A group of leading myeloma specialists, known as the International Myeloma Working Group, recently collaborated to develop guidelines for the prevention of infections in multiple myeloma patients. The group recommends that patients receive inactivated vaccines for the flu, hepatitis B, and polio as early in the disease as possible. Patients at high-risk of developing infections can be given medications to prevent infections.

Dr. Elias Anaissie of the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences presented these guidelines at the International Myeloma Workshop (IMW)…

A group of Italian researchers found that elevated monoclonal protein levels and decreased platelet counts are associated with an increased risk of severe infection in multiple myeloma patients treated with thalidomide-based combination therapies.

The researchers also showed that patients who were at a low or intermediate risk for severe infections did not benefit from preventative treatment with antibiotics.

“I think it is reasonable to stop taking prophylaxis in low-intermediate risk patients,” said Dr. Massimo Offidani, lead author of the study. “If a patient is at a high risk of infection,…

Multiple myeloma patients on various thalidomide (Thalomid) combination regimens may develop infections despite preventative drug measures, according to a data analysis performed by Italian researchers. The analysis also identified which factors increase a patient’s likelihood of experiencing severe infection. Researchers presented the results on December 6 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans.

In the process of treating multiple myeloma, patients often experience a weakening in their immune system which makes them more susceptible to infection. Serious infections can lower a…

A recent study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases evaluates the infection risk presented by different multiple myeloma therapies. The authors conclude that while current therapies, particularly high-dose regimens and novel agents, improve the outcomes of patients with myeloma, they also introduce a much greater risk of infection.

Myeloma impairs the quality and quantity of immune system proteins that an individual produces. As a result, more than 75 percent of myeloma patients will experience marked immune system depression, becoming vulnerable to potentially life-threatening infections. In fact, infections are the leading cause…

Pooling results from two clinical trials, researchers have announced that Revlimid (lenalidomide) may bolster the immune systems of multiple myeloma patients, thereby helping to reduce dangerous infections.

Myeloma impairs the quality and quantity of antibodies – the “soldiers” of the immune system – that an individual produces. As a result, more than 75 percent of myeloma patients will experience marked immune system depression, becoming vulnerable to potentially life-threatening bacterial infections.

Recurrent bacterial infection, resulting primarily from this immune system depression, is the most frequent cause of death in myeloma…