This paper, produced by an expert panel of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), provides consensus updates on the disease definition of myeloma which now include validated biomarkers in addition to the presence of the traditional ‘CRAB’ criteria.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced CXCL10 mRNA Level and Six Stimulant-mRNA Combinations in Whole Blood: Novel Biomarkers for Bortezomib Responses Obtained from a Prospective Multicenter Trial for Patients with Multiple Myeloma. Watanabe T et al. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 26;10(6):e0128662. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128662. High expression of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone grp94 is a novel molecular hallmark of malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma. Chhabra S et al. J…
Data from MUK one, the first trial to be conducted through the Myeloma UK Clinical Trial Network (CTN) have been published in the British Journal of Haematology. MUK one, a Phase II multicentre, open label, randomised trial aimed to identify the optimal starting dose of bendamustine when given in combination with thalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed…
Data from MUK one, the first trial to be conducted through the Myeloma UK Clinical Trial Network (CTN) has been published in the British Journal of Haematology. The publication represents a major milestone for the CTN by marking the completion of its first trial. MUK one, a Phase II multicentre, open label, randomised trial aimed…
Bortezomib is recommended as induction treatment in combination with dexamethasone, or with dexamethasone and thalidomide, for previously untreated myeloma patients who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) assessment of quality of life of myeloma patients.
Bortezomib monotherapy is recommended as an option for myeloma patients who have relapsed after having received one prior treatment and who have undergone, or are not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone is recommended, within its licensed indication, as an option only for myeloma patients who have received two or more prior treatments on the condition that the drug cost for patients who remain on treatment for more than 26 cycles is met by the manufacturer.
AWMSG has recommended the use of plerixafor (Mozobil®) as an option within NHS Wales in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to enhance mobilisation of haematopoietic stem cells in myeloma patients whose cells mobilise poorly. Patients may use plerixafor if they have already failed one complete mobilisation attempt.
AWMSG has recommended the use of bortezomib subcutaneous injections for the treatment of relapsed myeloma patients who have received at least one prior treatment or for use in previously untreated patients who are not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
