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 — it seems an appropriate time to go back to the…

Description:
Defibrotide is an anticoagulant (a drug that prevents blood clotting) that may make myeloma cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. It is not an anti-tumor drug and only has a significant effect on myeloma when combined with cancer-fighting drugs.  Defibrotide may decrease blood clotting and nerve damage caused by certain myeloma treatments. In combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating…

A recent study suggests that the addition of defibrotide to the combination regimen of melphalan (Alkeran), prednisone, and thalidomide (Thalomid) may result in fewer side effects in multiple myeloma patients. The Phase 1 clinical trial results were recently published in the journal Haematologica.

With the development of multiple myeloma therapies, the traditional melphalan-prednisone (MP) treatment regimen has been combined with substances such as Velcade (bortezomib) and thalidomide for more effective results. In particular, clinical trials have shown that these new combination treatments produce greater responses…