Earlier this year, an inter­na­tional group of myeloma experts pub­lished a review of ongoing re­search into new myeloma treat­ments.  This review not only described a wide range of po­ten­tial new myeloma treat­ments, but also in­cluded the experts' thoughts on where re­search into new treat­ments should go in the future.

Given the recent new drug appli­ca­tion for car­filz­o­mib and the upcoming annual meeting of the American Society of He­ma­tol­ogy -- which undoubtedly will host dis­cus­sions of many po­ten­tial new myeloma treat­ments -- it seems an appro­pri­ate time to go back to the experts' review from …

Results of a small, Phase 1/2 Australian study indicate that a combination of Istodax, Velcade, and dexamethasone may be effective in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients.

According to the study authors, patients who participated in the study achieved durable responses and experienced manageable treatment-related side effects with the Istodax combination treatment.

Based on their findings, the study authors concluded that the Istodax combination treatment warrants further evaluation.

“We continue to examine this combination on a [21-day] schedule. We are also planning a study of Revlimid and [Istodax] in a number of …

The results of a recent Phase 2 clinical trial indicate that the new drug Istodax, administered alone, is unlikely to achieve a significant response rate in therapy-resistant multiple myeloma patients. However, the results indicate that that Istodax may help stabilize M-protein production, resolve high calcium levels, or reduce bone pain in some multiple myeloma patients.

Istodax (romidepsin) is a cyclic peptide that inhibits an enzyme in cancer cells known as histone deacetylase (HDAC). By inhibiting HDAC, Istodax disrupts the cell cycle and causes cancer cell death. Istodax is marketed by Celgene Corporation …

Description:

Istodax is a bicyclic depsipeptide antibiotic that binds and inhibits an enzyme known as histone deacetylase (HDAC). It alters the production of protein from DNA, inhibits the cell cycle, and causes cancer cells to die. Istodax, received FDA approval in November 2009 for …

An American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting abstract describes initial results from an ongoing Phase 2 study of romidepsin combined with Velcade (bortezomib) for patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma.

Romidepsin is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). An HDACi is a compound that disrupts the function of enzymes called histone deacetylases, which contribute to the spread of myeloma.

Laboratory studies have determined that HDACis such as romidepsin significantly reduce the growth of myeloma cells. Additionally, HDACis can enhance the toxic effect of Velcade on myeloma cells.

According to the …