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Multiple Myeloma - Stage I/Smoldering Myeloma
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New Velcade®-melphalan Transplant Regimen for Multiple Myeloma (11/20/2009)
Researchers from France have reported encouraging results with adding Velcade® (bortezomib) to high-dose melphalan followed by autologus stem cell infusion for initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The details of this Phase II study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on November 2, 2009.
Addition of Thalomid® to Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation May Improve Outcomes in Patients with Myeloma (10/23/2009)
Researchers from Italy have reported that “the addition of first-line thalidomide to double ASCT [autologous stem cell transplant] improved clinical outcomes” for patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this study appeared in the October 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Pomalidomide Active for Treatment of Anemia of Myelofibrosis (8/21/2009)
Researchers involved in an international trial have reported that pomalidomide is active for the treatment of anemia associated with myelofibrosis. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 3, 2009.
Pesticides Linked to Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) (7/1/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that individuals who apply pesticides to crops are twice as likely as the general population to develop monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which can lead to multiple myeloma. The details of this study appeared in the June 18, 2009 issue of Blood.
Formaldehyde Exposure May Increase Risk of Blood and Lymphatic Cancers (6/25/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that industrial workers who are exposed to formaldehyde may be at an increased risk of dying from blood and lymphohematopoietic malignancies, particularly myeloid leukemia but also Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Mozobil™ Increases Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Harvests in Myeloma Patients (5/7/2009)
Researchers from several U.S. medical centers have reported that the addition of Mozobil® (plerixafor, AMD3100) to Neupogen® (filgrastim) significantly increases the efficiency of autologous peripheral blood stem cell harvests in patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on April 10, 2009.
Thalidomid® Consolidation After Autologous Transplant Improves Outcomes in Myeloma (4/14/2009)
Researchers from Australia have reported that one year of low-dose Thalomid® (thalidomide) after a single autologous transplant prolongs survival of patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this study appeared in the April 10, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
In-vitro Studies Suggest that Green Tea May Interfere with Velcade® (3/17/2009)
Researchers from the University of Southern California have reported that consumption of green tea may be contraindicated for patients who are receiving treatment with Velcade® (bortezomib), as the polyphenols in green tea may negate the therapeutic benefits of the drug. The details of this in-vitro study were announced in an early online publication in Blood on February 3, 2009.
New Agents for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Presented at ASH 2008 (1/23/2009)
At the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco in December, there were several oral presentations of new and promising agents for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.
Revlimid® Combinations for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Reported at ASH 2008 (1/23/2009)
At the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December there were several oral presentations on the outcomes of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma where Revlimid® (lenalidomide) was incorporated into the induction or maintenance regimens.
Velcade® Combinations for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma at ASH 2008 (1/22/2009)
At the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December in San Francisco, there were several oral presentations on the outcomes of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma where Velcade® (bortezomib) was incorporated into the induction regimen.
Zometa® Decreases Skeletal-related Events but Does Not Improve Time to Progression in Patients with Asymptomatic Untreated Myeloma (9/25/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported that the administration of Zometa® (zoledronic acid) decreases skeletal-related events in patients with untreated asymptomatic multiple myeloma but does not improve time to progression. The details of this study appeared in the October 1, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Thalomid® in Induction Improves Progression-free Survival in Elderly with Myeloma (9/11/2008)
An Italian multicenter randomized trial has determined that elderly patients with multiple myeloma treated with Thalomid® (thalidomide) in addition to melphalan and prednisone (MP) have an improved response rate and delayed time to relapse but not an improved survival compared with patients receiving MP alone. The details of this study were originally published in the March 11, 2006, issue of The Lancet and updated in an early online publication in Blood on April 1, 2008.
Velcade®, Melphalan, and Prednisone Improves Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Not Eligible for Transplant (9/3/2008)
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 with 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, and have now been published in the August 28, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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.
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) Adds to Effectiveness of Thalomid® (Thalidomide) and Dexamethasone for Myeloma (1/14/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Italian Myeloma Network have reported that a regimen of Velcade (bortezomib), Thalomid (thalidomide) and dexamethasone (VDT) results in a higher complete response rate than Thalomid and dexamethasone (TD) for the 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.
Melphalan, Prednisone and Revlimid for Induction Theapy of Multiple Myeloma (10/12/2007)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a regime of melphalan, prednisone and Revlimid (lenalidomide) produces a partial response or greater in 81% of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this study appeared in the October 1, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Thalomid®/Melphalan/Prednisone in Newly Diagnosed Elderly Multiple Myeloma Patients (10/12/2007)
Researchers from France have reported that the addition of Thalomid (thalidomide) to standard melphalan/prednisone (MP) improves progression-free and overall survival compared to either MP or MEL-100 and autologous stem cell support in newly diagnosed, elderly multiple myeloma patients. The researchers suggested that Thalomid/MP (MPT) become the new reference treatment in future clinical trials for newly diagnosed, elderly multiple myeloma patients. The results from this Phase III trial were presented at a plenary session at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2006 and full details were published in the October 6, 2007 issue of the Lancet.
VAD-Doxil®/Thalomid® Confirmed Better than VAD-Doxil® for Myeloma (8/20/2007)
Researchers from Greece have reported that VAD (vincristine, liposomal doxorubicin and dexamethasone)-Doxil plus Thalomid (thalidomide) improves response and progression-free survival rates in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this randomized study were published in the August, 2007 issue of Annals of Oncology.
Obesity Increases Risk of Multiple Myeloma (7/30/2007)
Researchers from Harvard have reported that being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing multiple myeloma. The details of this study appeared as an early on-line publication in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.
Study Tracks Progression from Smoldering to Active Multiple Myeloma (6/28/2007)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that the risk of progression from smoldering to symptomatic myeloma is related to the proportion of bone marrow plasma cells and the serum monoclonal protein level at the time of diagnosis. The details of this study appeared in the June 21, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Allogeneic Superior to Autologous Stem Cell Transplants for Multiple Myeloma (3/16/2007)
Researchers from Italy have reported that patients with multiple myeloma have a better survival after receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant following an autologous stem cell transplant than following tandem autologous stem cell transplantation. The details of this study appeared in the March 15, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Erythropoietin May Improve Immune Function of Patients with Multiple Myeloma (12/4/2006)
Researchers from Israel have reported that the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO, Procrit®) improves a variety of immunologic parameters and functions in patients with multiple myeloma.
Velcade®, Alkeran® and Prednisone Effective for Elderly with Multiple Myeloma (9/25/2006)
A multicenter Spanish study has demonstrated that the addition of Velcade (bortezomib) to standard Alkeran (melphalan) and prednisone (MP) may improve outcomes of newly diagnosed elderly patients with multiple myeloma compared to historical controls receiving MP.
Thalomid®, Doxil® and Dexamethasone Effective in Elderly with Myeloma (9/22/2006)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a regimen of Thalomid (thalidomide), Doxil® (Caelyx® in Europe) (pegylated doxorubicin) and dexamethasone is very effective and well tolerated in elderly patients with multiple myeloma.
Thalomid® Plus Dexamethasone Superior to Dexamethasone Alone for Treatment of Multiple Myeloma (7/5/2006)
A multicenter randomized trial has determined that a regimen Thalomid (thalidomide) and dexamethasone is superior to dexamethasone alone for the initial treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The details of this large randomized trial were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Atlanta.
Thalomid®/Melphalan/Prednisone: New Reference Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Elderly Multiple Myeloma Patients? (6/13/2006)
Researchers from France have reported that the addition of Thalomid (thalidomide) to the standard melphalan/prednisone (MP) improves progression-free and overall survival compared to either MP or MEL-100 and autologous stem cell support in newly diagnosed, elderly multiple myeloma patients.
Thalomid® Approved for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (5/30/2006)
On May 26, 2006. the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Thalomid (thalidomide) in combination with the steroid dexamethasone for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants Tolerated by Elderly Patients with NHL or Multiple Myeloma (5/3/2006)
Two recent articles published in Bone Marrow Transplantation suggest that advanced age alone should not be a limiting factor for treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) or multiple myeloma with autologous stem cell transplantation.
Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance Defined (4/5/2006)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have determined that 3.2% of persons 50 years or older have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
U.S. Study Fails to Confirm Benefits of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Myeloma (3/14/2006)
Researchers affiliated with three North American cooperative groups (SWOG, ECOG, CALGB) have reported that patients randomly allocated to receive an autologous stem cell transplant following a total body irradiation- (TBI) based regimen had similar outcomes to patients receiving a chemotherapy regimen without stem cell support.
Thalomid® in Induction Improves Response Rates in Elderly with Myeloma (3/14/2006)
An Italian multicenter randomized trial has determined that elderly patients with multiple myeloma treated with Thalomid (thalidomide) in addition to melphalan and prednisone (MP) have an improved response rate and delayed time to relapse compared to patients receiving MP alone.
Thalomid® Not Associated with Survival Improvement in Multiple Myeloma (3/13/2006)
Researchers from the University of Arkansas have reported that the addition of thalidomide to autologous stem cell transplantation does not improve survival for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Doxil® in the VAD Regimen for Myeloma Confirmed Less Toxic Than Adriamycin® (2/28/2006)
A U.S. multicenter trial has reported that a regimen of Doxil (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin), vincristine and dexamethasone is associated with less toxicity than the conventional Adriamycin- (doxorubicin) based (VAD) induction regimen for multiple myeloma.
TreandaTM (Bendamustine) Plus Prednisone Superior to Melphalan Plus Prednisone for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma (1/27/2006)
Researchers from Germany have reported that induction therapy with intravenous Treanda™ (bendamustine) plus prednisone improves the complete remission rate, prolongs time to treatment failure and improves quality of life compared to standard oral Alkeran® (melphalan) and prednisone induction therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Tandem Autologous Transplants Compared to Autologous Followed by Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant in Myeloma (1/16/2006)
Researchers from Italy have reported that an autologous stem cell transplant followed by a reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant may be superior to tandem autologous transplants for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.
High Response Rate with Velcade™, Thalomid® and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma (1/6/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the combination of Velcade (bortezomib), Thalomid® (thalidomide) and dexamethasone (BTD) produces complete remissions (CR) in 19% of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.
Superiority of Alkeran®, Thalomid® Prednisone Regimen for Elderly Myeloma Patients Documented (1/5/2006)
Researchers from France have concluded that a Alkeran (melphalan), prednisone, Thalomid (thalidomide) regimen was superior to a standard Alkeran-prednisone regimen or a regimen of VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) followed by mobilization of stem cells with cyclophosphamide and Neupogen® (filgrastim) and tandem transplants with Alkeran (100 mg/m2).
Velcade® Has High Activity as Initial Therapy for Multiple Myeloma (1/3/2006)
Researchers from the Salick Health Care Research Network have reported that Velcade (bortezomib) produces a 90% response rate in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Thalidomide Improves Initial, Not Overall Response Rate in Multiple Myeloma Following High-Dose Chemotherapy (12/29/2005)
Researchers in France have reported that induction therapy with TAD (thalidomide, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) improves response rates compared to VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone). However, following tandem high-dose treatment, there were no differences in overall response rate between the two groups. The details of this randomized study were reported at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December of 2005.
Alkeran®, Prednisone and Thalomid® Highly Active for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma. (10/18/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that the combination of Alkeran® (melphalan), prednisone and Thalomid (thalidomide) produces a high response rate in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.
Alkeran®/Prednisone Remains Standard Therapy for Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma (10/4/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) have concluded that a regimen of Alkeran® (melphalan) and prednisone is preferred to dexamethasone-based regimens for patients with multiple myeloma 65 years of age or older.
Revlimid® and Dexamethasone Highly Active in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (9/23/2005)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported a very high response rate for patients with multiple myeloma receiving induction therapy with Revlimid (lenalidomide) plus dexamethasone.
Thalidomide Induction Superior to Vincristine-Doxorubicin-Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma (5/10/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that thalidomide and dexamethasone results in a higher response rate than vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone (VAD) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Thalidomide is Effective Maintenance after Double Autografts for Multiple Myeloma (12/15/2004)
Researchers from France presented data that suggests that thalidomide (Thalomid®) is an effective post-transplant maintenance agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The results of this randomized trial were presented at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego December 4-7.
Microarray Technique Identifies Molecular Basis For Osteolytic Lesions in Multiple Myeloma (12/30/2003)
Researchers from the University of Arkansas have identified an inhibitior of osteoblast differentiation which, when overexpressed in myeloma cells, is associated with osteolytic lesions. The details of this report appeared in the December 25, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
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Removal of Myeloma Cells by CD34+ Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Selection does not Improve Outcomes of Autologous Transplant (8/27/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the European Bone Marrow Transplant (EBMT) Group have reported that exclusion of myeloma cells from the peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) graft by CD34+ stem cell selection does not improve outcomes and leads to an increased incidence of infectious complications. The results of this randomized trial were presented at the 2003 meeting of the EBMT which was held July 20-23, 2003 in Istanbul.
Aranesp® is Effective in Correcting Anemia in Patients with Lymphoma and Myeloma (8/12/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the Darbepoetin Alfa 20000161 Study Group reported that weekly Aranesp® administration for 12 weeks improved hemoglobin levels and decreased red blood cell transfusions in patients with lymphoma or myeloma. These findings were reported in the August 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Haematology.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for Myeloma Improved with Use of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (5/15/2003)
Researchers from Italy have reported an apparent reduction in treatment-related mortality and improved survival in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplants from HLA identical siblings following a myeloablative treatment regimen. These results were published in the May 1, 2003 issue of
Bone Marrow Transplantation.
British Study Confirms Benefits of Early High-Dose Therapy for Multiple Myeloma (5/8/2003)
British researchers have reported that early high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell support improves the complete remission (CR) rate, prolongs time to disease progression, and improves overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma. The results of this large clinical trial, involving over 400 patients, were published in the May 8, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Dexamethasone and Thalidomide Provide Effective Induction Therapy for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (1/2/2003)
Induction therapy with Oncovin®, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD), autologous stem cell harvest and high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell rescue is the current optimal treatment for many patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Although not curative, this strategy offers the longest reported progression-free survival and treatment related mortality is less than 5%. Previously, a regimen of Alkeran® and prednisone was considered standard treatment for patients with myeloma, but this regimen damages stem cells and makes harvesting difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, high-dose Alkeran® is the most commonly used transplant regimen and can be given in one or two courses making initial treatment with Alkeran® less attractive. High-dose Alkeran® can be given as tandem up-front treatment or the second course can be reserved for disease progression. Both approaches appear to be better than conventional treatment without stem cell support in patients able to tolerate high-dose procedures. Although effective, the administration of VAD requires an indwelling right atrial catheter and infusional chemotherapy.
Double Autograft Improves Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma (12/11/2002)
Over the past decade, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support has become standard treatment for patients with multiple myeloma under the age of 65 years. Phase II studies have strongly suggested that two courses of high-dose chemotherapy increases the complete response rate from approximately 25% to 50% with an improvement in survival. Most studies have used two up-front, high-dose treatments while other studies have reserved the second high-dose treatment for disease progression with similar overall survivals. The only randomized trial comparing a single to double autograft was performed by a French consortium of 36 medical centers. The researchers involved in this trial randomly allocated 339 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma to receive a single transplant with Alkeran® and total body irradiation (TBI) or the same treatment preceded by a course of high-dose Alkeran® with stem cell support.
Rate of Progression to Malignancy Is Relatively Low for Persons with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) (2/25/2002)
A monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is very common and occurs in up to 2% of persons 50 years of age or older and 3% of those older than age 70 years. MGUS has been defined by the presence of serum monoclonal protein at a concentration of 3 g per deciliter or less; no monoclonal protein or only moderate amounts of monoclonal light chains in the urine; the absence of lytic bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia and renal insufficiency related to the monoclonal protein and a proportion of plasma cells in the bone marrow of 10% or less. It has been speculated that MGUS inevitably leads to malignancy but reliable estimates on rates of progression have not been identified with any accuracy.
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