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J&J Restores Full Access To Doxil – Johnson & Johnson announced last week that the company has restored full access to a reliable supply of Doxil (doxorubicin liposomal), which is approved in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) for previously treated multiple myeloma patients. Doxil has been in short supply since August 2011 after the company had announced delays in manufacturing a month earlier. Johnson & Johnson also announced last week that it will be suspending its Doxil CARES Physician Access Program, which it had created in response to the temporary Doxil shortage. For more information, please see the Doxil Supply website.

Study Shows No Link Between Tobacco Smoking And Multiple Myeloma – Results of a recent Greek analysis indicate that tobacco smoking does not increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma. The Greek researchers point out that their findings apply to both current and former smokers. The analysis was based on 40 studies, which included a total of approximately two million people. For more information, please see the study in The International Journal of Cancer (abstract).

Physical Activity Declines After Myeloma Diagnosis – Results of an Australian study show that levels of physical activity decline after people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The researchers identified fatigue, injuries, and pain as the strongest perceived barriers to participation in physical activity. However, they also found that 41 percent of patients were willing to participate in an exercise program if one was offered to them. Based on their findings, the researchers recommended that measures to increase physical activity should aim to decrease the perceived barriers. For more information, please see the study in Supportive Care in Cancer (pdf).

LLS Teleconference On Myeloma Diagnosis And Treatment – On October 30, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will sponsor a free teleconference call entitled “Myeloma Diagnosis and Treatment Update.”  The call will begin at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be led by Dr. Ruben Niesvizky from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City.  Dr. Niesvizky will speak about the goals of myeloma treatment, current treatments and emerging therapies, management of side effects, and the importance of patient and health care team communications.  After the talk, Dr. Niesvizky will answer questions from participants.  For more information or to register, please see the LLS website.