In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of recommending bortezomib as the first drug to use for multiple myeloma in patients with poor kidney function. This study concluded that after bortezomib became the recommended drug, there was an increase in the number of patients who did not require dialysis. Some background Up to 50% of patients with...
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Preventing infection during stem cell transplant with antibiotics
In a nutshell This study examined the use of the antibiotics doxycycline and ciprofloxacin to prevent infections in multiple myeloma. The study concluded that adding doxycycline to ciprofloxacin reduced the number of bacterial infections. Some background Stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat multiple myeloma. These...
Read MoreRole of surgery in multiple myeloma involving the spine
In a nutshell This paper examined the role of surgery in multiple myeloma that had affected the spine. The authors concluded that spine surgery benefited certain patients. Some background Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells (type of white blood cell). These plasma cells can grow in the bone, and commonly involves the spine. This increases...
Read MoreRisk factors for blood stream infections in multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined the risk factors for blood stream infection in patients with multiple myeloma. The study determined that patients with later stage disease are at highest risk of developing an infection. Some background Patients with multiple myeloma have an increased risk of infection. Infections are the leading cause of early deaths...
Read MoreEvaluating cardiovascular safety of carfilzomib in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study investigated the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) safety of carfilzomib (Kyprolis) in patients with relapsed or refractory (does not respond to treatment) multiple myeloma. This study concluded that the benefits of carfilzomib outweighed its risks. Some background Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer of the bone...
Read MoreAllogeneic transplant for multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. The study determined that allogeneic stem cell transplant is feasible for patients who have previously received other treatment. Some background Survival of patients with multiple myeloma has improved with the development of new...
Read MoreUsing focal lesions seen on PET-CT to monitor outcome in multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined the use of PET-CT imaging to monitor response to treatment for multiple myeloma. The study concluded that treatment to suppress focal lesions seen on PET-CT is an important goal for newly diagnosed patients. Some background One way to improve outcomes in multiple myeloma is to customize treatment based on the...
Read MoreWhat is the benefit of adding ixazomib to lenalidomide and dexamethasone for relapsing/refractory multiple myeloma?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of adding ixazomib (Ninlaro) to lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone (Dexasone) for patients with unresponsive multiple myeloma. The main finding was that patients receiving ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone survived longer without worsening of cancer (progression-free...
Read MoreBone protection treatment in multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined the use of bisphosphonate treatment for bone protection in patients with multiple myeloma. This study concluded that many patients do not receive adequate bone protection. Some background In multiple myeloma, bones are commonly affected, leading to bone destruction. Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that prevent...
Read MoreRisk of infection with thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide
In a nutshell This paper reviewed the effect of thearpies that act on the immune system on the risk of infection. The study concluded that patients receiving these drugs are at a high risk of serious infection. Some background Treatment for multiple myeloma now generally includes immunomodulators and stem cell transplantation....
Read MoreLenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma. This study concluded that the treatment combination was effective and results were similar to that seen in clinical trials. Some background Lenalidomide is a type of immunotherapy (stimulates the immune system to fight...
Read MoreCarfilzomib – once weekly or twice weekly to treat unresponsive multiple myeloma?
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of two different doses of carfilzomib (Kyprolis) for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This study concluded that once weekly carfilzomib is safe and more effective than the twice weekly dose for these patients. Some background Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer...
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