ASCO 2019, CHICAGO – Pivotal Phase 3 ICARIA-MM trial results demonstrated that isatuximab added to pomalidomide and dexamethasone (isatuximab combination therapy) showed statistically significant improvements compared to pomalidomide and dexamethasone (pom-dex) alone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Continue reading
ASCO 2019, CHICAGO – A new study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting analysed demographic statistics from the National Cancer Database and identified multiple socio-economic factors, including private insurance, living in a regionally higher-income area and receiving treatment in certain practice settings as being associated with longer survival for mueloma patients. Furthermore, researchers found that neither race (black or white) nor gender had a significant impact on survival. Continue reading
The phase II/III E3A06 randomized clinical trial found that lenalidomide (Revlimid) significantly reduces the risk of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) — a precancerous condition — from progressing to cancer in patients at moderate or high-risk. Organ damage is typically seen in myeloma, which is a way to differentiate it from SMM.
At three years, in 87% (phase II) and 91% (phase III) of people with SMM receiving lenalidomide, the condition did not progress to multiple myeloma compared with 66% of people who did not receive the therapy and were just observed for potential progression (phase III). Observation is the current standard of care. The study will be presented this week at 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago according to the press release shared by ASCO. Continue reading
Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) and Amgen are launching a survey for European myeloma patients to understand their information needs.
If you are a myeloma patient living in the UK, who has received at least one prior treatment or are currently on your first treatment, MPE would be very grateful if you would take the time to complete the anonymous survey.
The survey will be run in 12 European countries, however, at this stage we need responses from UK patients only. Continue reading
The European Commission has approved two of Celgene’s IMiD ® -based combination regimens:
- Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd) in adult patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma who are not eligible for transplant
- Pomalidomide (Imnovid®) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd), in adult patients with multiple myeloma, who have received at least one prior treatment regimen including lenalidomide.
MPE held a webinar on CAR-T cell treatment with the aim of providing an overview of CAR-T cell treatment in myeloma and to discuss some of the advantages and challenges the myeloma community faces in bringing this treatment to market. Continue reading
The European Hematology Association (EHA) celebrates its Annual Meeting in Amsterdam, from 13 to 16 June. This is the most important congress of haematology in Europe in which latest developments and cutting-edge research in haematological diseases will be discussed. Find more information about the congress here.
For the first time, the session covering advocacy topics (both Patient Advocacy Track and EHA Advocacy Sessions) have been merged into the Joint EHA-Patient Symposium on Policy Challenges in Haematology. Continue reading
It is with great sadness that we share that our friend and colleague, Peter Lens, has passed away.
Peter was a myeloma patient and member of the first Board of Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE). He was always very passionate and supportive of MPE, its Board and staff. Continue reading
Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) has launched a Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Workgroup on Access during our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Munich, Germany.
The Workgroup is chaired by MPE board members, Kristina Modic, also CEO of our Slovenian member Slovensko Združenje Bolnikov Z Limfomom In Levkemijo L&L, and Biba Dodeva, President of our Macedonian member BORKA. It was launched in response to an identified need for coordinated action at a European level on region-specific access issues. If you are interested in joining the group, please complete the form at the end of this article.
As bortezomib, an anti-myeloma medicine, is licensed as both an intravenous (IV – through the vein via a drip) and subcutaneous medicine (through the skin, via an injection), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently conducted a survey to understand which method was most commonly used across Europe. They also asked about the location of administration (i.e. at home or in hospital) for patients.