Ravi Vij, MD Washington University Interview Date: February 6, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary A new CD38 targeted monoclonal antibody is coming soon to the myeloma clinic. A new drug called isatuximab is making its way through the FDA approval process. Learn how it will be used in combinations, how it [...]
Read MoreGilead released fourth quarter results that removed an anti-BCMA cell therapy for multiple myeloma from it's pipeline, part of its $12 billion acquisition of Kite Pharma. The decision to drop the KITE-585-CAR T programs indicates the ever growing competition in the BCMA-targeted therapy for myeloma and represents a loss of $820M in investment. [...]
Read MoreRobert Z. Orlowski, MD, PhD MD Anderson Cancer Center Interview Date: January 8, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary There is a tremendous amount of progress being made in multiple myeloma. It was stunning to see the significant work being done in the field of myeloma at the recent American Society of [...]
Read MoreA new monoclonal antibody targeting CD38 has been working its way through clinical trials. In the Phase 3 trial, Isatuximab was found to prolong progression free survival when combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone compared to pomalidomide and dexamethasone alone. The study, known as ICARIA-MM, enrolled 307 patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. All participants had received [...]
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Wednesday, February 6, 2019 @ Noon Pacific, 1 pm Mountain, 2 pm Central, 3 pm Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. A new monoclonal antibody called Isatuximab is advancing through clinical trials and is getting closer to FDA approval. This antibody targets CD38. Learn more from [...]
Read MoreThere are so many myeloma phrases, terminology and acronyms that things can get incredibly confusing. Let's talk about Relapsed Myeloma (sort of self explanatory) and Refractory Myeloma (need a refresher course on this one!). Relapsed Myeloma According to Dr. Sagar Lonial, MD of the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Relapsed Myeloma "specifically [...]
Read MoreMyeloma patients who had relapsed after receiving both a proteasome inhibitor (like Velcade) and immunomodulator (like Revlimid) participated in a Phase I study of a new drug called CLR 131 and experienced an average 22 month overall survival. While no head-to-head treatment comparisons have been performed, a 2016 article in the journal Bone Marrow Transplantation showed that [...]
Read MoreStand Up To Cancer (SU2C) hosted it's 9th annual Scientific Summit in Santa Monica, CA. SU2C is a non-profit funding important cancer research and was started in 2008 by a group of women who had been affected by cancer and believed that by merging the resources of the media and entertainment industries into a single operation [...]
Read MoreThe first vaccine ever used was in 1786 for smallpox. Since then, vaccines have become a commonplace way to help prevent disease and most are familiar with how they work. For these types of vaccines, a person is injected with an inactive state of a specific virus in order to aid the person's immune system [...]
Read MoreThe first minimal residual disease (MRD) test in multiple myeloma and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has received coverage approval for Medicare patients. The MRD test called ClonoSEQ, from Adaptive Biotechnologies can detect lower levels of multiple myeloma than traditional tests. MRD is a measurement of the remaining number of cancer cells that are present in a [...]
Read MoreA new GVAX vaccine is being used in a clinical trial for myeloma patients who have achieved good responses to therapy. The goal of the trial is to extend remissions and potentially deepen responses to a minimal residual disease (MRD) negative state. This vaccine was tested earlier in Phase I studies by Dr. Ivan Borrello [...]
Read MoreBeing proactive about your myeloma care is essential in getting your best outcomes. The Myeloma Crowd interviewed Dave Winfield and Don Baylor Jr. to share how Don Baylor handled the highs and lows of multiple myeloma and the importance of creating your Most Valuable Plan. Learn more about this Amgen program on www.myelomaexplained.com and in [...]
Read MoreResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found a way to encourage the immune system to eat cancer cells. Immune system cells called macrophages are large white blood cells that locate and 'eat" invader particles such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. According to the researchers, cancer has found ways to put these macrophages to [...]
Read MoreCesar Rodriguez, MD, Wake Forest University Interview Date: December 14, 2018 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary Each myeloma patient’s tumor is unique and can change over time. Dr. Rodriguez is using a new 3D organoid tumor modeling platform which allows the testing of over 50 myeloma treatment combinations against your specific tumor [...]
Read MoreThe destructive nature of viruses is now being applied to kill cancer cells. A new immuno-oncoloytic virus called pelareorep (Reolysin) is now being tested in a clinical trial in addition to three other drugs for relapsed multiple myeloma. The harmless virus has been modified to infect and destroy cancer cells, but not normal cells. It [...]
Read MoreAs long as I have a member of the myeloma patient community there has always been discussion of the role of transplant as well as the number of transplants. Two prior studies had shown exactly opposite conclusions. Both study had differing designs, however both had elements of Velcade/Revlimid/Dex (VRD) induction, and as have previously found [...]
Read MoreAt the recent American Society of Hematology meeting (ASH), Dr. Damian Green joined the Myeloma Crowd to share two CAR T studies he is working on. He shared data on the Juno/Celgene study that showed rapid and good responses for patients with an average 11 lines of prior therapy for a BCMA targeted CAR T [...]
Read MoreFenghauang (Frank) Zhan, PhD Yogesh Jethava, MD University of Iowa Interview Date: December 11, 2018 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary What cells cause myeloma and why do patients relapse after treatment? Myeloma stem cells may be part of the answer. Fenghauang (Frank) Zhan, PhD was recently selected as a Myeloma Crowd Research Initiative [...]
Read MoreA new test called mass spectometry (MASS-FIX) is a quick, inexpensive and accurate way to diagnose and monitor the blood and urine of patients with multiple myeloma. Today, doctors use immunofixation, M-protein and light chain tests to test if patients have myeloma and how much of it they have. But these tests can vary and [...]
Read MoreGraham Jackson, MD, PhD of the Northern Institute for Cancer Research in the United Kingdom (and colleagues) shared study results at the recent ASH 2018 comparing a four drug combination vs. a sequence of three drug combinations as induction therapy before stem cell transplant. The UK has an incredible amount of data about myeloma patients [...]
Read MoreDay 9 of Myeloma Giving: Donate to Myeloma Research From December 10 – 22, the Myeloma Crowd is sharing 12 Days of Myeloma Giving. Please share this post and invite your friends and family to participate. Each day we will share something you can give to lift others. These gifts will save lives, lengthen lives and makes lives [...]
Read MoreRevlimid, Velcade and dexamethasone (RVD) is a standard combination for newly diagnosed patients whether they are headed to transplant or not. A study is now open using a new CD38 monoclonal antibody called Isatuximab in combination with the "standard" therapy of RVD for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who do not qualify for a bone marrow [...]
Read MoreAjai Chari, MD, PhD of Mount Sinai spoke at the Friday session of the recent American Society of Hematology Meeting about strategies for myeloma relapse. He said that factors one should consider include age, fitness status, pre-existing medical conditions, how fast the myeloma numbers are rising and then the depth and duration of previous responses. [...]
Read MoreDay 8 of Myeloma Giving: Sharing the Gift of Myeloma Crowd Round Tables and Live Patient Education From December 10 – 21, the Myeloma Crowd is sharing 12 Days of Myeloma Giving. Please share this post and invite your friends and family to participate. Each day we will share something you can give to lift [...]
Read MoreHave you ever heard the saying “Only the good die young?” Recent science, however, has proven that the opposite is true! The “good” are living longer, and science is finding empirical evidence that connects an attitude of giving with increased healing, longevity and overall happiness. A new science of health and giving is emerging. Over [...]
Read MoreMultiple myeloma patient Stacy Erholtz's stunning response to the Mayo Clinic's measles vaccine in 2015 for her multi-relapsed multiple myeloma was a surprise to everyone, including Stacy. But when the vaccine was used in other myeloma patients, they did not see similar responses. Why? A new study by myeloma French researchers showed that myeloma patients with [...]
Read MoreDay 5 of Myeloma Giving: Give the Gift of PROMISE Towards a Cure (Donate a Blood Sample) From December 10 – 21, the Myeloma Crowd is sharing 12 Days of Myeloma Giving. Please share this post and invite your friends and family to participate. Each day we will share something you can give to lift [...]
Read MoreTom Brokaw visited the recent American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting and took some time to share his personal myeloma story. He opened up about cancer, how he feels about community and his love for our country. When Tom was diagnosed in 2013 at the age 74 he faced his diagnosis as he does everything [...]
Read MoreDay 4 of Myeloma Giving: Give Gratitude for Multiple Myeloma Progress From December 10 – 21, the Myeloma Crowd is sharing 12 Days of Myeloma Giving. Please share this post and invite your friends and family to participate. Each day we will share something you can give to lift others. These gifts will save lives, [...]
Read MoreDay 2 of Myeloma Giving: Share your Myeloma Story From December 10 - 21, the Myeloma Crowd is sharing 12 Days of Myeloma Giving. Please share this post and invite your friends and family to participate. Each day we will share something you can give to lift others. These gifts will save lives, lengthen lives [...]
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Friday, December 14, 2018 @ Noon Pacific, 1 pm Mountain, 2 pm Central, 3 pm Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. Each myeloma patient's tumor is unique and can change over time. Dr. Rodriguez is using a new 3D organoid tumor modeling platform which allows the [...]
Read MorePrecision medicine is a catch-phrase that is all the rage nowadays. It’s becoming clearer that medicine is not one-size-fits-all. For example, a treatment that helps shrink one person’s tumor or eases their arthritis symptoms doesn’t always work for somebody else. This is especially true in cancer, where a patient's experience is more than their genetic [...]
Read MoreDay 1 of Myeloma Giving: Share the gift of accurate information with your friends and family. I don't have the skin cancer melanoma, I have a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. From December 10 - 21, the Myeloma Crowd is sharing 12 Days of Myeloma Giving. Please share this post and invite your friends and [...]
Read MoreDuring the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I think we all know that the most appreciated gifts are those that we give from the heart. These gifts are usually simple acts of service - a listening ear, a smile or note of concern. Philosophers know that giving is key to our own sense of [...]
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Tuesday, December 11, 2018 @ 10 am Pacific, 11 am Mountain, Noon Central, 1 pm Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. Why do multiple myeloma patients relapse after myeloma therapy? Many myeloma experts believe that myeloma stem cells (or early progenitor cells before they become plasma [...]
Read MoreDavid Chung, MD, PhD Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Interview Date: November 19, 2018 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary Why do some multiple myeloma patients relapse early after stem cell transplant while others stay in remission for many years? The patient’s immune system may be a key factor. David Chung, MD, PhD [...]
Read MoreThe Myeloma Crowd would like to honor the life and memory of myeloma patient advocate and Myeloma Crowd Patient Advisory Board member Eric Hansen, who died on Thursday in a single-car accident while driving in British Columbia. His accident could have been medically related but the details of the accident are unknown. Eric Hansen (1943-11/27/2018) [...]
Read MoreDr. Meletios A Dimopoulos presented an abstract which compared the use of Ixaomib to a placebo for maintenance after a stem cell transplant. This clinical trial was called Tourmaline-MM3, and was chosen as a top 5 abstract by 2 of the 4 doctors who had provided their "Best of the Best" abstracts. Abstract 301 - [...]
Read MoreThe Friday symposium sessions are some of the best at ASH, even though they are not an official part of the American Society of Hematology session. Dr. Keith Stuart of the Mayo Clinic spoke at a morning session on the topic of high risk myeloma, with some key points. He said that while treatment is [...]
Read MoreThe ASH conference has started with the early, "unofficial" sessions. Dr. Maria Victoria Mateos spoke at a Friday morning session about the role of maintenance therapy. It has become obvious that in general, maintenance therapy is suggested for all patients and extends remission times. Dr. Mateos broadly described the use of maintenance therapy with immunomodulators [...]
Read MoreSan Diego-based Fortis Therapeutics is creating a new antibody drug conjugate for multiple myeloma and prostate cancer. The new drug will target CD46, not typically a target used in multiple myeloma. The study will open by the end of 2018. FOR46 targets a new immune system receptor, CD46, which is highly expressed in several tumor [...]
Read MoreThis weekend is the beginning of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting. What is ASH and why does it matter to multiple myeloma patients? ASH is the world’s largest hematology meeting where experts in blood cancers share their recent findings. At ASH, over 30,000 physicians and researchers converge on a city (this year [...]
Read MoreDonate to the MCRI Today The first Myeloma Crowd Research Initiative (MCRI) successfully raised $500,000 for two immunotherapy research projects for high-risk myeloma (CAR T and T cell treatments). Now, the MCRI will fund research to match the right treatment with the right patient at the right time. A small fraction of multiple myeloma [...]
Read MoreThalidomide was the first immunomodulatory drug used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It went on to become the base of a series of multiple myeloma drugs offered by Celgene Corporation who now produces Thalomid, Revlimid and Pomalyst - all variations of this immunomodulatory drug class. In a recent study, Thalidomide used as induction therapy [...]
Read MoreMonday, November 19, 2018 @ 10 am Pacific, 11 am Mountain, Noon Central, 1 pm Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer Why do some multiple myeloma patients relapse early after stem cell transplant while others stay in remission for many years? The patient's immune system may be [...]
Read MoreCarl June, MD of the University of Pennsylvania and colleagues announced in a recent paper that faster production of the CAR T cells improves the strength of the treatment. The CD19 CAR T therapy has been in development for many years, launching initially in leukemia. This new therapy holds significant promise for all blood cancer [...]
Read MoreEmpliciti (elotuzumab) was approved yesterday by the FDA for use with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed myeloma, according to a press release by Bristol-Myers Squibb. The combination was approved for patients who relapsed after two prior treatments including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. The immunotherapy was tested in a study called the ELOQUENT-3 trial. In [...]
Read MoreAshraf Badros, MD University of Maryland Interview Date: October 3, 2018 Thanks to our episode sponsor, Celgene Corporation. Summary African Americans are more than twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma. But they are not getting the longest life possible for a variety of reasons. How can they obtain better outcomes and live [...]
Read MoreA new pathway to stop myeloma progression is being studied with a new drug, according to a recent report by UK multiple myeloma specialists. A pathway that helps myeloma cells survive, called nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, is activated in all cases of multiple myeloma. Many companies have tried to target this pathway over the last 30 [...]
Read MoreThere's nothing funny about cancer, but what if comedy could help get out an important message for multiple myeloma patients? That was the spark of an idea behind comedian Dave Vance's brilliant new video on HealthTree featured on his Spellchek channel. His question is valid. Why haven't we cured cancer yet? And why isn't technology [...]
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