Paul Richardson, MD Dana Farber Cancer Institute Interview Date: July 31, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary Selinexor, by Karyopharm, was recently approved in the myeloma clinic for use in myeloma patients who have relapsed after other lines of standard myeloma treatment. Learn why selinexor was approved early, when it should be [...]
Read MoreOne of the key myeloma markers doctors and patients track in myeloma are light chain levels. What are light chains? An important part of our immune systems are our immunoglobulins - disease fighting immune cells. Each of these immunoglobulins have a light chain (like kappa or lambda) and a heavy chain (like IgG, IgA, IgM, [...]
Read MoreBy Bonnie Falbo As the wife of a myeloma patient, and as a new Myeloma Coach for the Myeloma Crowd, I was honored to attend the Inaugural Charlotte Plasma Cell Disorder Congress, hosted by Levine Cancer Institute on August 9-11, 2019. Intended primarily for local health care providers who treat myeloma patients, Myeloma Coaches and [...]
Read MoreLevels of remaining myeloma cells after therapy may be linked to your gut bacteria, according to researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Significant research has been done in myeloma linking lower levels of disease after the first line of treatment with long-term outcomes. Newer, more sensitive testing is called Minimal Residual Disease testing [...]
Read MoreBy Maddie Hunter - What skills or beliefs do I have to bring to this current challenge I am experiencing? - What are my best options to consider? - How do I know the best decision to make? As a long-time leadership coach in many types of corporate and non-profit organizations, I discovered that these [...]
Read MoreCAR T therapy is an emerging treatment for multiple myeloma and over 70% of myeloma patients are on Medicare or Medicaid. CAR T treatments are usually a single-dose administration and are expected to be expensive. Last Friday, the the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will increase the amount institutions are reimbursed [...]
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Wednesday, July 31 @ 7:00 am Pacific, 8:00 am Mountain, 9:00 am Central, 10 am Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. A new treatment called Selinexor by Karyopharm was recently approved for highly relapsed multiple myeloma patients. Learn how experts like Dr. Paul Richardson of the [...]
Read MoreBi-specific antibodies are new class of myeloma drug where an immune system T cell (targeting CD3) is joined with a target on myeloma cells (BCMA) to enable the T cell to kill the myeloma cells. Teneobio and Abbvie are teaming up to develop a new CD3/BCMA bi-specific antibody to kill myeloma cells with minimal cytokine [...]
Read MoreMolecular Templates and Takeda Oncology are teaming up to develop a new class of targeted biologic therapeutics for myeloma patients. The FDA has now accepted the application for TAK-169, an Engineered Toxin Body (EBT) targeting CD38. Together, they plan to conduce a Phase I trial for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients. According to Eric Pooma, PhD, CEO [...]
Read MoreUniversity of Würzburg myeloma researchers have identified that a tyrosine kinase inhibitor called dasatinib can act as an on/off switch for CAR T cells without affecting the T cells' viability. Significant CAR T cell therapy is in development for multiple myeloma in over a dozen clinical trials. The most common target in development for multiple [...]
Read MoreOnline Patient Platform Providing Treatment Options and a Path to a Myeloma Cure SALT LAKE CITY- July 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthTree®, the first and only online portal for multiple myeloma cancer patients to find their best treatment options and help accelerate a cure, today announced it has reached more than 4,200 patient users on its [...]
Read MoreIt's tricky having multiple myeloma. As I've been talking with other patients, we've not only shared the physical challenges it poses, but also the mental ones. Myeloma is a mind game. We have much to be grateful for in myeloma therapy because unlike 20 years ago, we now have a wide range of treatment options [...]
Read MoreToday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to Xpovio (selinexor) tablets in combination with the steroid dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is resistant to several other forms of treatment, including at least two [...]
Read MoreDaratumumab is now FDA approved in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who are not eligible to receive a stem cell transplant. Daratumumab was approved in the fall of 2015 and has been a very effective addition to the myeloma drug arsenal for patients. It was formerly approved for use after [...]
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Purchase Tickets Join us at the Deer Valley Resort on July 19 for a spectacular summer evening with the stars including two global myeloma experts, a gourmet dinner and an evening of comedy with nationally recognized comedian Alex Velluto. This event is held in conjunction with our Myeloma Coach Deer Valley Summit. Lodges [...]
Read MoreAlexander Lesokhin, MD Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Interview Date: May 24, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary Immunotherapy is becoming the hottest topic in myeloma treatment. But immunotherapy can mean many different things. Learn more in this overview show with immunotherapy expert Dr. Alexander Lesokhin of Memorial Sloan Kettering as he [...]
Read MoreThe FDA has now lifted the partial hold on the Phase III CANOVA multiple myeloma trial using venetoclax with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. Venetoclax is a BCL-2 inhibitor that is being jointly developed between AbbVie and Roche. The hold was lifted after additional risk mitigation procedures and the implementation of new guidelines. Certain myeloma venetoclax studies [...]
Read MoreDonate to Richard's Ride The world for multiple myeloma patients is one of ups and downs. How can we ride successfully through all its hills and valleys? Myeloma patient Richard Hite shares how he is riding well with myeloma as he rides the first Bike the Coast 600 mile ride from San Francisco [...]
Read MoreDonate to Richard's Ride Richard Hite has ridden 400 miles of his 600 mile ride down the California coast. What if he left his bike pump or spare tire at home? Or left without a map for his route? Without Support and Gear (SAG), his ride would be destined for failure from the [...]
Read MoreCarfilzomib is a next generation proteasome inhibitor that is being regularly used in the myeloma clinic. It is now being used frequently as part of induction therapy and is favored for patients with high risk myeloma. One side effect in approximately 4% of myeloma patients can include heart issues. A recent Japanese study published in [...]
Read MoreToday is Day 2 of Bike the Coast - an epic 600 mile ride from San Francisco to San Diego by myeloma patient Richard Hite and his team. Please support Richard's Ride! Donate to Richard's Ride Avid cyclist Richard Hite wouldn't think about renting a bike and riding it 600 miles. If a [...]
Read MoreVenetoclax is the first drug that was determined to work for a specific type of genetic feature found in multiple myeloma patients called the 11;14 translocation. This means that part of chromosome 11 has swapped places with parts of chromosome 14 on the myeloma cells. This is the most common translocation found in myeloma patients [...]
Read MoreSelinexor is a drug that is being evaluated for early approval in multiple myeloma for highly relapsed or refractory patients. Dr. Paul Richardson joined the Myeloma Crowd at ASCO to share recent updates on their progress. Patients in the study had myeloma that was resistant to immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (also [...]
Read MoreMyeloma patients are living longer than ever and ask their myeloma docs regularly about how they can improve their general health, risk situation and overall outcomes. Many patients use "wearables" like Fitibits or Apple watches that can track your steps, sleep, weight and heart rate. Myeloma patients may have bone disease, which makes it potentially [...]
Read MoreSaad Usmani, MD of the Levine Cancer Institute shared results from the recent ASCO 2019 conference about the use of subcutaneous daratumumab, or dara given as a shot under the skin (usually in the stomach). Today, the first infusion of IV daratumumab is given over a multi-hour period and sometimes has to be administered over [...]
Read MoreRafael Fonseca, MD Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Interview Date: May 22, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary The cost of healthcare is on the minds of every stakeholder including patients, provider and payers, especially when it comes to cancer treatment. Dr. Rafael Fonseca joins Myeloma Crowd Radio to share his insights about the [...]
Read MoreIsatuximab is a new monoclonal antibody targeting CD38 that has been progressing through clinical trials in order to receive FDA approval. Dr. Paul Richardson joined the Myeloma Crowd at the recent ASCO 2019 conference to share the presented results from the Phase III ICARIA-MM trial. According to Dr. Richardson, although this new drug targets [...]
Read MoreAMG0-420 is a new bi-specific antibody that is being tested in Phase I clinical trials. It is a small molecule that binds CD3 on T cells with a common target found on all myeloma cells called BCMA. By binding the two together, the T cell is forced to kill the myeloma cell. While CAR T [...]
Read MoreFor many years, researchers didn't know how the immunomodulator (IMiD) drugs like lenalidomide and pomalidomide worked to impact myeloma. In the last 10 years, it has become more clear that the intracellular molecule called celebron is part of the reason the IMiD drugs are effective. At the recent ASCO 2019 meeting, Sagar Lonial, MD of [...]
Read MoreThe treatment of smoldering myeloma is advancing based on what myeloma researchers are learning in recent studies. One of the most important points discussed at the recent ASCO conference were how to better risk stratify smoldering myeloma patients. Dr. Natalie Callander from the University of Wisconsin shared a study from smoldering myeloma patients that began [...]
Read MorePatients with blood cancers are at a higher risk of developing head and neck cancers, according to results of a retrospective study published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. Having a prior blood cancer was also associated with worse 2 and 5-year overall survival for these head and neck cancers. The study [...]
Read MoreUniversity of Kentucky (UK) researchers have discovered a new compound that targets the active site of proteasomes. Proteasomes are the garbage processor of cells, breaking down old proteins into smaller peptides so they can be re-used in the creation of new proteins. In multiple myeloma, several proteasome inhibitors have been developed to treat multiple myeloma [...]
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Friday, May 24, 2019 @ 8:30 am Pacific, 9:30 am Mountain, 10:30 am Central, 11:30 am Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. Immunotherapy is a major class of therapy that continues to expand in the myeloma clinic. Dr. Alexander Lesokhin of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [...]
Read MoreDifferent targets are being used in myeloma for CAR T therapy and researchers have not yet identified the optimal target for each myeloma patient. The first target to begin CAR T development was BCMA, and now additional targets are being explored. Myeloma patients have CD38 markers and it may be a potential target for CAR [...]
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Monday, May 20, 2019 @ 1:30 pm Pacific, 2:30 pm Mountain, 3:30 pm Central, 4:30 pm Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. STEP therapy is an approach in managed medical care to minimize costs of prescription drugs. The program allows patients to begin therapy with the [...]
Read MoreDavid Siegel, MD, PhD John Theurer Cancer Center / Hackensack University Interview Date: May 3, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary CAR T cell therapy is making its way into the myeloma clinic. Most of of the early CAR T therapies have been personalized for each patient using a target of BCMA. [...]
Read MoreBob Regello has had multiple myeloma since 2007 and for the past 6 years has been a support group leader in Sacramento, California with his wife Jeanne for the past 6 years. We had the pleasure of sharing HealthTree in their support group meeting last fall and enjoyed their positive, caring spirits and saw their [...]
Read MoreThere is hope and promise around CAR T cell therapy for multiple myeloma patients. At the same time that the first early CAR T trials are beginning to publish data results, new methods of manufacturing are being developed to make CAR T therapy more effective, easier to produce and less expensive. Some CAR T companies [...]
Read MoreLast week the New England Journal of Medicine published results from the Phase I Celgene bb2121 CAR T clinical trial. In the Phase I study, 33 patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma were giving bb2121 as a single infusion of the CAR T product at different doses in the dose escalation phase (50×106, 150×106, 450×106, [...]
Read MoreUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have discovered a way to prevent kidney failure in multiple myeloma patients. Paul Sanders, MD, a nephrologist at UAB found that kidney damage can be prevented by blocking a pathway activated in the kidney by light chain proteins produced by the myeloma cells. The study was published in the [...]
Read MoreMultiple myeloma patients may want to adopt a new mantra: just breathe. University of Iowa researchers have found a link to sleep apnea and multiple myeloma. In Iowa, myeloma is in the top 10 deadliest cancers for women. The story was featured on local TV channel KCRG. Patients who have sleep apnea stop breathing at [...]
Read MoreIn HealthTree, our partnership with SparkCures allows you to see a customized list of clinical trials. Now that list is even better and more personal. We made recent HealthTree updates that allow your current lab values and your genetic features to be passed to SparkCures to further narrow your list of treatment options. Why is this [...]
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Friday, May 3, 2018 @ 12:30 pm Pacific, 1:30 pm Mountain, 2:30 pm Central, 3:30 pm Eastern Call In by Phone to Listen Live: (347) 637-2631 or Listen Live Via Computer. CAR T therapy is becoming a hot area of early clinical trials for multiple myeloma patients, but most are personally customized for each patient. [...]
Read MoreYogesh Jethava, MD University of Iowa, Holden Cancer Center Interview Date: April 18, 2019 Thanks to our episode sponsor Summary Most myeloma patients are familiar with how the chemotherapy melphalan is used during stem cell transplant. It is typically used in high doses and remains the single most effective drug to kill myeloma, [...]
Read MoreRegister for Bike the Coast 2019 Richard Hite is a business owner, father of three kids, outdoor enthusiast, and survivor or Multiple Myeloma as of April 2015. As founder of the Myeloma Crowd Cycling group, Richard is leading the team in the inaugural Bike the Coast event this June. Richard’s Story: Richard has [...]
Read MoreMedicare covers many cancer treatments, but is the coverage enough in the age of new immunotherapies like CAR T? This topic was addressed in a recent New York Times article where Medicare is trying to balance newer treatments with cost. According to the article: Cancer patients, doctors and drug companies are urging the Trump administration [...]
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Thursday, April 18, 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 clinical trial is open combining low dose melphalan, a drug commonly used at high doses for stem cell transplant, and high dose intravenous [...]
Read MoreEvery myeloma patient has immunoglobulin tests run to watch their kappa, lambda and kappa/lambda ratio numbers. It's one of the most important labs to watch if you are a myeloma patient. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, one of these antibodies grows out of control. The Y shaped antibodies have both a heavy [...]
Read MoreWhile many CAR T treatments are being developed for a target called B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), relapse still occurs in many patients. As the BCMA trials move up to earlier stages of disease, outcomes may be improve but newer targets are being explored. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers are working to develop a CAR [...]
Read MoreRecent findings of male participants in the Agricultural Health Study showed that certain blood levels can change after someone has been exposed to the pesticide permethrin and that those changes can persist for at least 3 weeks. The study was shared at the AACR conference (American Association for Cancer Research) happening in Atlanta this week. [...]
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