­vi­ously presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in June 2010. Results showed that after four cycles of ther­apy, patients who received the reduced-dose three-drug com­bi­na­tion had a significantly higher response rate and experienced fewer side effects than patients receiving the standard-dose regi­men. The same group of patients con­tinued to have a higher response rate after stem cell trans­planta­tion. For a more detailed summary of the results, please see the Beacon’s coverage of the ASCO presentation or the study in the journal Blood (abstract).

Phase 3 Clinical Trial Investigating The Need For Stem Cell Transplantation Is Recruiting Myeloma Patients – Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients under the age of 65 years are being recruited at various cancer centers across the United States for a Phase 3 clinical trial that will in­ves­ti­gate whether stem cell trans­plants are necessary in the era of novel agents.  All participants will be treated with a com­bi­na­tion of Revlimid (lena­lido­mide), Velcade, and dexa­meth­a­sone.  Half of the patients will then also receive a stem cell trans­plant.  Based on the results, researchers will determine whether stem cell trans­planta­tion sig­nificantly extends pro­gres­sion-free survival. For more in­­for­ma­tion or to enroll, please see the clinical trial description.

Teleconference On Clinical Trial Participation – On Thursday, the Inter­na­tional Myeloma Foundation will sponsor a teleconference about the importance of participating in clinical trials.  Dr. Brian Durie, a myeloma specialist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, will discuss the Phase 3 clinical trial comparing carfilzomib-Revlimid-dexamethasone and Revlimid-dexamethasone alone.  The call will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT.  For more in­­for­ma­tion, please see the International Myeloma Foundation website.

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