myeloma headlines

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Myeloma Canada Higlights Three Clinically Significant Studies Advancing Myeloma Treatement In the New England Journal of Medicine
Myeloma Canada says three newly published studies demonstrate the value of long-term maintenance treatment with an oral drug Revlimid® in patients with multiple myeloma. Myeloma Canada has previously said that because Revlimid is a self-administered pill, it limits the need for in-hospital treatment, allowing patients to lead more productive lives.

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Health Canada Approves Subcutaneous  Administration of Velcade^® in Multiple Myeloma
Health Canada has approved the subcutaneous (under the skin) administration of Velcade^® for multiple myeloma. With this approval, Canadians living with multiple myeloma can now receive a convenient, subcutaneous injection that allows for greater physician and patient treatment choice. This new route of administration may reduce the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy thereby allowing patients to continue their treatment to optimize clinical outcomes.

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Myeloma Canada Endorses Quebec Decision to Fund 2nd Line Treatment with Cancer Drug Revlimid^®
Myeloma Canada has endorsed the February 1, 2012 decision by INESSS, Quebec’s health services review agency, to reimburse the oral drug Revlimid® (lenalidomide) as second-line therapy for the treatment of patients afflicted with multiple myeloma, a rare, incurable but treatable cancer of the bone marrow.

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Myeloma Canada Milestones, 2011: A Year in Review
Last year saw Myeloma Canada make significant strides in moving forward our mission of education, awareness, access and research. A few of the highlights included two sold out educational conferences in Montreal and Toronto, the awarding of the first Myeloma Canada peer-reviewed research grant, the design of the first clinical trial by the Myeloma Canada Research Network and the airing of the first-ever public service announcement for myeloma. Additionally, the Multiple Myeloma March grew from one city to six, showing that it is possible for our small community to come together and move our mission forward with a unified purpose.

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Saskatchewan approves Velcade® (bortezomib) for first line treatment in newly-diagnosed transplant-eligible patients
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency has announced its approval of front-line funding for Velcade® (bortezomib) in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy (stem cell transplant) treatment.

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British Columbia Approves VELCADE® (bortezomib) for all Transplant Eligible Patients 
Effective January 1st 2012, the eligibility criteria for using VELCADE® (bortezomib) and dexamethasone with or without cyclophosphamide as induction therapy have been expanded to include all multiple myeloma patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

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Canadian Study Takes In-Depth Look At Second Stem Cell Transplants As Salvage Therapy
Results from a recent study at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto 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.

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Novel Therapies Advance Multiple Myeloma Treatment
A sweep of new agents are poised to deliver what could be a knock-out blow to multiple myeloma, according to the director of the myeloma program at the University of California, San Francisco. Some are second- or third-generation agents in a mainstay class that appear to have less toxicity than and/or overcome resistance to their predecessors, Dr. Jeffrey L. Wolf said at the annual Oncology Congress here. Others come from classes not previously used in this disease.  

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Myeloma Canada Announces Recipient of This Year's Research Grant
We are pleased to announce that the recipient of the first annual Myeloma Canada research grant in the amount of $50,000 is Dr Sabine Mai of the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology in Winnipeg. Dr Mai and her colleague Dr Ade Olujohungbe of CancerCare Manitoba will undertake a research study designed to enhance monitoring and patient management in multiple myeloma using a novel 3D-diagnostic tool.

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Multiple Myeloma March Gains Momentum: Double the Participants. Double the Donations.
We are proud to announce that our 2011 Multiple Myeloma March was an overwhelming success. For everyone who participated, it was a special day of joining together and marching as a united community to raise awareness and further Myeloma Canada's myeloma research strategy. Nationally, this year's Multiple Myeloma March brought in double the donations from 2010, with a total of almost $390,000.

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Nova Scotia approves funding for Lenalidomide (Revlimid)
Myeloma patients in Nova Scotia received good news this month when they learned of their government’s decision to approve the funding of lenalidomide (Revlimid) as second-line treatment (in combination with dexamethasone).

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New Brunswick Approves Front-Line Funding for Velcade® (bortezomib)
Effective December 3rd 2010, the New Brunswick Department of Health approved front-line funding for Velcade® (bortezomib) as a combination therapy for the treatment of patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma.

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From JODR to pCODR: One Step Closer, But Miles To Go
In an attempt to encourage a more consistent standard of therapy across Canada, a new national oncology drug review process (the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, or pCODR) is being launched to provide all provinces except Quebec with common recommendations on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of new cancer drugs.

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Multiple Myeloma Basics: An interview with Dr Sundar Jagannath
As director of the multiple myeloma program at Mount Sinai, Dr. Sundar Jagannath specializes in blood cancer treatment, including stem cell and bone marrow transplant. A 20-year veteran of the field, Jagannath oversees the care of 600 to 700 myeloma patients a year.

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Thalidomide Update
After having received approval from Health Canada on August 4, 2010, THALOMID® (thalidomide) became commercially available in Canada on November 1, 2010.

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Multiple Myeloma-Associated Amyloidosis – What Every Patient Should Know
The following article describes amyloidosis as it relates to multiple myeloma and includes some of the current treatment recommendations for patients with this dual diagnosis.

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Smouldering Multiple Myeloma: Experts Identify Risk Factors For Disease Progression And Establish Monitoring Guidelines
The International Myeloma Working Group, a group of leading myeloma doctors, recently published a report identifying risk factors for disease progression in patients with smouldering myeloma. In addition, the myeloma experts established guidelines for the monitoring and management of this condition.

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MGUS: Experts Identify Risk Factors For Disease Progression And Establish Monitoring Guidelines
The International Myeloma Working Group, a group of leading myeloma doctors, recently published a report identifying risk factors for disease progression in patients with the multiple myeloma precursor diseases, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smouldering myeloma. In addition, the myeloma experts established guidelines for the monitoring and management of these two conditions.

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Manitoba 8th Province to Approve Revlimid® Funding for Myeloma Patients
Manitoba last week became the eighth province to approve funding for Revlimid® (lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone, as second-line therapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.

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Thalidomide Receives Notice of Compliance from Health Canada
Myeloma Canada is pleased to announce that on August 4, 2010 Celgene received a Notice of Compliance (NOC) from Health Canada authorizing the sale of Thalomid® (thalidomide capsules) in Canada.

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Canada ranks near the bottom in usage of newer cancer drugs
In a newly released report comparing international usage of prescription drugs, Canada ranks thirteenth among 14 countries for cancer drugs launched within the last five years.

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Zoledronic Acid Significantly Improve Survival Over Clodronate
The use of zoledronic acid for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma was superior to treatment with clodronate and was found to improve survival even after adjustment for potential effects of skeletal-related events on survival.

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Recent Advances In Treating Myeloma Bone Disease (ASCO 2010)
Dr. David Roodman of the University of Pittsburgh discussed the current use of bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma during an education session on June 7 at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting.

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Lenalidomide Maintenance Halves Multiple Myeloma Relapse
Maintenance therapy with lenalidomide after treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation slowed disease progression by 54% in patients with multiple myeloma.

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Myeloma Canada Information Workshops
Myeloma Canada continues its outreach to patients and caregivers across Canada with the first-ever information workshops to be held in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. These sessions, which are free and open to the public, provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about multiple, myeloma as well as to meet other patients and caregivers. Click here for all the information on the workshop in Halifax, June 10. Click here for all the information on the workshop in St. John's, NL,      June 12.

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Continuous, Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide And Prednisone Regimen Is Safe And Effective Salvage Treatment For Multiple Myeloma
In a study recently published in the journal Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia, researchers determined that continuous treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and prednisone at low doses is effective and manageable in multiple myeloma patients who cannot tolerate conventional chemotherapy.

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Cancer treatment becomes perfect fiscal storm for Canadians
With diagnoses coming late in life – after coverage has run out – more people are being forced to take drastic measures to pay for medicine.

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John F. Lemieux, President of Myeloma Canada Interview March 1st, 2010 on CBC Radio’s “Daybreak” program.  The focus of the interview was the recent ruling by Quebec’s Conseil du médicament regarding third-line approval for Revlimid and the potential consequences of this ruling for the myeloma community. To listen to the radio interview, you will need Windows Media Players. To download the program free, please click here.

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Myeloma Canada Decries Quebec Government’s Limited Approval Of Revlimid® As Third-Line Therapy
John Lemieux, President of Myeloma Canada, commented: "The Conseil’s decision, driven solely by cost considerations, sets Quebec apart from every jurisdiction that has approved Revlimid for public funding."

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Revlimid-Cyclophosphamide-Prednisone Combination May Be Highly Effective For Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients
A new study published in the British Journal of Haematology suggests that the drug combination regimen of Revlimid (lenalidomide), cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (RCP) is highly effective in multiple myeloma patients who are refractory (not responsive) to Revlimid-dexamethasone (Decadron) treatment.

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Thought Leader Perspective: Dr. Robert Kyle on Myeloma Treatments that Require Further Study
This article will cover the role of clinical trials and key issues in the treatment of multiple myeloma as well as promising treatments for the future.

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A new cause when an affliction hits home
The donors: David and Molly Bloom
The Gift: Raising $4.1-million
The Cause: Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital
The Reason: To finance a chair in multiple myeloma research.

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Vitamin C Inhibits Anti-Myeloma Activity Of Velcade
More recent studies show that vitamin C can counteract the activity of certain cancer
chemotherapy agents

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Montreal researchers study new technique that could revolutionize stem-cell transplants
Montreal researchers are taking part in what could become a breakthrough in stem cell transplants, by leading the first transplant of a mismatched donor.

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New Velcade Combination Therapy Effective For Newly Diagnosed Myeloma Patients
A new study suggests that Velcade (bortezomib), in combination with other drugs, is a better treatment method for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma than the previous standard drugs.

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Treatment Trends For Multiple Myeloma – Options For Elderly Multiple Myeloma Patients
Elderly people with multiple myeloma have better treatment options now than ten years ago

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Treatment Trends For Multiple Myeloma – Autologous Stem Cell Transplants (from The Myeloma Beacon)
This article focuses on Dr. Reece’s findings about autologous stem cell transplants.

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Treatment Trends For Multiple Myeloma – Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants
This article focuses on Dr. Reece’s findings about allogeneic stem cell transplants.

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Velcade-Doxil-Dexamethasone Combination Treatment Is Highly Effective In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients
A combination regimen of Velcade (bortezomib), Doxil (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin), and dexamethasone (Decadron), known as the VDD regimen, is highly effective for initial treatment of multiple myeloma, according to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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New Proteasome Inhibitor, Carfilzomib, Has Significant Activity in Relapsed Myeloma
Researchers have reported that carfilzomib monotherapy is highly active in patients with relapsed myeloma and can be administered safely for at least one year in responding patients.

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Myeloma Canada Applauds Decision by Alberta and Saskatchewan to Fund Revlimid®
The provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan have become the third and fourth provinces respectively to approve funding for Revlimid®.

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'Treason' By Immune System Cells Aids Growth Of Multiple Myeloma
The discovery not only helps explain a little-understood aspect of myeloma biology, but also suggests a new angle of attack on the disease.

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Ontarians with Rare Cancer Offered New Hope
New multiple myeloma treatment Revlimid to be covered by Ontario Public Drug Programs.

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Sault Ste. Marie Woman Helps Get Cancer Drug Approved in Ontario
The efforts of a Sault Ste. Marie woman have helped get a life-saving cancer drug publicly covered.

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Mahj For Myeloma
October 28, 2009 - An evening of mahjong, bridge and Scrabble in support of Multiple Myeloma Research at The Princess Margaret

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Æterna Zentaris Partner, Keryx, Announces Agreement with FDA
on a Special Protocol Assessment for Phase 3 Trial with Perifosine (KRX-0401) for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

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Myeloma Canada Applauds Ontario Government’s Decision to Fund Revlimid
Ontario has become the second province, after British Columbia, to approve funding for Revlimid® (or lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone as second-line therapy for the treatment of the blood cancer multiple myeloma.

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A Canadian First : The Molly and David Bloom Chair in Multiple Myeloma Research at the Princess Margaret Hospital
Ever since the 1970’s, under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Bergsagel, the Princess Margaret Hospital has been recognized as a leading institution in the investigation and treatment of multiple myeloma.

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Vegetarians ‘Avoid More Cancers’
Vegetarians are generally less likely than meat eaters to develop cancer but this does not apply to all forms of the disease, a major study published in the British Journal of Cancer has found.

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Time-To-Live : Canadians Lack Confidence in Access to Cancer Medications
Access to new treatments vital, as incidence of multiple myeloma continues to rise.

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Quebec Approves Velcade as First-Line Treatment for Newly-diagnosed Blood Cancer Patients
Myeloma Canada, patients and professionals applaud Quebec for its leadership in providing patients with improved treatment access

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Ontario Government Announces Reimbursement of Velcade as First-line Treatment for Newly-diagnosed Blood Cancer Patients
Myeloma Canada, patients and professionals applaud Ontario for its leadership in providing patients with treatment access

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Ottawa Seizing Cheaper Thalidomide Smuggled in from Mexico
Cancer patients desperate enough to order cheaper, unlicensed versions of the drug thalidomide from Mexico now face another challenge to getting treatment: Federal authorities have reportedly begun seizing supplies of the life-extending medicine at the border.

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Canadians Smuggle in Cheaper Thalidomide
Faced with massive costs here for a life-extending drug with a dark history, many desperately ill Canadian cancer patients are turning to Mexico, Brazil and other developing countries for far-cheaper supplies of Thalidomide.

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Myeloma Canada Responds to Thalidomide Article
Thalidomide and newer drugs, such as Revlimid and Velcade, can add years to the lives of myeloma patients yet, across Canada, they face fragmented, confusing and discriminatory drug payment policies.

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Green Tea Blocks Velcade Benefits
“The most immediate conclusion,” Axel H. Schönthal of the University of Southern California School of Medicine says, is that “patients undergoing cancer therapy with Velcade must avoid green tea, and in particular all of its concentrated [polyphenol extracts]" that are so readily available in health-food stores and online.

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Nova Scotia Says No to Revlimid Funding
The result of the vote was a majority in favour of not recommending funding. 18 votes were cast with one dissenting opinion recorded.

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New Guidelines For Serum Free Light Chain Assays
In September of 2008, Leukemia published guidelines developed by the International Myeloma Working Group for serum free light chain analysis in multiple myeloma. 

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To access and read more articles of interest to the myeloma community, please go to news & updates.

 

 

 

 

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Multiple Myeloma March Gains Momentum:
Double the Participants. Double the Donations.