In a nutshell This study examined the safety of combining a biologic therapy (pomalidomide [Pomalyst]), a targeted therapy (carfilzomib [Kyprolis]), and a steroid drug (dexamethasone [Decadron]) for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Researchers reported early results on the safety and potential effectiveness of this treatment combination. Some...
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Recording symptom burden and palliative care concerns in multiple myeloma patients
In a nutshell This study assessed symptom severity, quality of life and palliative care (treatment to relieve symptoms) concerns in multiple myeloma patients. Authors concluded that patients with multiple myeloma generally have a high symptom burden and low quality of life. Some background Multiple myeloma is the second most common type of blood...
Read MoreMultiple myeloma in older patients: Comparing treatment outcomes between fit and frail patients
In a nutshell This study analyzed the results of 3 trials to examine treatment outcomes in frail older patients with multiple myeloma. Authors reported poorer treatment outcomes and a higher rate of side effects among elderly patients in poorer health. Some background Over 60% of multiple myeloma cases are diagnosed in individuals aged above 65...
Read MoreRecommendations for the management, treatment and care of myeloma patients not able to undergo stem cell transplantation
In a nutshell This study reviewed the recommendations for the treatment and management of patients with multiple myeloma who are not able to undergo stem cell transplantation. Some background Multiple myeloma most frequently affects older patients. The standard treatment option is high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation (SCT)....
Read MoreIs carfilzomib effective with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma?
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of carfilzomib (Kyprolis), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone (Ozurdex) to lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. This study concluded that the addition of carfilzomib improved outcomes. Some background Survival rates for multiple myeloma have...
Read MoreComparing first-line treatment combinations with and without maintenance therapy
In a nutshell This study compared first-line treatment options for multiple myeloma with and without maintenance therapy. Researchers reported superior treatment outcomes with high-dose melphalan (Alkeran) plus stem cell transplantation when compared to a combination of orally administered treatments. Additional maintenance therapy with lenalidomide...
Read MoreContinuous lenalidomide-dexamethasone treatment is effective for patients not eligible for stem cell transplantation
In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone (Ozurdex) in treating patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma not eligible for a stem cell transplant. Authors reported superior treatment outcomes with continuous lenalidomide compared to 18 cycles of lenalidomide or...
Read MoreExamining lenalidomide as a maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined whether lenalidomide (Revlimid) is effective as a maintenance therapy after first-line treatment for multiple myeloma. Researchers concluded that lenalidomide significantly delayed disease progression. Some background High-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation is a standard treatment for newly...
Read MoreWhat is the most effective induction therapy for multiple myeloma patients preparing for stem cell transplantation?
In a nutshell This study compared two induction therapy regimens before high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell (immature blood cell) transplantation (SCT) in patients with multiple myeloma. The authors concluded that the combination of bortezomib (Velcade), thalidomide (Thalomid), and dexamethasone (Ozurdex) was more effective than bortezomib,...
Read MoreAdding ixazomib to treatment improves outcomes for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
In a nutshell This study examined the safety and effectiveness of ixazomib (Ninlaro) when added to the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. Researchers concluded that ixazomib was safe and effective at improving treatment outcomes for relapsed multiple myeloma. Some background The addition of biologic drugs to standard treatment regimens for...
Read MoreAre there risk factors that can predict outcome in multiple myeloma?
In a nutshell This study explored a new method for determining disease risk levels in multiple myeloma. The authors concluded that combining three factors (the ISS score, chromosomal abnormalities, and lactate dehydrogenase levels) offered a clear distinction between three risk groups and their outcomes. Some background Multiple myeloma is a...
Read MoreAre there risk factors that can predict outcome in multiple myeloma?
In a nutshell This study explored a new method for determining disease risk levels in multiple myeloma. The authors concluded that combining three factors (the ISS score, chromosomal abnormalities, and lactate dehydrogenase levels) offered a clear distinction between three risk groups and their outcomes. Some background Multiple myeloma is a...
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