It seems that one of the most common (and reviled) topics in the Beacon's columns and forums is dexa­meth­a­sone and its side effects.

For most of the 15 cycles I've been receiving treat­ment, I haven't had much in the way of side effects related to the dexamethasone (Decadron).  I certainly haven't experienced some of the significant issues that a lot of others have.

Recently however, the effects have been getting more noticeable.

Still, I hadn't planned on using it as a subject for a column, but as fate would have it, …

The results of the three major clinical trials investigating Revlimid maintenance therapy were published yesterday in three separate articles in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The articles were accompanied by an editorial summarizing the study findings and discussing their significance for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients.

All three clinical trials involved newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.  The patients in the trials first underwent initial treatment that in some cases included Revlimid (lenalidomide).  In two of the three trials, the initial treatment also included a stem cell transplant.

After the …

The results of a recent Swedish study indicate that the development of blood clots in the veins or arteries of multiple myeloma patients negatively affects survival outcomes.

The study investigators conclude that these findings warrant further studies to determine whether blood clot prevention measures can extend the survival of myeloma patients.

“There are effective ways to prevent venous and arterial thrombosis in myeloma patients; e.g, aspirin, heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and Pradaxa (dabigatran),” said Dr. Edward Libby of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, who was not involved with the …

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier today issued an extensive update regarding the risk of developing a second cancer while being treated with Revlimid.

The update comes on the heels of a change the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made to the prescribing information for Revlimid (lenalidomide) in March of this year.

The change involved the addition of a warning that patients being treated with Revlimid have an increased risk of developing a second cancer (see related Beacon news).

Today’s update by the FDA includes more specific details of the …

File this one away in the ‘I Don't Think They Love Me Anymore’ drawer.  Here’s how a recent phone call went:

“Thank you, Mr. Murray. I will be sure to mark this request urgent. Is there anything else that I may do for you?”

“Yes, there is, actually – and thanks for asking. According to my notes, there have been one, two, three, let’s see, at least six people who have told me that they’ve marked my request urgent and yet, after three months, my problem still isn’t fixed. I am beginning …

A recent study suggests that Mozobil helps multiple myeloma patients with prior exposure to Revlimid collect enough stem cells for transplantation.

The study investigators conclude that stem cell mobilization with the aid of a growth factor plus Mozobil (plerixafor) is an effective upfront approach for multiple myeloma patients who plan to undergo a transplant, regardless of previous Revlimid (lenalidomide) exposure.

“With growth factor and preemptive Mozobil, virtually all patients with multiple myeloma can have successful stem cell collection,” said Dr. Luciano Jose Costa of the Medical University of South Carolina, and …

The results of a Greek analysis show that elderly multiple myeloma patients do not respond as well to treatment as their younger counterparts. However, the results also show that novel agents extend the overall survival of elderly myeloma patients compared to conventional chemotherapy.

The Greek researchers point out that their analysis was retrospective in nature and that controlled clinical trials targeting the elderly population are necessary to properly assess their response to novel agents such as Velcade (bortezomib), thalidomide (Thalomid), and Revlimid (lenalidomide).

According to Dr. Ravi Vij of …