In a nutshell This study examined the effects of pomalidomide (Pomalyst) in combination with bortezomib (Velcade) and dexamethasone (Decadron) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This treatment combination was considered safe and effective for previously treated multiple myeloma. Some background Standard treatment for...
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Marathons are grueling 26.2 mile treks. The Boston Marathon is the oldest (started in 1897) and is one of the Marathon Majors (along with London, New York, Tokyo, Berlin and Chicago). Marathon Man Raising Money For LLS In 2001, at age 48, family practitioner, Larry Saltzman ran his first marathon in Chicago. That started a 13 marathon odyssey to...
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This summer has been a challenge after a family member with celiac disease had a gluten exposure (Click here to read more about celiac disease). Gluten damages the small intestine villi (see 5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Small Intestines), which are essential for nutrition absorption. For over a month, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the effects of daratumumab in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Daratumumab in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone led to a longer survival period without worsening disease. Some background Multiple myeloma is a cancer of...
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Last summer we provided a series of posts on oncology basics. Oncology Basics: Preparing for ASCO covered some of the history of oncology. In Understanding Cells, we reviewed what is newly understood about cells–it’s way beyond what you learned in high school biology. DNA with lots of animated videos also explained some of the basics...
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In a nutshell This study examined the safety and effectiveness of pomalidomide (Pomalyst) for multiple myeloma patients who have received multiple prior therapies. Researchers reported improved treatment outcomes when pomalidomide was combined with the steroid drug dexamethasone (Decadron) compared to pomalidomide alone. Some background Standard...
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In a nutshell This study analyzed the results of 5 trials to compare tandem stem cell transplant combinations for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Researchers do not recommend a double stem cell transplant, where the stem cells for the first transplant are sourced from the patient and in the second are sourced from a donor. Some background...
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In April, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held a free education event on cancer called Progress and Promise Against Cancer in Washington, D.C. Surrounded by experts in cancer research, Kim Hall Jackson shared her patient story. One evening in 2008, Jackson, an event planner, was running the mayor’s inaugural event in...
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“I am 24 years old. Last year on January 15th 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage 2A Classical Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I had 12 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy over 6 months and went into complete remission on August 8th, 2016. A few weeks before my wedding, on November 4th 2016 I had my first follow up CT scan which showed enlarged...
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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...
Read MoreIn 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...
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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...
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