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Study Reveals Genetic Differences Between MGUS And Multiple Myeloma – In a recent study, Spanish researchers identified chromosomal abnormalities that were more frequent in patients with active mutiple myeloma than in patients with smoldering myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition that may later progress to smoldering or active myeloma. The researchers also found that chromosomal abnormalities tend to be more frequent in active myeloma patients than in smoldering myeloma patients, and also more frequent in smoldering myeloma patients than in MGUS patients.  For more information, please see the study in Leukemia (abstract).

sCD105 Protein May Be An Indicator For Myeloma Severity – Results of a recent study show that levels of the protein sCD105 circulating in the blood are higher in multiple myeloma patients than in healthy individuals. Higher levels of sCD105 also were associated with more advanced stages of disease. sCD105 is known to play a role in the growth of new blood vessels and may thus contribute to tumor progression in myeloma. Researchers believe these findings warrant further study of sCD105 levels as an indicator for disease activity. For more information, please see the study in the European Journal of Internal Medicine (abstract).

Whole Body MRI Adds Limited Value To Routine Myeloma Remission Testing After Transplantation – A recent study found that the use of whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect persisting or relapsing multiple myeloma post transplant offers little added value compared to current routine laboratory tests. The results of the whole body MRI and routine laboratory tests were in agreement in 79 percent of the patients assessed. For more information, please see the study in European Radiology (abstract).

IMF Myeloma Workshop For Patients And Families – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will be hosting a workshop for multiple myeloma patients and their families on May 19 in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Rafat Abonour from the Indiana University Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program and nurse Kena Miller from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, will speak about topics including treatment options, managing side effects, and local clinical trials. For more information or to register, please visit the IMF website.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma-related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.

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The results of the three major clinical trials investigating Revlimid maintenance therapy were published yesterday in three separate articles in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The articles were accompanied by an editorial summarizing the study findings and discussing their significance for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients.

All three clinical trials involved newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.  The patients in the trials first underwent initial treatment that in some cases included Revlimid (lenalidomide).  In two of the three trials, the initial treatment also included a stem cell transplant.…

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Could I handle dex?  Would I ever be standing tall again without pain?   Could such a new drug as Velcade restore my bone marrow to health?  How about the side effects?

These were the unanswered questions of my universe in the early autumn of 2009.

During that time, my family and I all became very familiar with the cancer center.  Lovely artwork, all donated or on loan, brightened the walls of the hallways.  Volunteers served tea in bone china teacups and biscuits every afternoon to the patients.  Staff were friendly,…

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The results of a recent Swedish study indicate that the development of blood clots in the veins or arteries of multiple myeloma patients negatively affects survival outcomes.

The study investigators conclude that these findings warrant further studies to determine whether blood clot prevention measures can extend the survival of myeloma patients.

“There are effective ways to prevent venous and arterial thrombosis in myeloma patients; e.g, aspirin, heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and Pradaxa (dabigatran),” said Dr. Edward Libby of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, who was not involved…

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Deana celebrated the big 4-oh on May 5 in a manner favored by our family – on a cruise ship.  I celebrated by spending the day with Darrie, in what is becoming a tradition for us three sisters – Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend.

As we were facing our demon, multiple myeloma, last year at this time, I began suggesting a grand plan for Deana’s 40^th birthday – a party at the restaurant Deana has chosen for my pre-race carbo load, family and friend participation in the Saturday 5K race, and the…