Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Analysis shows revlimid plus dexamethasone increases overall survival in multiple myeloma patients

Analysis shows revlimid plus dexamethasone increases overall survival in multiple myeloma patients

December 11, 2008

Celgene International Sarl (NASDAQ: CELG) announced that data from a landmark analysis of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma found that continuous treatment with REVLIMID (lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone after achieving best response resulted in significantly longer overall survival and increased time to disease progression compared to those who discontinued treatment after ten months or less. The results of this analysis were presented today at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

"The findings show that, as long as patients are responsive to treatment and their side effects are manageable, they should be maintained on therapy, since continuing treatment can improve outcomes and overall survival significantly," said Jesus San Miguel, MD, Head of the Department of Hematology, University of Salamanca, and lead author on the study. "Patients and doctors should work together to manage side effects so that treatments can be continued."




Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood in which plasma cells, or white blood cells, are overproduced in the bone marrow. The disease accounts for one-fifth of all deaths from hematologic cancers.

This analysis of 321 patients found that, 24 months after achieving their best response, 93.8 percent of patients who continued therapy for more than 10 months were still alive, whereas only 48.4 percent of those who were treated for 10 months or less survived.

A second analysis completed as part of the same study showed that patients who discontinued therapy with REVLIMID® early due to adverse events or withdrawal of consent had significantly shorter median overall survival times (29.5 months) and times to disease progression (13.6 months) than did those who continued therapy. For those who continued therapy median overall survival and time to progression were not yet reached at time of analysis. Patients who stopped treatment due to disease progression were excluded from the study; therefore the results show that patients benefit from continuing treatment.

REVLIMID is currently approved in the European Union, the United States, Canada, Argentina and Switzerland in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy and in Australia in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of patients whose disease has progressed after one therapy. REVLIMID is also approved in Canada, the United States and Argentina for transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk MDS associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities. REVLIMID has obtained Orphan Drug designation in the EU, U.S., Switzerland, Australia and Japan.

Celgene International Sàrl



Related Multiple Myeloma Current Events and Multiple Myeloma News Articles Multiple Myeloma Current Events and Multiple Myeloma News RSS Multiple Myeloma Current Events and Multiple Myeloma News RSS
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.

Scientists identify key gene that protects against leukemia
Researchers have identified a gene that controls the rapid production and differentiation of the stem cells that produce all blood cell types-a discovery that could eventually open the door to more streamlined treatments for leukemia and other blood cancers, in which blood cells proliferate out of control.
More Multiple Myeloma Current Events and Multiple Myeloma News Articles
Multiple Myeloma: The Plain English Handbook for Patients and Care Givers

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.

100 Questions and Answers About Myeloma (100 Questions & Answers about . . .)

100 Questions and Answers About Myeloma (100 Questions & Answers about . . .)
by Asad Bashey (Author), Rafat Abonour (Author)

Whether you are a newly diagnosed myeloma patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide the doctor s and patient s views, 100 Questions & Answers About Myeloma gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by a hematologist-oncologist specializing in myeloma treatment, and featuring insider advice from an actual patient, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders
by S. Vincent Rajkumar (Editor), Robert A. Kyle (Editor)

Due to major advances in understanding the biology and pathogenesis of the disease, the management of multiple myeloma is changing rapidly. New diagnostic and prognostic criteria have been introduced, and treatment options are multiplying with high-dose chemotherapy regimens, stem cell transplants, and the development of novel agents and immune-based strategies that target tumor cells directly. This book is aimed at the practitioner who is looking to put these advances into clinical context. It will serve as an up-to-date resource for treatment of myeloma and related disorders. Chapters are written by international authorities and contain color photos, diagrams, and algorithms outlining preferred treatment strategies. Relevant scientific information is integrated throughout, but the...

Myeloma (The Biology of Cancer)

Myeloma (The Biology of Cancer)
by Jerome E., Ph.d. Tanner (Author)

Myeloma is a form of cancer that rises from white blood cells called B lymphocytes. The disease usually causes malignant cells to grow within bone marrow. These cells interfere with marrow function as well as the immune system. Risk for myeloma has been linked to old age, being overweight, and environmental factors such as radiation exposure. Myeloma draws upon the most current medical research to explain the biology of this form of cancer, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

Multiple Myeloma Medical Guide

Multiple Myeloma Medical Guide
by Qontro Medical Guides (Author)

The Multiple Myeloma Medical Guide is a publication which has been designed to better help readers understand Multiple Myeloma. This Qontro Medical Guide has been designed with the reader in mind, and is a useful information source for readers at all levels looking to learn more about Multiple Myeloma. The Multiple Myeloma Medical Guide is highly recommended for those interested in understanding and learning more about Multiple Myeloma.

Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together Sweatshirt Large White

Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together Sweatshirt Large White
by Shop Zeus



Multiple Myeloma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

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!

Clearly Charming Burgundy Ribbon - Multiple Myeloma Awareness Italian Charm 18k Gold and Enamel by Casa D'Oro

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.

  Multiple Myeloma: Translational and Emerging Therapies
by Kenneth C. Anderson (Author)

Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent hematological malignancy, with over 55,000 new cases diagnosed each year. This exciting new text, edited by lauded authorities on the topic, stands as the only available reference to assemble, review, and synthesizes the latest studies on translational therapies and clearly explains the impact of molecular pathogenesis, biology, and prognostic factors on the diagnosis, prognosis, and individualization of treatment and the development of novel therapeutic options for patients with myeloma.

Moving from the bench to the bedside to the forefront of therapeutic development, this source:



helps clinicians and researchers effectively deploy therapeutic strategies into clinical practice
reflects trends in the use of agents which...

Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together Mug

Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together Mug
by Design a Product LLC

Text on mug: Beating Multiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell Neoplasm Together
* 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.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com