An Update of Treatments for Multiple Myeloma: Results from the 2006 American Society of Hematology Meeting

What is New in Multiple Myeloma? - Update From ASH 2005

Autologous Stem Cell Transplants for Multiple Myeloma: Proceedings from ASH 2004

Long-term Effects of Thalomid® for Treatment of Myeloma Reported (7/30/2008)
Three recent publications in Blood have confirmed that Thalomid® (thalidomide) is an important addition to treatment regimens for patients with multiple myeloma.

Does a 10-year 10% Continuous Complete Remission Rate for Myeloma Patients Suggest Cure? (6/19/2008)
Researchers from the University of Arkansas have reported a 10% continuous complete remission rate for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) who are treated with chemotherapy induction, tandem autotransplants, and interferon maintenance. These researchers also suggest that continued improvements in a “total therapy” (TT) approach should increase this 10% “cure” rate. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, May 30-June 2.

High-Dose Dexamethasone Increases Mortality Compared to Low-Dose Dexamethasone When Combined with Revlimid® (Lenolidomide) for Multiple Myeloma (1/18/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Eastern Cooperative Group (Study E4A03) have reported that Revlimid® (lenalidomide) plus high-dose dexamethasone (dex) is associated with a higher death rate than seen following Revlimid and low-dose dex for initial treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this randomized trial were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December in Atlanta, Georgia.

Better Responses to Revlimid® (Lenalidomide) and Dexamethasone Compared to Dexamethasone Alone for Initial Treatment of Multiple Myeloma (1/18/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group study 0232 have reported that Revlimid® (lenalidomide) plus high-dose (HD) dexamethasone (dex) results in a higher response rate than dex alone for initial treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this study were reported at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December in Atalanta, Georgia.

Velcade® (Bortezomib), Melphalan and Dexamethasone Improves Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who are not Transplant Candidates (1/16/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the VISTA international study have reported that VMP (Velcade® (bortezomib), melphalan and prednisone) improves survival of patients with multiple myeloma who are not candidates for stem cell transplantation compared to the classic MP (melphalan and prednisone) regimen. The details of this randomized study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December in Atlanta, Georgia.