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SF1126 Shows Promise As A Treatment Option For Myeloma Patients – Findings from a preclinical study suggest that the Semafore Pharmaceuticals’ investigational drug SF1126 may have anti-myeloma activity and may enhance the effect of Velcade (bortezomib). Similar to perifosine and GDC-0941, SF1126 works by inhibiting an enzyme in cancer cells known as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). This disrupts the cell division cycles and triggers cancer cell death. The investigators found that SF1126 inhibited myeloma growth by 94 percent and was particularly effective when administered in combination with Velcade. Based on their results, the investigators recommend that SF1126 be tested in combination with Velcade in a Phase 1 clinical trial. For more information, please refer to the study in Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology (abstract).

Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial To Study PVX-410 In Patients With Smoldering Myeloma – The pharmaceutical company OncoPep has launched a Phase 1/2 trial of the investigational cancer vaccine PVX-410 in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma. PVX-410 is a therapeutic cancer vaccine that targets specific proteins found on the surface of myeloma cells. Preclinical studies have shown that PVX-410 may be effective in stimulating the immune system to kill myeloma cells. For more information on the Phase 1 trial, including trial locations, please see the clinical trial description.

Mixed Exercise Program May Be Safe And Improve Quality of Life Of Multiple Myeloma Patients – Results from a recent British study show that a mixed exercise program may be feasible, safe, and may improve the quality of life of myeloma patients. Additionally, the program may help patients regain muscle strength. According to the investigators, only a small number of previous studies have evaluated the impact of exercise programs on myeloma patient health and quality of life. Thus, the researchers developed an exercise program, which consisted of both gym and at-home workouts, and tested it with 37 myeloma patients in a single-arm clinical trial. The program included cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, as well as weight lifting to improve muscle strength. The researchers found that a majority of the patients adhered to the program and that their upper limb strength and measures of quality of life improved. They noted, however, that their findings need to be confirmed by a randomized trial. For more information, please see the study in the journal BMC Cancer (abstract, which includes a link to a provisional full-text version of the article in PDF form).

Researchers Identify Factors Associated With Infection During Velcade Treatment – Korean researchers recently found that, among patients receiving treatment with Velcade, those who had severely low levels of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and those who received less than eight cycles of treatment were more likely to experience severe infection during their treatment.  Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that patients on Velcade be closely monitored during early treatment cycles for signs of severely low lymphocytes levels. For more information, please refer to the study in the International Journal of Hematology (abstract).