By Steve Gillman What my cancer taught me about medical “evidence” and how much is enough I exaggerate. My oncologist probably does believe humans need food, but I suspect the belief makes him uncomfortable, since no double-blind studies have been done to prove it. Like many doctors, his general approach to treatment is that if something hasn’t been...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined if intensive chemotherapy after initial chemotherapy made treatment more effective for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The authors concluded that intensive chemotherapy increased survival without tumor growth or spread for these patients. Some background In MM, cancer cells become different...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated the risk factors associated with delayed engraftment (DE) in patients who had stem cell transplantation (SCT). The authors found that patients receiving blood transfusions, those with low platelet levels, and those given low numbers of stem cells during SCT were more likely to experience DE. Some background...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This article provides recommendations for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Some background MM is a type of blood cancer characterized by abnormal plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of immune cell that antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses and stop infection and disease. In MM, abnormal plasma cells build up in the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the D-KRd regimen (daratumumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone) in patients with multiple myeloma. The main outcome to be measured will be the number of patients who respond to treatment. This study is recruiting in Chicago, Illinois. The details Multiple myeloma (MM)...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study compared different treatment combinations for first-line and maintenance therapies in elderly patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The authors found that first-line MPR was most effective for fit elderly patients, while all patients benefitted from RP maintenance therapy. Some background MM is a complex disease, and...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of RVD (lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone) in patients with multiple myeloma before a stem cell transplant (SCT) in a real-life setting (outside of clinical trials). This study concluded that this treatment was safe and effective for these patients. Some background Multiple myeloma...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined if the numbers of different immune cells before and after a stem cell transplant (SCT) predicted treatment outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The authors concluded that the numbers of two types of immune cells and antibody levels were associated with a successful transplant. Some background MM...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study assessed whether the addition of daratumumab (Darzalex) to VTd (bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone) therapy could improve response in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The authors concluded that the addition of daratumumab improved the outcomes of these patients. Some background Autologous stem cell transplantation...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of combining two T-cell therapies for multiple myeloma (MM) that has come back or stopped responding to treatment. This study concluded that this treatment showed promising effectiveness for these patients. Some background Treatment for patients with MM that has come back (relapsed)...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined if PBD (pomalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone) was safe and effective in patients with multiple myeloma after lenalidomide (Revlimid) treatment. The authors concluded that pomalidomide improved survival without tumor growth or spread but increased side effects. Some background...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy (ALLO-715) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that has come back or stopped responding to treatment. The main outcome to be measured will be the number of patients who have side effects. This trial is recruiting in Denver, CO. The details Chimeric...
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