A team of British and German researchers have identified specific areas of the human genome that consistently differ between people with multiple myeloma and people who do not have the disease.

The new findings, summarized in a research article published yesterday, help explain why the risk of developing myeloma seems to be higher in some families than in others.

Moreover, by clearly identifying regions of the human genome linked to an increased risk of myeloma, the European research could lead to better treatments for myeloma and better tools for diagnosing…

Results from a recent Canadian study show that second stem cell trans­planta­tion as salvage therapy for multiple myeloma can be a safe and effective treatment option, especially for patients who relapsed more than 24 months after their first transplant.

Patients with a longer remission period after the first transplant demonstrated longer progression-free and overall survival times after the second transplant than those who relapsed within 24 months.

Additionally, achievement of at least a very good partial response after the salvage transplant was associ­ated with better survival outcomes.

“This may be…

Results of a recent Greek study show that high levels of the protein sclerostin in the blood are associated with advanced disease and poor bone formation in multiple myeloma patients.

In addition, the results indicate that Velcade may be effective in reducing sclerostin levels in myeloma patients.

“Our study has shown that sclerostin is increased in myeloma patients, and together with the [laboratory] data presented at the last ASH meeting, suggests that sclerostin inhibits the function of [bone-building cells] in myeloma,” said Dr. Evangelos Terpos of the Alexandra General Hospital…

A new study by Spanish researchers sheds light on the role of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

The study focuses on newly diagnosed patients who, in a clinical trial, did not respond to initial rounds of chemotherapy to treat their disease.

It finds that, among these non-responding patients, the ones who had stable disease after their initial round of chemotherapy responded well to stem cell transplantation.

In contrast, the patients whose disease not only did not respond to initial therapy, but continued to progress,…

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 that “Given that higher doses of thalidomide are associated with…