Results of a  recent French study demonstrate that a lower dose of thalidomide may be as effective at treating advanced multiple myeloma as a higher dose, with the benefit of fewer side effects.

Due to the reduced side effects observed with lowered thalidomide dosages, researchers conclude that such a regimen may help to improve quality of life in these patients.

Dr. Ibrahim Yakoub-Agha from the University Hospital in Lille, France, and lead author of the study explained to The Beacon…

A recent British analysis of data from a major clinical trial found that thalidomide maintenance therapy did not have a uniformly positive impact on overall survival in multiple myeloma patients.

In fact, overall survival for patients in the trial who received thalidomide maintenance was slightly lower than overall survival for patients who did not receive maintenance therapy.  The difference, however, was not statistically significant.

In contrast, progression free survival was significantly longer for patients who received thalidomide maintenance compared to…

The results of a recent British analysis found that multiple myeloma patients with a deletion in chromosome 17 who received thalidomide induction therapy had improved response rates compared to those who did not receive thalidomide. 

These improved response rates also were accompanied by improve­ments in patients’ overall survival, but the improvements were not statistically significant.

Moreover, patients with a deletion in chromosome 17 who received thalidomide as part of a maintenance regimen had shorter overall survival than those who did not receive…

Perifosine Combination Therapy May Be An Effective Treatment Option For Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma – Recently published results from a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial demonstrate that the addition of perifosine to a Velcade (bortezomib) and dexamethasone (Decadron) regimen is effective and safe in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients.   The results were previously presented at the American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) 51st Annual Meeting in 2009.  The novel combination showed promising response rates in heavily pretreated…

Earlier this year, an international group of myeloma experts published a review of ongoing research into new myeloma treatments.  This review not only described a wide range of potential new myeloma treatments, but also included the experts’ thoughts on where research into new treatments should go in the future.

Given the recent new drug application for carfilzomib and the upcoming annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology — which undoubtedly will host discussions of many potential new myeloma treatments —…