Spring 2013 Volume 9, Issue 6
Special Gala Report Volume 9, Issue 5
Winter 2012/2013 Volume 9, Issue 4
Fall 2012 Volume 9, Issue 3
Summer 2012 Volume 9, Issue 2
Spring 2012 Volume 9, Issue 1
MYELOMA TODAY – Special Gala Report Volume 8, Issue 11
Winter 2011 Volume 8, Issue 10
Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 9
Summer2011 Volume 8, Issue 8
Spring 2011 Volume 8, Issue 7
Special Gala Report Volume 8, Issue 6
Winter 2010 Volume 8, Issue 5
Fall 2010 Volume 8, Issue 4
Summer 2010 Volume 8, Issue 3
Spring 2010 Volume 8, Issue 2
Fall/Winter 2009/2010 Volume 8, Issue 1
Summer 2009 Volume 7, Issue 10
Spring 2009 Volume 7, Issue 9
Fall 2008 Volume 7, Issue 8
Summer 2008 Volume 7, Issue 7
Spring 2008 Volume 7, Issue 6
Winter 2008 Volume 7, Issue 5
Fall 2007 Volume 7, Issue 4
Summer 2007 Volume 7, Issue 3
Spring 2007 Volume 7, Issue 2
Winter 2006 Volume 7, Issue 1
Fall 2006 Volume 6, Issue 10
Summer 2006 Volume 6, Issue 9
Spring 2006 Volume 6, Issue 8
Winter 2005/2006 Volume 6, Issue 7
Fall 2005 Volume 6, Issue 6
Summer 2005 Volume 6, Issue 5
Spring 2005 Volume 6, Issue 4
Winter 2004/2005 Volume 6, Issue 3
Spring 2004 Volume 5, Issue 10
Winter 2003/2004 Volume 5, Issue 9
October 2003 Volume 5, Issue 8
August 2003 Volume 5, Issue 7
June 2003 Volume 5, Issue 6
February 2003 Volume 5, Issue 5
Winter 2002/2003 Volume 5, Issue 4
October 2002 Volume 5, Issue 3
August 2002 Volume 5, Issue 2
Special Edition - June 2002 Volume 4, Issue 11
April 2002 Volume 4, Issue 10
February 2002 Volume 4, Issue 9
Winter 2001/2002 Volume 4, Issue 8
Summer 1997 Volume 2, Issue 7
Spring 2013 Volume 9, Issue 6
Myeloma Today Spring 2013
Articles include:
- The Nurse Leadership Board Talks about Subcutaneous Velcade® (bortezomib)
- What is Pomalyst® (pomalidomide)
and how is it used?
- Cancer Coverage under the Affordable Care Act
Winter 2012/2013 Volume 9, Issue 4
Myeloma Today Winter 2012/2013
Articles include:
- Proteasome Inhibitors in Clinical Trials
- Is there a recommended diet for cancer patients?
- Strategies for Pain Management in Myeloma
Fall 2012 Volume 9, Issue 3
Myeloma Today Fall 2012
Articles include:
- Update on New Drugs- Kyprolis™, Panobinostat and Pomalidomide
- The New International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Master Class.
- Report from the 2012 IMF Support Group Leaders’ Summit
Summer 2012 Volume 9, Issue 2
Myeloma Today Summer 2012
Articles include:
- Report from ASCO 2012: New Results in Frontline and at Relapse
- 10 Steps to Seeking a Second Opinion
- Patient & Caregiver Experiences
- Updates from Around the Globe
Spring 2012 Volume 9, Issue 1
Myeloma Today Spring 2012
Articles include:
- Relapsed Multiple Myeloma After Therapy with IMiDs and Bortezomib
- Survivorship Care Plan: Renal Complications in MM and Related Disorders
- Updates from Asia
Winter 2011 Volume 8, Issue 10
Myeloma Today Winter 2011
Articles include:
* Barbara Hammack: 20+ Years of Living with Myeloma
* Survivorship Care Plan: Maintaining Bone Health
* Dr. Morton Coleman Looks Back on His 45-Year Career in MM
Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 9
Myeloma Today Fall 2011
Articles include:
* The Role of Protein Electrophoresis Testing in Myeloma
* Survivorship Care Plan: Routine Health Maintenance for Patients Living with Multiple Myeloma
*
The role of Mozobil® in Myeloma
* Prof. Douglas E. Joshua Receives the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award
Summer2011 Volume 8, Issue 8
Myeloma Today Summer 2011
Articles include:
* Current Role of Serum Free Light Chain Analysis in Myeloma
* Long-Term Survivorship Guidelines for Multiple Myeloma Patients
*
Treating Spinal Fractures with Balloon Kyphoplasty
* Spotlight on Advocacy: A Day at the Capitol
Spring 2011 Volume 8, Issue 7
Myeloma Today Spring 2011
Articles include:
* ASH 2010 Summary of Multiple Myeloma Presentations
* Velcade® by Subcutaneous Injection
*
IMF Hotline Coordinators Answer Your Questions: "My mother is 82 and fragile, and has been having trouble tolerating her myeloma treatments. Should we just give up on treatment altogether, or is there some way we can make the treatments more tolerable?"
* Spotlight on Advocacy: The IMF's 2011 Public Policy Agenda
Winter 2010 Volume 8, Issue 5
Myeloma Today Winter 2010
Articles include:
* Dr. Cristina Gasparetto talks about the current role of transplantation in myeloma
* The Hotline answers the question, "Does vitamin D deficiency play a role in myeloma?"
* Greg Pacini, a licensed counselor, talks about the difference between stress and stressors, suffering and pain, and the nature of discomfort.
* Robert Reeves biked 150 miles for charity a year following his diagnosis at 72!
Fall 2010 Volume 8, Issue 4
Myeloma Today Fall 2010 in PDF format
Articles include:
* The Role of Vorinostat in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
* The Role of Carfilzomib in Myeloma
* Multiple Myeloma and Sexual Dysfunction
* IMF Hotline Coordinators Answer Your Questions: "Is there a consensus among myeloma doctors on VELCADE dosing?"
Summer 2010 Volume 8, Issue 3
Myeloma Today Summer 2010
Articles include:
* Cure versus Control
* Induction Therapy Prior to Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
* Mobility and Safety in the Multiple Myeloma Survivor
* Spotlight on Advocacy: Support Group Leaders fight for access to treatment – The Oral Drug Reimbursement Parity
Spring 2010 Volume 8, Issue 2
Myeloma Today Spring 2010
Articles include:
* Studies Presented at ASH 2009 May Offer New Approaches to Treating Myeloma
* Impact of Cytogenics on Overall and Event-Free Survival
* IMF Hotline Coordinators Answer Your Questions: "Is the use of gadolinium in MRI a necessary part of the imaging test and is it safe?"
* Spotlight on Advocacy: Important policies and political issues that impact the myeloma community
Fall/Winter 2009/2010 Volume 8, Issue 1
Myeloma Today Fall/Winter 2009/2010 + Special Gala Supplement
Articles include:
* Special Gala Report - IMF 3rd Annual Comedy Celebration
*Studies Presented at ASH 2009 May Offer New Approaches to Treating Myeloma
* 2010 IMF Research Grant Recipients Announced
* The Role of Freelite™ and Hevylite™ Serum Assays in Myeloma
* IMF Launches Major New Advocacy Initiative
* NLB Members Report on "Survivorship Care Plan" Progress
* ASH 2009 - A Patient's Perspective by Jack Aiello
Summer 2009 Volume 7, Issue 10
Myeloma Today Summer 2009
Articles include:
* Plerixafor and Transplantation in Myeloma
* Phase II Study of Carfilzomib in Patients with Relapsed Myeloma
* IMWG Studies Patients Who Have Exhausted Their Treatment Options
* 2009 Kyle Award Given to Prof. Jean-Luc Harousseau
* Dr. Brian G.M. Durie Honored for Lifetime of Achievement in Myeloma
Spring 2009 Volume 7, Issue 9
Myeloma Today Spring 2009 in PDF
Articles include:
* ASH 2008 Highlights for Patients
* 2009 IMF Research Grant Recipients Announced
* Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party Comes Aboard IMWG
* Health Care Reform a Top Issue in 2009
* NLB members report from the XII International Myeloma Workshop
* MT in conversation with Prof. Roman Hajek, Chairman of the Czech Myeloma Group
Myeloma Today Spring 2009 in PDF
Articles include:
* ASH 2008 Highlights for Patients
* 2009 IMF Research Grant Recipients Announced
* Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party Comes Aboard IMWG
* Health Care Reform a Top Issue in 2009
* NLB members report from the XII International Myeloma Workshop
* MT in conversation with Prof. Roman Hajek, Chairman of the Czech Myeloma Group
Fall 2008 Volume 7, Issue 8
Myeloma Today Fall 2008 in PDF
Articles include:
* The Role of Zolinza® in Multiple Myeloma
* Phase III Zolinza®/Velcade® Trial Opening Soon
* Serum Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain Assay in Myeloma
* Supportive Care: Steroid-Associated Side Effects in Patients with Myeloma
* Coping with Fear and Cancer Recurrence by John M. Ricco
* MT in conversation with IMF Board member Edith Peterson Mitchell, MD, FACP
Summer 2008 Volume 7, Issue 7
Myeloma Today Summer 2008 in PDF
Articles include:
* A Conversation with IMF Scientific Advisory Board Member Dr. Sagar Lonial
* Update from ASCO; MT in conversation with Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar
* Supportive Care: Gastrointestinal side effects associated with myeloma therapies
* MT in conversation with Prof. Dr. Hermann Einsele
* MT in conversation with new IMF Board member Loraine Boyle
Spring 2008 Volume 7, Issue 6
Myeloma Today Spring 2008 in PDF
Articles include:
* A Conversation with IMF Scientific Advisory Board Member Dr. Alan Solomon
* Europe Update: Frontline Myeloma Therapy with Dr. Jesus San Miguel
* Curcumin in Multiple Myeloma with Dr. Bharat Aggarwal
* Clinical Trials Update with Dr. Keith Stewart
Winter 2008 Volume 7, Issue 5
Myeloma Today Winter 2007 in PDF
Articles include:
* New Findings Reported at ASH
* Serum Free Light Chain Testing for Diagnosis and Monitoring; MT in Conversation with Dr. Sundar Jagannath
* Myelosuppression; MT in conversation with Kathy Lilleby, RN
Fall 2007 Volume 7, Issue 4
Myeloma Today Fall 2007 in PDF
Articles include:
- Patient & Caregiver Experience: Smoldering Battles: My Diagnosis with Smoldering Myeloma
- Recommendations from the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG): Prevention of blood clots associated with the use of thalidomide or lenalidomide
- Peripheral Neuropathy; In Conversation with Ginger Love, RN
Summer 2007 Volume 7, Issue 3
Myeloma Today Summer 2007 in PDF format
Articles include:
- Mapatumumab: A New Cancer Therapy in Development, with Dr. Asher A. Chanan-Khan
- US Myeloma Forum, with Michael S. Katz
- Thromboembolic Events, with Deborah Doss, RN, OCN
Spring 2007 Volume 7, Issue 2
Myeloma Today Spring 2007 in PDF format
Articles include:
- The Role of VELCADE® plus DOXIL® in Multiple Myeloma; A Conversation with Dr. Robert Orlowski
- Update on Revlimid® for the Treatment of Myeloma; A Conversation with Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar
- Health Care Becomes Key Issue in 110th Congress
Winter 2006 Volume 7, Issue 1
Winter 2006 Myeloma Today in PDF
Articles include:
- Report from ASH 2006
- Updates from around the globe
- Patient profile: African Explorer and Seeker, Dr. William Wheeler Jr.
Fall 2006 Volume 6, Issue 10
Fall 2006 Myeloma Today in PDF
Articles include:
- REVLIMID® Approved for Myeloma
- Update from the Israeli Association of Myeloma Patients (AMEN)
- Shifting Focus: My "New" Life with Multiple Myeloma
Summer 2006 Volume 6, Issue 9
Summer 2006 Myeloma Today in PDF
Articles include:
- The 2006 IMF Scientific Board Retreat
- The 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
- The IMF Symposium at the ONS Annual Congress: Advancing Access to Multiple Myeloma Treatmen
Spring 2006 Volume 6, Issue 8
Spring 2006 Myeloma Today in PDF
Articles include:
- Focus on Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders; Conference Overview with Morton Coleman, MD
- Update on the Role of Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) in Myeloma
- The Role of Bortezomib in Previously Untreated Myelo
The Yin and Yang of Long-Term Survivorship
Philosophers in the Han dynasty (207 BCE to 9 AD) developed the concept of Yin and Yang, the idea that everything in the universe has its opposite. If this is so, where does cancer fit into this ancient method of understanding life?
American Society of Hematology - 47th Annual Meeting
Recap from the American Society of Hematology's 47th annual meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia on December 10–14, 2005. We have selected the major myeloma presentations for you to keep informed on the latest myeloma research that was presented.
Dear Reader
2006! Another new year, one filled with new opportunities, new partnerships, and renewed hope. As is customary it's also a time to look back on what we've achieved and this year I'm especially proud of what the IMF has accomplished.
The Stafford Family Funds Myeloma Research Grant
To date, the four WAMP swim-a-thon events have raised more than $40,000—enough to fund a grant in my dad's honor through the IMF research program. Our family plans to continue our efforts to help fund myeloma research in hopes for a cure for my
Flavia Hiatt Shares Her Story
On August 13, 2005, Flavia and her friends transformed the boardroom and mezzanine of Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills into a fabulous fashion trunk show to benefit the IMF's myeloma research program. Shop For A Cure featured Flavia's own clot
My Life With Myeloma
It's important to know that you can lead a good life—and a long one—even with myeloma.
Board of Directors Profile: Matthew Robinson
This is a very exciting growth period for the Foundation. And it's enormously rewarding for me to apply my business experience of the last 20 years to helping the IMF accomplish its goals and objectives.
IMFers MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
2005 Member Fundraisers in Review
When the IMF started its member fundraising program several years ago, we had no idea how our members would respond. Would they be intimidated? After all, "fundraising" is a daunting word to some of us. Or would the opportunity of being pro
2005 Support Group Recap
As the IMF embarks on a new year, it serves well to look back at the accomplishments of 2005. It was an exciting year. Robin Tuohy, Kelly Cox, and I made visits to about a third of the myeloma support groups around the country. This was a very reward
IMF Hotline Coordinators Answer Your Questions
My brother was just told he has a very rare form of myeloma called IgM. I can’t find anything on it and keep coming across discussions of something called “Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.” Can you help?
Fall 2005 Volume 6, Issue 6
Dear Reader
The IMF, along with researchers, physicians, patients, and industry leaders, is extremely excited as we prepare for the annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, this year being held in Atlanta, Georgia on December 10th through 13th. The I
Patient Perspectives: NUMBERS DON'T LIE, or do they?
In the business world we're often told that Figures Don't Lie, but that Liars Can Figure. While that may be true in some scandalous incidents of corporate wrongdoing, we who are cancer advocates also know that while medical statistics don't lie, that
Sixth Annual Support Group Leader Retreat
The word "Retreat" is defined in various ways: (1) an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult or dangerous, and also (2) a period of group withdrawal for meditation, study, and instruction under a director. Well, I would have
Making Clinical Trials More Patient-Friendly
All new cancer drugs must be proven safe and effective in clinical trials before they can be made available to patients. At the 2005 IMF Support Group Leader Retreat, IMFer and leader of the Manhattan and White Plains (New York) myeloma support group
Pathogenesis and Maintenance of Multiple Myeloma
Recent studies in my laboratory have identified a novel pathway promoting enhanced survival of chronic B cell malignancies. We demonstrated that B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a member of the tumor necrosis factor family, was expressed in an autocri
MOZOBIL™, a potential new agent for Stem Cell Harvesting
Colony-stimulating factors such as G-CSF (filgrastim) induce the marrow to grow, while MOZOBIL is a new agent that aids in releasing stem cells into circulating blood where they can be collected by a process called apheresis.
Patient Experience: One Day at a Time...for 18 Years
The most powerful tool in a cancer patient's arsenal is the mind—when your body is beaten down physically, you can push your mind to keep you strong mentally while you face the challenges life has given you.
Education, Advocacy, and Awareness: Profile of Robin Tuohy
My family's journey through cancer began in September of 2000. My husband, Michael, and I were enjoying a family vacation with our children, Allison and Mikey, then ages 7 and 2. On one of the "kiddie" rides at Santa's Village, Michael experienced ex
The Multiple Myeloma ListServe
The Multiple Myeloma ListServ—affectionately called "The List" by its 1500 members—was founded by Michael Katz, an IMF Director, and June Brazil, a myeloma patient. At a time when the number of in-person myeloma support groups was nowhere
Member Events: Gary C. Heuer, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament
140 golfers started out the day’s activities with breakfast at Craigie Brae Golf Course in N. Chili, NY. Following the exciting 18-hole tournament, the event’s participants gathered for a chicken barbecue at Freeman Park in Mumford, NY.
Fundraising: Rocking in Rhode Island
Our mother, Carol Murray-Rossi, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003. But her personal struggle with this disease did not stop her from looking for ways to reach out and help others fighting myeloma.
Fundraising: Katie's Birthday Charity Bash
As Katie's birthday approached, she came to me with an idea of how she wanted to celebrate. In lieu of birthday gifts, Katie asked her friends to honor her grandmother by donating money to help cancer patients.
Dear Reader
I have just returned from a very successful meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, where exciting updates on myeloma research and treatments were presented.
Patient Perspective: Cancer Etiquette
The question most commonly asked of a patient is, “How are you?” There is inherently nothing wrong with such a question. But is it the standard “How are you?” we routinely ask when we aren’t really interested in the answer? Is it the mundane “How are
Patient Perspective: Tracking My Numbers
My MGUS was found as a fluke during an annual physical in May, 1993. My total serum protein was slightly above the top of the normal range for that test and soon went back to normal. Otherwise, I still would not know that I have MGUS since I am still
Update on Lenalidomide (CC-5013; Revlimid®)
There has been intense research to develop a safer and more effective version of thalidomide. Lenalidomide (CC-5013; Revlimid®) is the first analog (close cousin) of thalidomide to enter clinical trials. It may prove to be more effective and safe
IMF Hotline Coordinators Answer Your Questions
What is the difference between the terms "myeloma" and "multiple myeloma?" "My grandmother died of multiple myeloma and now my dad has been diagnosed with this disease. Is myeloma hereditary?"
Supportive Care: Blood Tests
There are a number of factors that are likely to increase your comfort with a medical test. Susan J. Leclair, PhD, CLS (NCA)helps you understand why a test has been ordered for you, how it will be conducted, and what the reference ranges are.
Community Goals Lead to Results
Are you more interested in myeloma research or cancer research? Is there a difference? What about other issues, like drug coverage and payments for PET scans? Can myeloma issues be separated from cancer issues in general?
Sorority Raises Funds for a Cure
During the summer of 2004, my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Myeloma? I had never heard of this disease. And I was not alone.
Winter 2004/2005 Volume 6, Issue 3
Advocacy Update: Federal Support for Cancer Issues in Decline
The science of cancer research holds unprecedented promise. Unfortunately, the issues of federal funding dominating the political agenda—for cancer research and drugs and treatments through Medicare—are not addressing this opportunity.
Message from IMF President
On behalf of the International Myeloma Foundation, I would like to thank you for your support and update you on our progress with the IMF’s research project, Bank On A Cure®.
Treating Multiple Myeloma: The Little Rock Approach
Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC)-supported high-dose melphalan 200 mg/m2 is now considered standard therapy for patients with symptomatic or progressive myeloma. During the last five years, additional new agents effecting salvage rates of 30% - 50%
The Genetics of Multiple Myeloma
Extensive genetic lesions, both at the chromosome and gene levels, characterize malignant plasma cells. Although most patients present with a large number of malignant plasma cells at diagnosis (up to 1,000 billion malignant cells), chromosomal analy
Education Initiative
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of Cambridge, MA, the developer of VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection, are collaborating on a national medical education program designed for oncology nurses.
IMF Kicks Off 2004 Seminars with Florida Retreat
In talking with first-time participants as well as those who had attended IMF seminars previously, it is very evident that no matter how many of these wonderful weekends one has been to, there is always new, pertinent information available.
Message from IMF President
It’s that emotional time of year again, when we reflect back on the past year, sometimes with tears for what we’ve lost, sometimes with smiles for what we’ve achieved and for the sweet memories of people who have touched our lives.
Advocacy Update: Congress Adjourns
Thanks to the persistent work of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), the conferees to the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill approved $500,000 to help support the IMF’s Bank On A Cure program.
The IMF Visits Italy and France
Under the auspices of the IMF, IMF Scientific Advisors and distinguished Professors Mario Boccadoro and Jean-Luc Harousseau held the first ever IMF Patient & Family Seminars in their respective countries.
It’s Your Attitude... It’s Your Choice
Tom Bay, Ph.D. has asked audiences over and over again to answer the following questions: Whose life is it? Who’s responsible for it? What do you plan on doing about it? And last question… When?
IMF Support Group Leader Retreat
Forty support group leaders, co-leaders, representatives, and IMF staff participated in the fourth annual IMF Support Group Leader Retreat, held June 27-29 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The retreat lived up to the expectations of reg
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Cancer Public Policy
On the one hand, the state of the science of cancer research and patient care is the brightest it has ever been. On the other hand, the politics and policy impacting the cancer world seem to be moving in the exact opposite direction.
IMFer Profile: Terry Herman Shares Her Story
I had an average life. I've always thought I was extremely healthy. I exercised, took all the right vitamins and antioxidants, and ate all the right foods. I used to laugh because my husband Howie was always running to the doctor, always thinking tha
Dear Reader
For those not involved with Myeloma, the name Little Rock Arkansas evokes memories – good or bad – of President Clinton. For those of us who live in the Myeloma world, it means one thing: Dr. Bart Barlogie and his team at the center there.
Life Lessons from a Politician
In the rotunda of the Salt Lake City courthouse, a life-size bronze statue of Governor Scott Matheson comes striding out to meet you, its hand extended. It captures the energy Scott Matheson had in life. He was an extraordinary man.
Letters
At 53 years young, and at the pinnacle of my 25-year public relations career, I was struck by multiple myeloma....I took hold of myself and decided to go to any length to get healthy.
Myeloma Update
Overview of the IXth International Workshop on Multiple Myeloma, the International Prognostic Index, and Bank On A Curetm
Winter 2002/2003 Volume 5, Issue 4
Dear Reader
The beginning of a new year is always exciting. It’s a fresh start a clean slate — anything is possible. More than ever, I hear myeloma experts and researchers say that they believe we are on the brink of making myeloma a chronic disease. Can cure be
Ribbon of Hope — Making a World of Difference
As The Unknown Patient and his Unknown spouse dragged their luggage onto the shuttle to Washington DC, there was much to celebrate. His battle with myeloma was approaching its thirteenth year and for reasons far from Unknown, he was still going stron
Research Progress Report: Dr. Ivan Van Riet
A striking feature of myeloma cells concerns their tendency to reside in the bone marrow compartment during the main course of the disease evolution. The microenvironment provides the appropriate signals for growth and survival of the tumor cells. Si
April 2002 Volume 4, Issue 10
Myeloma Today - April 2002
THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING POTENTIAL OUTCOME: Role for the new International Prognostic Index (IPI)[Now known as the International Staging System]
Thank You IMFers
It’s hard to believe that this year’s Ribbon of Hope-Making a World of Difference 11th Anniversary Gala has come and gone, raising close to $400,000!