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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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Myeloma Beacon To Launch Sponsorship Program – To continue expanding the content and services it provides the myeloma community, The Myeloma Beacon will launch a sponsorship program on September 6.  Sponsors will include myeloma treatment centers, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations and individuals. Participation in the program will give sponsors a way to support the Beacon's mission of providing objective news and information to patients and caregivers, while also providing sponsors greater visibility within the myeloma community.

Dr. Peter Voorhees Joins The Myeloma Beacon’s Medical Advisor Team – Dr. Peter Voorhees, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 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.

Modified Versions Of Ecstasy Could Treat Cancer – Researchers have made modified forms of the illegal drug ecstasy (MDMA) that kill white blood cell cancers 100 times more effectively than ecstasy itself.  Ecstasy has been known to kill cancers involving white blood cells, such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma.  However, the doses of ecstasy necessary to treat cancer would be lethal to the patient.  The new, more potent forms have the potential to be safe at therapeutic doses.  For more information, see the study in the journal Investigational New Drugs (abstract).

Teleconference On Living Well With Myeloma – Tomorrow, the International Myeloma Foundation will sponsor a teleconference about living well with multiple myeloma.  Timothy Tyler, director of pharmacy services at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, CA, will speak about drug interactions and contraindications (conditions making a particular drug or procedure inadvisable) as they pertain to myeloma treatments, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.  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.

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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.

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U.K. Agency Approves Thalidomide And Velcade For Newly Diagnosed Myeloma Patients – The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the agency that decides which treatments will be funded for patients in England and Wales, approved funding for thalidomide (Thalomid) and Velcade (bortezomib) for certain newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.  According to the final guidelines, NICE approved thalidomide for patients ineligible for stem cell transplantation.  Due to Velcade’s higher cost, it was approved for the same patients only if they are unable to tolerate thalidomide.  Both drugs are supposed to be given in combination with an alkylating agent – e.g., melphalan (Alkeran) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) – and a corticosteroid – e.g., dexamethasone (Decadron) or prednisone.  For more information, see the NICE website.

Australian Myeloma Specialist Receives Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Douglas Joshua, a myeloma expert at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia, received the Robert A. Kyle lifetime achievement award last month from the International Myeloma Foundation for his work over the past 40 years in the field of multiple myeloma.  Dr. Joshua is the head of the Myeloma Research Unit and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at his hospital and has led basic and clinical research in myeloma.  For more information, see the Sydney Central.

San Diego Area Workshop For Myeloma Patients And Family – The International Myeloma Foundation will hold a free, one-day workshop for myeloma patients and their family members on August 13 in La Jolla, CA.  Myeloma specialist Dr. Morie Gertz from the Mayo Clinic and two other guest speakers will discuss topics important to myeloma patients and answer attendees’ questions.  The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Sheraton La Jolla and will last until 3 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.  For more information or to register, see the International Myeloma Foundation website.

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

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J&J Announces Shortage Of Doxil – Johnson & Johnson announced manufacturing delays last week that will result in a temporary shortage of Doxil (doxorubicin liposomal), which is approved in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) for previously treated multiple myeloma patients.  The company is estimating that shipments of Doxil will resume in late August and asked physicians not to start any new patients on Doxil until then.  Last month, the company informed doctors about the potential shortage so physicians could discuss treatment options with their patients who might be affected by the shortage.  For more information, see the Johnson & Johnson announcement about the shortage.  Updates on the situation will be available on the Doxil website.

Children Raise $8.4 Million In Spare Change To Support LLS – Students across the United States recently raised $8.4 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to fund research for blood cancers, including multiple myeloma, as well as provide services and support for blood cancer patients. The students put collection jars in their classrooms and collected spare change over a three-week period during this past school year.  The top fundraising class at each school received a pasta party from Olive Garden.  Over the past 17 years, this program has raised more than $61 million for the LLS.  For more information, see the Olive Garden press release.

Multiple Myeloma Educational Program – An educational program for multiple myeloma patients will be held on August 6 in Richmond, VA. A physician specializing in multiple myeloma will talk about treatment options for myeloma patients as well as answer attendee’s questions. A multiple myeloma patient will also speak about his experiences. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the program will start at 10 a.m. at the Westin Richmond. The event is sponsored by Millennium, the manufacturer of Velcade. For more information, see the Beacon event description or 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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University Of Arkansas Begins Phase 2 Study Of Natural Killer Cell Therapy For Multiple Myeloma – Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are cur­rently recruiting high-risk, re­lapsed multiple myeloma patients to par­tic­i­pate in a Phase 2 clin­i­cal trial investigating the effectiveness of natural killer cell ther­apy. A natural killer cell is a type of white blood cell that fights cancer cells. Participants will be treated with Velcade (bor­tez­o­mib) as well as natural killer cell infusions and protein infusions that increase natural killer cell activity.  Natural killer cells for each participant will be obtained from a family member, if avail­able, or from the patient directly. Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 75. If interested in participating in the study, please contact Dr. Bijay Nair at . For more in­for­ma­tion, see the clinical trial description and results from a Phase 1 study of this ther­apy.

National Cancer Institute To Begin Phase 1 Study Of Reolysin For Multiple Myeloma – Oncolytics Biotech, the com­pany devel­op­ing the drug Reolysin, recently announced plans for a Phase 1 clin­i­cal trial investigating the effectiveness of Reolysin in re­lapsed multiple myeloma patients. Reolysin is a formulation of a common human virus that is able to infect and kill certain cancer cells, including myeloma cells. The study is sponsored by the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program of the U.S. National Cancer Institute and is not yet recruiting participants. For more in­for­ma­tion, please see the Oncolytics press release.

Multiple Myeloma Education Programs – Two educational pro­grams for multiple myeloma patients will be held on May 21. Dr. Robert Vescio will speak at the event held in Riverside, CA, and Dr. Ruben Niesvizky will speak at the event in Albany, NY. The physicians will also answer patients’ questions. In addi­tion, a multiple myeloma patient will speak at each pro­gram. Attendees can also connect with others at the event who have been affected by myeloma. Both events are sponsored by Millennium. For more in­for­ma­tion, please see the Beacon event descriptions (Riverside, Albany). To register, 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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Millennium And Takeda Apply For FDA Approval Of Subcutaneous Velcade – Millennium and Takeda, the companies that market Velcade, have submitted an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of Velcade (bortezomib) to be administered subcutaneously (injected into the fat just below the skin).  Currently, Velcade is approved to be administered intravenously.  Recent results have shown that subcutaneous Velcade is as effective as IV Velcade, but subcutaneous administration reduces the frequency and seriousness of side effects.  In particular, the rate of peripheral neuropathy (pain and tingling in the extremities) dropped from 16 percent to 6 percent.  Additionally, many patients may consider subcutaneous injections more convenient because they can be administered from home.  For more information, see the Millennium press release or the Beacon’s coverage of the results comparing the efficacy and side effects of the two routes of administration.

Highlights From The 13^th International Myeloma Workshop – The 13^th International Myeloma Workshop will be held in Paris tomorrow through Friday.  Staff from The Myeloma Beacon will be attending and reporting live from the meeting.  The Beacon’s coverage will include brief “as it happens” summaries of presentations to be posted to the Beacon forums as well as daily update articles that summarize the day’s events and key presentations.  Discussion threads have been created in the forums for each day of the meeting (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4).  All Beacon readers are welcome to participate in the discussions.  The Beacon’s coverage of the Workshop is made possible in part by financial support from the Tackle Cancer Foundation.

After the conclusion of the Workshop, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) will sponsor a teleconference for patients and caregivers in which myeloma specialists will present highlights from the meeting.  Dr. Thierry Facon from the University of Lille in France as well as Dr. Paul Richardson from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will present the latest advances in myeloma treatment.  Their presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.  The call will take place on May 6 from noon till 1 p.m. Eastern time.  For more information or to register, see the MMRF event website.

Multiple Myeloma Education Programs – Two educational programs for multiple myeloma patients will be held on May 14.  Dr. Jeff Wolf will speak at the event held in San Jose, CA, and Dr. Ronjay Rakkit will speak at the event in Houston.  The physicians will also answer patients’ questions.  In addition, a multiple myeloma patient will speak at each program.  Attendees can also connect with others at the event who have been affected by myeloma. Both events are sponsored by Millennium. For more information, see the Beacon event descriptions (San Jose, Houston).  To register, call 1-866-508-6181.