The findings of a recent study indicate that the combination regimen of Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron) is effective and safe in multiple myeloma patients with reduced kidney function and may even improve kidney function in some patients when the Revlimid dosage is adjusted according to kidney function. The study was published in the European Journal of Haematology.

Because of its effectiveness, the combination of Revlimid and dexamethasone (RD) has become a standard treatment option for patients…

A new study published in the journal Leukemia determined that when treated with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone (Decadron), relapsed and refractory myeloma patients with genetic risk factors experience lower response rates and shorter progression-free and overall survival durations.

Researchers also discovered that prior treatment with thalidomide (Thalomid) was associated with a decreased progression-free and overall survival.

Multiple myeloma patients with the chromosomal abnormalities del(13), t(4;14) or del(17p) are associated with a poorer prognosis in response to traditional…

The year 2009 brought a lot of new and exciting advancements in the field of multiple myeloma. Over the course of 2009, The Myeloma Beacon covered more than 100 important myeloma-related studies.

To highlight the most important of these studies, the Myeloma Beacon surveyed leading physicians and researchers in the field. These physicians and researchers were asked to name the three peer reviewed journal articles published in 2009 and the three conference abstracts from 2009 that have the most…

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology determined that patients who achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better after high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation experienced significantly longer event-free and overall survival.

“Very good partial response” is one of the terms defined by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) to categorize how patients respond to treatment. According to IMWG criteria (see related Beacon news), patients reach very good partial response when the level of abnormal…

Patients who do not respond at least partially to treatment with Revlimid (lenalidomide) or thalidomide (Thalomid) prior to a stem cell transplant may have significantly shorter survival times, according to a recent study published in the journal Blood.

Currently, the standard treatment plan involving stem cell transplantation begins with induction therapy, which decreases the number of abnormal cells and proteins in a patient’s bone marrow before collection of stem cells for the transplant. Next, patients undergo high-dose chemotherapy…