A group of multiple myeloma experts from the International Myeloma Working Group recently published a review of management strategies for drug-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with multiple myeloma.

This Beacon article, the first in a three-part series describes peripheral neuropathy and summarizes the symptoms of drug-induced neuropathy as well as the risk of developing neuropathy associated with myeloma therapies.

A second Beacon article will discuss the experts’ recommendations for the treatment of drug-induced peripheral neuropathy, and a third article will summarize their recommendations for prevention of peripheral …

I, like probably many multiple myeloma survivors, experience peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that is a result of nerve damage. It is commonly found in diabetes patients and older people, as well as those of us with multiple myeloma.

Symptoms include numbness in the hands and feet, loss of balance, trouble writing, opening jars, trouble with buttons or zippers, and/or pain in various parts of the body.

Sometimes people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy experience something best described as “stingers”--shooting nerve pain which can race up and down their body …

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 …

A follow-up analysis of recent trial results suggests that reducing Velcade administration from twice weekly to once weekly when given in combination with melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide reduces side effects in elderly multiple myeloma patients.  The less frequent administration did not affect the efficacy of the treatment.

The researchers had reported earlier this summer that the addition of thalidomide (Thalomid) to Velcade (bortezomib), melphalan (Alkeran), and prednisone (referred to as VMPT), followed by long-term treatment with Velcade and thalidomide (VT), improved response rates and progression-free survival in elderly …

A recent study conducted in Spain demonstrated that for multiple myeloma patients treated with Velcade, prior vincristine-based treatment and the absence of neurological monitoring are factors that may increase the risk of developing nerve damage in their limbs.

The study authors suggested that patients be given a clinical and neurological assessment prior to treatment with Velcade.  If the patients’ resulting score is high enough to suggest the development of a severe form of Velcade-induced nerve damage, patients should continue to be monitored during Velcade therapy.

Velcade (bortezomib) is a neurotoxic therapy, meaning …

Yesterday was the fourth day of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago. Although today is the final day of the meeting, the multiple myeloma-related sessions concluded yesterday.

The day began with a meeting-wide session to review the highlights of the previous day across all cancer types. There were six presentations, and despite all of the types of cancers being discussed at the meeting, an entire presentation was devoted to myeloma.

Dr. Jean-Luc Harousseau from the Rene Gauducheau Cancer Center in France presented the myeloma highlights. He described …

Leading myeloma specialists from across Europe recently published an article in the journal The Oncologist that summarized the current treatment options and availability of therapeutic agents for multiple myeloma patients in Europe. This article, Part 4 in the series, summarizes the European authors’ recommendations for the management of side effects.

The European authors provided recommendations for managing side effects related to novel agent use in myeloma patients. The recommendations are similar to how the side effects are managed in the United States.

Blood Clots

Blood clots are one of the …