Results from a Polish study suggest that a gain in chromosome 1, called 1q21 gain, must be accompanied by other chromosomal abnormalities to negatively affect prognosis in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients on thalidomide therapy.

Based on their findings, the Polish researchers conclude that thalidomide (Thalomid)-based regimens may not help overcome the negative impact of the 1q21 gain on patient survival when multiple chromosomal abnormalities are present.

“The key message [from our study] is that accumulation of adverse genetic abnormalities significantly affects the survival of multiple myeloma patients,” said Dr.…

The results of an Italian Phase 3 study show that consolidation therapy with a combination of Velcade, thalidomide, and dexamethasone is more effective in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients than treatment with thalidomide and dexamethasone alone.

Specifically, the three-drug regimen led to higher rates of complete responses, as well as longer progression-free survival, compared to the two-drug regimen.

“Analyses performed in our study demonstrate that VTD [Velcade-thalidomide-dexamethasone] consolidation therapy significantly contributed to improved clinical outcomes,” said lead study investigator Dr. Michele Cavo from the Seragnoli Institute of Hematology in Bologna,…

A recent study suggests that Mozobil helps multiple myeloma patients with prior exposure to Revlimid collect enough stem cells for transplantation.

The study investigators conclude that stem cell mobilization with the aid of a growth factor plus Mozobil (plerixafor) is an effective upfront approach for multiple myeloma patients who plan to undergo a transplant, regardless of previous Revlimid (lenalidomide) exposure.

“With growth factor and preemptive Mozobil, virtually all patients with multiple myeloma can have successful stem cell collection,” said Dr. Luciano Jose Costa of the Medical University of South…

The results of a Greek analysis show that elderly multiple myeloma patients do not respond as well to treatment as their younger counterparts. However, the results also show that novel agents extend the overall survival of elderly myeloma patients compared to conventional chemotherapy.

The Greek researchers point out that their analysis was retrospective in nature and that controlled clinical trials targeting the elderly population are necessary to properly assess their response to novel agents such as Velcade (bortezomib), thalidomide (Thalomid), and Revlimid (lenalidomide).

According to Dr. Ravi…

The results of a recent Phase 1/2 study suggest that a combination of Velcade and melphalan followed by two back-to-back stem cell transplants is active and well-tolerated in multiple myeloma patients who failed to respond to their initial therapy or who have plasma cell leukemia, a highly aggressive form of myeloma.

Although the response and survival rates for this regimen did not improve upon those for previously tested regimens, the study authors contend that further studies of this novel Velcade-melphalan combination should be conducted to better understand the synergistic properties…