A number of new drugs are on the horizon for relapsed and refractory patients, as discussed by physicians at the 2009 International Myeloma Workshop (IMW). The discussion covered drugs in all stages of development, from those still undergoing initial lab testing to ones already in international clinical trials.

Overall responsiveness to treatment has improved dramatically with the recent introduction of more potent agents such as Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Velcade (bortezomib). Doctors are now testing combinations of these two drugs with newer pharmaceuticals. Of the two, Velcade…

At the recent twelfth annual International Myeloma Workshop (IMW), physicians discussed strategies for managing multiple myeloma symptoms. Their topics included deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially fatal blood clot in the body’s large veins, and myeloma-induced bone disease, including “soft spots” and fractures.

DVT involves blood clot formation in the deep veins of the body, and if a clot dislodges, it may travel to other areas and block blood flow to vital organs. Researchers estimate that approximately 70 percent of all critical blockages of lung blood vessels originate from DVT…

As Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Velcade (bortezomib) have become standard therapies in the treatment of multiple myeloma, managing side effects is important for patients who want to maintain their treatment while minimizing toxicity.

A recent report published in the journal Community Oncology discusses the management of side effects associated with these agents. Overall, the most commonly observed toxic effects include myelosuppression, gastrointestinal effects, peripheral neuropathy, and thromboembolic events.

Myelosuppression is a condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and…

A recent paper published in Lancet Oncology examines drugs that target biological mechanisms in multiple myeloma. This article is the second of three articles discussing new drugs for myeloma treatment.

Researchers have begun to understand the multi-step process by which myeloma occurs. Key features of this process are signaling pathways, which take information from outside of the cell and from within the cell to create a cascading reaction. While signaling pathways are a part of all cells, they are problematic if not regulated.

Studies have shown that a pathway involving…

Multiple myeloma patients in England and Wales will now be able to receive Revlimid (lenalidomide) as a treatment option under the National Health System (NHS) after an agreement was reached between NHS and Celgene, the maker of Revlimid.

The news comes after Celgene proposed a new cost-sharing plan where the NHS will pay for the first two years of treatment, and Celgene will pick up the bill for any further treatment. It is estimated that approximately 17 percent of myeloma patients treated with Revlimid will require treatment after…