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Subcutaneous Velcade Injections Show Similar Efficacy But Fewer Side Effects Than IV Injections For Myeloma Patients – Results of a recent French study show that subcutaneous injections of Velcade (bortezomib) produce similar efficacy but fewer side effects for myeloma patients compared to IV injections. Dr. Philippe Moreau, the study’s lead investigator, first presented the results at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting last December. The study authors compared the responses of 148 patients who received subcutaneous Velcade injections with 74 patients who received IV injections. They found that after receiving eight cycles of treatment, patients in both groups had similar response rates, median time to progression, and overall survival, but the frequency and severity of side effects were significantly lower in the patients who received subcutaneous injections. For a more detailed summary of the results, please see the Beacon’s coverage of Dr. Moreau’s presentation at ASH or the study in Lancet Oncology (abstract). 

XTL Biopharmaceuticals Seeks FDA Orphan Drug Status Of Its Red Blood Cell Stimulator For Myeloma – The Israeli biopharmaceutical company XTL Biopharmaceuticals has requested that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grant orphan status to its red blood cell-stimulating agent erythropoietin for multiple myeloma. The compound is currently undergoing a Phase 2 clinical trial. Orphan status applies to drugs that treat rare diseases affecting under 200,000 Americans per year. It would grant incentives to XTL Biopharmaceuticals for developing erythropoietin, including shortened approval procedures, tax breaks on research and development costs, and financial assistance. For more information, please see the XTL Biopharmaceuticals press release.

Low Angiopoietin-1 To Angiopoietin-2 Ratio May Be Associated With Shorter Survival In Myeloma Patients – Results of a recent study involving 174 newly diagnosed myeloma patients show that a low angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2 ratio may be associated with a poorer prognosis for myeloma patients, including shorter survival and a higher frequency of kidney problems and extensive bone disease. Angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 belong to a category of proteins involved in the formation and development of new blood vessels. The study authors found that patients with an angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2 ratio equal to or below the median ratio had a median survival of 26.3 months compared to 53 months for other patients. The study authors also observed a decreased angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2 ratio mostly in patients who previously received therapy with novel agents. For more information, please see the article in the International Journal of Cancer (abstract).

MMRF Founder And CEO Kathy Giusti Named In List Of Top 100 Most Influential People In The World – Kathy Giusti, founder and CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in the May 2 issue of TIME Magazine. Giusti was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1996 at the age of 37. After receiving high-dose chemotherapy as well as a stem cell transplant in 2006, Giusti has been in remission to the present day. Giusti founded the MMRF in 1998. Since then, the organization has raised over $165 million for myeloma research. In 2004, she founded the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium to focus on conducting Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials of myeloma drugs. In addition, Giusti has served on the Cancer Leadership Council and the National Cancer Policy Board of the Institute of Medicine, and currently serves on the National Cancer Advisory Board. For more information, please see the MMRF press release.