PharmaMar initiates EMA re-examination process for Aplidin, a marine-derived anticancer agent targeting multiple myeloma. The re-examination procedure aims to confirm or update the negative opinion on its Marketing Authorization Application.
PharmaMar has signed a commercialization and distribution license agreement with Megapharm Ltd. for the marine-derived anticancer drug Aplidin² (plitidepsin) in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The agreement allows for registration and distribution of Aplidn², providing access to a novel therapy for multiple myeloma patients.
PharmaMar's plitidepsin demonstrated improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to dexamethasone alone, with a significant reduction in the risk of progression. The study also showed better quality of life evolution and a novel mechanism of action that targets eEF1A2 protein.
Researchers found that socio-demographic factors such as income level, education, and insurance status significantly impact access to stem cell transplants for patients with multiple myeloma. Higher-income Whites and Blacks, and those with private insurance, were more likely to receive the treatment.
Researchers found that high ADAR1 levels correlate with reduced survival rates and disease recurrence in multiple myeloma. Inhibiting ADAR1 in experimental models suggests a potential approach to detect the disease earlier and address its root cause.
A study found that African-American patients with multiple myeloma have increased mutations in genes BCL7A, BRWD3 and AUTS2, while white patients have more mutations in TP53 and IRF4. This suggests a different approach may be needed for targeted therapies.
After stem cell therapy, tests like SPEP/SIFE and SFLCA may yield oligoclonal patterns that resemble the original monoclonal antibody spike. However, this is a normal response to treatment, not recurrence of the disease. The key clarifier lies in tracking the location of the malignant spike before and after treatment.
Aplidin, an anticancer agent with no hematological toxicity, is being combined with pomalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone to combat multiple myeloma. The quadruple combination study aims to increase the success rate of treatment by utilizing different mechanisms of action.
Researchers have demonstrated a new therapeutic approach that can re-build and strengthen bone, offering hope for individuals with the debilitating bone cancer, multiple myeloma. The treatment targets a protein called sclerostin, which halts bone formation, and found to double bone volume in some mice.
A new type of immunotherapy using CAR T cells targeting B-cell maturation protein (BCMA) has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma, achieving a 100% objective response rate and 94% clinical remission. Most patients experienced mild side effects, with only one case of disease progression among those in complete response.
Researchers discovered an experimental drug, LCL161, that stimulates the immune system and causes tumor shrinkage in patients with multiple myeloma. The study highlights the importance of studying drug interactions with the tumor microenvironment.
Researchers found that a green tea compound may prevent light chain amyloidosis, a condition where parts of the body's own antibodies become misshapen and accumulate in organs, by transforming the protein into a non-toxic form. The study suggests potential lifesaving benefits for patients with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis.
Researchers at Uppsala University identified a new mechanism that could explain the tumor-promoting role of EZH2 in multiple myeloma. Inhibiting EZH2 reduces the survival of tumor cells by downregulating oncogenes and upregulating microRNAs with potential tumor suppressor functions.
The study found no difference in progression-free survival among patients receiving standard care, additional chemotherapy, or a second round of autoHCT. Researchers suggest that adding new therapies to the standard treatment may not provide significant benefits for patients with multiple myeloma.
Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that an immunotherapy-based drug combination can prevent progression of high-risk 'smoldering' multiple myeloma, causing tumor shrinkage in 82.6% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated with low toxicities and resulted in remission for many patients.
Researchers from UH Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center present new findings on treating multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and other hematologic disorders. The studies show significant therapeutic benefits for patients who participate in phase I trials.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented various studies on multiple myeloma and other hematological disorders at the American Society of Hematology's Annual Meeting. The studies focused on treatment protocols, biomarkers, and gene expression in these diseases.
Research suggests that excess weight increases the risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma. Maintaining a healthy weight may be a way to prevent this progression, particularly in African-American men and those with elevated M protein levels.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with multiple myeloma treated at centers seeing more cases of the disease live longer. The researchers analyzed data from over 94,000 patients and discovered a significant correlation between treatment center volume and patient outcomes.
Multiple myeloma cells communicate with healthy bone marrow cells, altering protein translation initiation to create a favorable environment for cancer growth. This crosstalk allows tumor cells to modify the surrounding microenvironment, promoting progression and disease.
A new study reveals that socioeconomic differences between white and ethnic minority patients are the main factor affecting their chances of survival. Patients with higher income, insurance status, and marital status tend to have better outcomes.
Australian researchers have discovered a new class of anti-cancer agents targeting MCL-1, which may be effective in treating multiple myeloma. The majority of myelomas rely on MCL-1 to stay alive, and inhibiting it has shown potential as a treatment approach for the majority of patients.
Research shows that as body mass index increases, so does the growth and spread of multiple myeloma. Fat cells from obese or morbidly obese patients secrete inflammatory proteins that contribute to tumor progression. This study suggests a new treatment approach, tailoring drugs based on a patient's BMI.
A research team has identified the AF1q protein as an adverse prognostic factor for multiple myeloma, particularly in cases where extramedullary disease is present. The study found that high expression of AF1q is associated with a higher incidence of EMD.
Preliminary results suggest that the selinexor combination regimen is active in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Of 10 evaluable patients, two each achieved a very good partial response, a partial response, and a minimal response.
A Phase I study of plitidepsin in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone demonstrated a 56% overall response rate, including very good partial responses. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities, and showed clinical benefit in 72% of patients.
Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed an animal model of multiple myeloma, allowing them to better understand its mechanisms and test potential treatments. The study has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with this incurable disease.
Researchers discovered TJP1's role in identifying patients most likely to benefit from proteasome inhibitors, with low TJP1 levels associated with resistance. The study provides a rationale for using TJP1 as a biomarker for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers have discovered that PPP3CA and calcineurin are potential therapeutic targets for treating multiple myeloma. The study found that inhibition of calcineurin with FK506 promoted MM cell death, suggesting a promising new approach for treating this disease.
A preliminary clinical trial found that an experimental antibody treatment decreased the number of cancer stem cells driving tumor growth in nearly all patients with multiple myeloma. The treatment was tested in 15 newly diagnosed patients and showed promising results, with no serious adverse side effects.
PharmaMar's Aplidin (plitidepsin) demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in multiple myeloma progression or death, meeting primary endpoint. The study enrolled 255 patients across 19 countries and showed promising results.
A new therapeutic approach using autograft followed by allograft resulted in a record-breaking 41% cure rate and 60% relapse-free survival rate in patients with multiple myeloma. The study showed promising results with low mortality rates and high efficacy in subsequent treatments.
A landmark Phase II study by Winship Cancer Institute led to the approval of daratumumab for multiple myeloma patients who have received at least three prior treatments. The drug showed an overall response rate of nearly 30% and demonstrated single-agent activity in a novel monoclonal antibody treatment.
A Phase I study combining natural killer cells with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation showed promising results in treating multiple myeloma. The treatment resulted in no toxicity or graft-versus-host disease, offering a potential new approach for patients.
Researchers presented landmark studies on newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, revealing key biological processes and disease mechanisms. Two combination therapy strategies showed high response rates in patients with difficult-to-treat myeloma.
A new personalized method for testing drug effectiveness in multiple myeloma predicts the best treatments for individual patients. The test suggests commonly prescribed drugs or combination therapies, as well as optimal dosages.
Rates of kidney failure caused by multiple myeloma have declined over the past decade, with a 20% reduction from 2001-2002 to 2009-2010. ESRD patients with multiple myeloma are also living longer and experiencing a decline in mortality within 3 years after initiating dialysis.
A study of 100 multiple myeloma patients found that nearly half tapped into their savings and 17% delayed treatment due to high costs. The rising cost of novel therapeutics has led to financial toxicity, affecting patient wellbeing and potentially contributing to increased mortality.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a higher prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor to multiple myeloma. The study suggests an association between Agent Orange exposure and the development of plasma cell disorders.
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has been awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant to study the genetic basis of multiple myeloma and develop novel therapies.
Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD38, showed significant promise against difficult-to-treat disease in patients with advanced multiple myeloma, achieving durable responses in 36% of patients, including complete remissions and very good partial responses.
Patients with multiple myeloma who are diagnosed with MGUS first have better overall survival compared to those without prior knowledge. However, the study also found that patients with low M-protein concentration at MGUS diagnosis have poorer MM survival rates.
A comprehensive review published in The Lancet provides guidance on treating multiple myeloma, including established and novel therapies. New approaches to paralyze cancer cells and attack malignant cells are also introduced.
Researchers present new advances in treating relapsed and treatment-resistant lymphoma, including targeted therapies and stem cell transplantation, to improve patient outcomes. These studies show promising results for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma, where traditional treatments have been limited.
Researchers found a significant benefit in adding carfilzomib to standard lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment, extending disease-free periods by nearly 50%. The three-drug combination resulted in improved remission rates and overall survival, with patients reporting better quality of life.
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation has made landmark genomic and clinical data from the CoMMpass Study available to researchers via the MMRF's Researcher Gateway. This data includes patient-level biomarker and clinical data, genomic information, and treatment responses, offering new avenues for research into multiple myeloma.
A phase 1/2 study found the combination of weekly ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone to be generally well-tolerated and active in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, resulting in a partial response rate of 92%. The study supports the development of a phase 3 trial for this combination.
The International Myeloma Working Group has updated its criteria for diagnosing multiple myeloma, allowing for earlier diagnosis without symptoms. The new guidelines incorporate validated biomarkers to identify patients at risk of progression, enabling targeted therapy and improved patient outcomes.
Scientists from A*STAR's Bioprocessing Technology Institute uncover crucial role of DOK3 and SHP1 in plasma cell development and production. This discovery advances understanding of plasma cells and antibody response, potentially leading to improved treatment for patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple myeloma.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel strategy for treating multiple myeloma by genetically modifying T lymphocytes to target the CS1 molecule on myeloma cells. The modified cells were shown to efficiently destroy human multiple myeloma cells in laboratory studies and animal models.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel combination therapy that reduces Mcl-1 expression and disrupts its interactions to effectively kill multiple myeloma cells. The therapy combines Chk1 and MEK inhibitors, showing promise in overcoming resistance caused by high expressions of Mcl-1.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blacks are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma because they are more likely to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The study also showed that the type of MGUS in blacks is associated with a higher risk of progression to full-blown multiple myeloma.
A pre-clinical study suggests that dinaciclib, a CDK inhibitor, can improve the effectiveness of certain therapies for multiple myeloma and myeloid leukemia by disrupting the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cancer cells. The UPR is a cell survival mechanism that allows cancer cells to combat damage caused by anti-cancer agents.
A comprehensive genetic study of multiple myeloma has identified subpopulations of cancer cells with different mutations within the same tumor. This discovery could impact treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
A research team identified two genes, IRE1 and XBP1, that control response to proteasome inhibitors, which are commonly used to treat multiple myeloma. The study found that these underlying progenitor cells can survive treatment and lead to disease relapse.
Multiple myeloma patients experience persistent disease recurrence due to intrinsic resistance in immature progenitor cells. Researchers identify a cancer cell maturation hierarchy and propose targeting both progenitor cells and plasma cells to develop new treatments.
Pomalidomide shows promise in treating CNS lymphoma by improving survival and suppressing tumor growth. The clinical trial is now open at Mayo Clinic's three campuses.
A new study led by Robert G. Hawley may help predict which patients with multiple myeloma will respond better to certain treatments. The researchers discovered a test that can detect tumor-propagating cells, which are responsible for disease relapse.
A large European study found that multiple myeloma is related to farm work, printing and cleaning. The EPILYMPH study, which included 277 cases and matched controls by age and gender, found an increased risk for farmers, cleaning workers, telephone and radio operators.
Pomalidomide, a new immunomodulatory drug, demonstrates significant increases in progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with relapsed and treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. The study found improved outcomes in both younger and older patients, offering a promising new option to extend survival.