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Oral Drug Sets a New Survival Standard for Bone Marrow Cancer
November 26, 2007Rush University Medical Center participated in clinical trial of Revlimid
Findings from two large, international clinical trials show "unprecedented" survival for patients with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that occurs in the blood-making cells of bone marrow. The findings demonstrate that with Revlimid®, an oral cancer drug, all measures of myeloma showed significant improvement in patients where previous treatments had failed. Rush University Medical Center took part in the U.S. study. Results of the study were published November 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
In the study, a total of 353 patients were enrolled at 44 centers. Of those patients, 177 were assigned to receive Revlimid (lenalidomide) plus dexamethasone, a steroid hormone, and 176 received a placebo plus dexamethasone. According to the study results, patients who received Revlimid had a median survival of 29.6 months, compared to 20.2 months for the placebo group. In the Revlimid group, 61 percent of patients responded to therapy as compared with 19.9 percent in the placebo group.
According to the International Myeloma Foundation, follow-up data from the U.S.study and a European study report even better results. Patients treated with Revlimid had a median survival of nearly three years (35 months), the longest median survival in this difficult to treat patient group.
"Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is of growing interest and concern," said Dr. Stephanie Gregory, the director of the section of Hematology at Rush University Medical Center. "Statistics show the number of diagnoses is increasing in the United States where most cancers are decreasing, and myeloma is being found in increasingly younger patients. These trends give us some urgency in having potent treatments to fight this disease."
Revlimid is an immunomodulatory agent, a drug that can modify or regulate the functioning of the immune system. It is the newest of what are called the novel therapies that have changed the outlook for myeloma patients. It is an oral drug that can be taken at home, and because it targets the cancer cells directly along with factors that support their growth, it does not have the difficult side effects associated with most chemotherapy.
"We are pleased that concerted efforts to find effective treatments in what was considered a rare, little-known cancer, have led to drugs like Revlimid," said Susie Novis, president and co-founder of the International Myeloma Foundation. "Myeloma has been a difficult disease to cure, but with the novel therapies we are developing effective, long-term treatments by using multiple drugs in sequence and in various combinations. The addition of a drug with the potency of Revlimid to this equation is especially important."
In Europe and the U.S. Revlimid has been approved for use in multiple myeloma, and in the U.S. it is also approved for a pre-leukemia condition called MDS. It is also being tested in other leukemias and lymphomas and even solid tumors.
Myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that attacks and destroys bone. It accounts for about 16,000 new cases of cancer each year. An estimated 56 thousand people in the United Statesare living with Myeloma and this year approximately 11,300 deaths from Myeloma are anticipated. While there is no known cure for myeloma, doctors have many approaches to help myeloma patients live better and longer.
The Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Multiple Myeloma Clinic at RushUniversityMedicalCenteroffers a team approach to diagnosing and treating this complicated disease. The clinic addresses the multiple organ systems that are affected in these patients. The team includes specialists in Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Orthopedic Oncology, Neurosurgery, Palliative Care, Integrative Medicine, and Clinical Social Work. Many clinical trials are available for both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients. For more information call 1-800-352-RUSH.
Rush University Medical Center
According to the International Myeloma Foundation, follow-up data from the U.S.study and a European study report even better results. Patients treated with Revlimid had a median survival of nearly three years (35 months), the longest median survival in this difficult to treat patient group.
"Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is of growing interest and concern," said Dr. Stephanie Gregory, the director of the section of Hematology at Rush University Medical Center. "Statistics show the number of diagnoses is increasing in the United States where most cancers are decreasing, and myeloma is being found in increasingly younger patients. These trends give us some urgency in having potent treatments to fight this disease."
Revlimid is an immunomodulatory agent, a drug that can modify or regulate the functioning of the immune system. It is the newest of what are called the novel therapies that have changed the outlook for myeloma patients. It is an oral drug that can be taken at home, and because it targets the cancer cells directly along with factors that support their growth, it does not have the difficult side effects associated with most chemotherapy.
"We are pleased that concerted efforts to find effective treatments in what was considered a rare, little-known cancer, have led to drugs like Revlimid," said Susie Novis, president and co-founder of the International Myeloma Foundation. "Myeloma has been a difficult disease to cure, but with the novel therapies we are developing effective, long-term treatments by using multiple drugs in sequence and in various combinations. The addition of a drug with the potency of Revlimid to this equation is especially important."
In Europe and the U.S. Revlimid has been approved for use in multiple myeloma, and in the U.S. it is also approved for a pre-leukemia condition called MDS. It is also being tested in other leukemias and lymphomas and even solid tumors.
Myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that attacks and destroys bone. It accounts for about 16,000 new cases of cancer each year. An estimated 56 thousand people in the United Statesare living with Myeloma and this year approximately 11,300 deaths from Myeloma are anticipated. While there is no known cure for myeloma, doctors have many approaches to help myeloma patients live better and longer.
The Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Multiple Myeloma Clinic at RushUniversityMedicalCenteroffers a team approach to diagnosing and treating this complicated disease. The clinic addresses the multiple organ systems that are affected in these patients. The team includes specialists in Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Orthopedic Oncology, Neurosurgery, Palliative Care, Integrative Medicine, and Clinical Social Work. Many clinical trials are available for both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients. For more information call 1-800-352-RUSH.
Rush University Medical Center
Myeloma Current Events and Myeloma News RSSCancers' Sweet Tooth May Be Weakness
The pedal-to-the-metal signals driving the growth of several types of cancer cells lead to a common switch governing the use of glucose, researchers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have discovered.
Approved lymphoma drug shows promise in early tests against bone cancer
A drug already approved for the treatment of lymphoma may also slow the growth of the most deadly bone cancer in children and teens, according to an early-stage study published online today in the International Journal of Cancer.
Experimental drug lets B cells live and lymphoma cells die
An investigative drug deprived non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells of their ability to survive too long and multiply too fast, according to an early study published recently in the journal Experimental Hematology.
Boron-based compounds trick a biomedical protein
Chemists and biologists have successfully demonstrated that specially synthesized boron compounds are readily accepted in biologically active enzymes, a move that, they say, is a proof of concept that could lead to new drug design strategies.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Common blood disorder may not be linked to as many serious diseases
A symptomless blood disorder, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, known as MGUS, is not linked to as many serious diseases as previously thought.
New study suggests possible genetic links between environmental toxins and multiple myeloma
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)-supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians-today said newly published data may provide a possible genetic link between environmental toxins and bone disease in multiple myeloma.
Mayo researchers find race has role in incidence, survival of rare brain tumor
The incidence of a rare and deadly tumor called primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is two times higher in black Americans, ages 20 to 49, than in white Americans, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in the June issue of Journal of Neuro-Oncology.
Genetic factors implicated in survival gap for breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
A new finding reveals that African-American patients with breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer tend to die earlier than patients of other races with these cancers, even when they receive identical medical treatment and when socioeconomic factors are controlled for.
Individuals who apply pesticides are found to have double the risk of blood disorder
A study involving 678 individuals who apply pesticides, culled from a U.S. Agricultural Health Study of over 50,000 farmers, recently found that exposure to certain pesticides doubles one's risk of developing an abnormal blood condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) compared with individuals in the general population.
X-rays help predict permanent bone damage from bisphosphonates
Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis and those undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs containing bisphosphonates.
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Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together Sweatshirt XX-Large White by Shop Zeus |
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Multiple Myeloma: The Plain English Handbook for Patients and Care Givers by Robert, J Heller (Author) A concise and helpful overview of the disease, including therapies, medications, problems, and lifestyle changes. Many helpful hints in an easy to understand format which avoids a lot of hard to understand terminology in favor of a more light-hearted approach. Includes reproducible forms and many references to other sources. |
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Fight Against Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Fight Against Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
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Multiple Myeloma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Multiple Myeloma Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Multiple Myeloma Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Multiple Myeloma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
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Clearly Charming Burgundy Ribbon - Multiple Myeloma Awareness Italian Charm 18k Gold and Enamel by Casa D'Oro by Clearly Charming Show your support for those people who are affected and for a cure. This charm is made by Casa D'Oro with 18k gold and baked enamel. It will make a great addition to your Italian charm bracelet or a perfect personalized gift. Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show support for those affected by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add Clearly Charming premium quality interlocking modular Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. |
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Beating Myeloma Together Keychain by Design a Product LLC Text on keychain: Beating Myeloma Together * Durable acrylic key chain is crystal-clear and double-sided so the artwork or message is seen twice. * Sturdy metal ring holds your keys securely. * Full color printed images or messages are included. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom keychains please contact us. * Size: 2 1/8" x 3 1/2" (Approx. business card) |
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