Welcome to the IMF's Myeloma Minute News about myeloma treatment, research, support and the myeloma community from the International Myeloma Foundation. What's News What's New in Research Upcoming Seminars and Clinical Conferences Upcoming Events Items of Interest Help the IMF Donate to the IMF

WHAT'S NEWS The IMF would like to welcome Loraine Boyle as the newest member of the foundation's Board of Directors. Loraine became involved with the IMF after losing her husband, the actor Peter Boyle, to myeloma. She is a writer and editor, and is active in community organizations and fundraising for her alma mater, Brown University. NEW! The Myeloma Manager™ Personal Care Assistant™ Another exciting first from the IMF! Free software to help manage and understand your lab results, and more! EMEA Recommends New Contraindication For Velcade (bortezomib), EuropeThe European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended that VELCADE (bortezomib) should not be used in multiple myeloma patients who are diagnosed with either acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease or pericardial disease. The EMEA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) concluded during its March 2008 meeting that the benefits of VELCADE are greater than its risks, except in patients with acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary and pericardial disease. The CHMP therefore recommended contraindicating the use of VELCADE for these patients. European Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) has been updated to reflect these two new contraindications. This change is limited to the European label only. The United States Package Insert is not affected and does not contain a contraindication for acute infiltrative lung disease or pericardial disease. The only contraindication in the U.S. label is for those patients with hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron or mannitol. Expressive Writing May Aid Cancer Patients Researchers have found that a single, 20-minute writing session helped change the way some cancer patients thought or felt about their disease. That, in turn, seemed to improve how they rated their quality of life. (from Reuters by way of Medline) Mayo Clinic cancer model to speed up drug research After a six-year effort, Mayo researchers in Scottsdale proved that a gene called MYC is instrumental in converting a benign tumor called MGUS into one that eventually becomes myeloma. (from the Arizona Republic) New Biological Agents Added to Treatment Algorithm for Multiple Myeloma Novel therapy using several targeted agents has been incorporated into new guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for treatment of multiple myeloma (from Doctor's Guide) Caring for Your Bones When You Have Multiple Myeloma New from CancerCare's free Telephone Education Workshops April 2, 2008 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET Orphan drug designation granted for monoclonal antibody, BT-062 While chemotherapy attacks healthy tissue as well, BT-062 attaches itself selectively to a protein found in high densities in malignant cells. (from Ad-Hoc-News.de) Immunomedics' Milatuzumab Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Therapy of Multiple Myeloma The company has initiated Phase I/II studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of milatuzumab in patients with multiple myeloma (from PrimeNewswire) Array BioPharma Advances p38 / Tie2 Inhibitor, ARRY-614, into Phase 1 Clinical Trial Researchers believe the dual inhibition of p38 and Tie2 may produce additive and/or synergistic effects with other therapies in treating multiple myeloma. (from TradingMarkets.com) Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Collaborators to Present Reovirus Research at AACR Annual Meeting "Targeting Multiple Myeloma with Oncolytic Viral Therapy" covers preclinical work using reovirus as a purging agent during autologous stem cell transplants for multiple myeloma. (from CNW Telbac) Publication of Clinical Results Underscores VELCADE(R) (Bortezomib) For Injection Based Therapy As a Standard of Care In Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Trial results of combination therapy VELCADE, melphalan and prednisone (VcMP) reported a 32 percent complete remission rate with 85 percent of patients alive at three years.(from PR News) AH, SPRING! Time to start planning your FUNdraisers! From a day of beauty to a walk in the clouds, from yard sales to concerts, IMFers are creating fun days to raise money to help support the important work that the IMF is doing in both research and education. Here are some suggestions for your next event!

WHAT'S NEW IN RESEARCH ARTICLES (IMF Scientific Advisors are marked with an *) Myeloma in patients under age 50 presents with more favorable features and shows better survival: an analysis of 10,549 patients from the International Myeloma Working Group Heinz Ludwig*, Brian G.M. Durie*, Vanessa Bolejack, Ingemar Turesson, Robert A. Kyle*, Joan Blade*, Rafael Fonseca*, Meletios Dimopoulos*, Kazuyuki Shimizu*, Jesus San Miguel*, Jan Westin*, Jean-Luc Harousseau*, Meral Beksac*, Mario Boccadoro*, Antonio Palumbo*, Bart Barlogie*, Chaim Shustik*, Michele Cavo, Douglas Joshua*, Michel Attal*, Pieter Sonneveld*, and John Crowley* Blood published 11 February 2008, 10.1182/blood-2007-03-081018 Appraisal of immunoglobulin free light chain as a marker of response Angela Dispenzieri, Lijun Zhang, Jerry A. Katzmann, Melissa Snyder, Emily Blood, Roberta DeGoey, Kim Henderson, Robert A. Kyle*, Martin M. Oken*, Arthur R. Bradwell, and Philip R. Greipp Blood published 25 March 2008, 10.1182/blood-2008-02-138602 Is tandem autotransplantation necessary in myeloma? Sundar Jagannath* Blood 2008;111 1751-1752 Single autologous stem-cell transplantation followed by maintenance therapy with thalidomide is superior to double autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma: results of a multicenter randomized clinical trial Abderrahman Abdelkefi, Saloua Ladeb, Lamia Torjman, Tarek Ben Othman, Amel Lakhal, Neila Ben Romdhane, Halima El Omri, Moez Elloumi, Hatem Belaaj, Ramzi Jeddi, Lamia Aissaoui, Habib Ksouri, Assia Ben Hassen, Fahmi Msadek, Ali Saad, Mohamed Hsairi, Kamel Boukef, Ahlem Amouri, Hechmi Louzir, Koussay Dellagi, and Abdeladhim Ben Abdeladhim, on behalf of the Tunisian Multiple Myeloma Study Group Blood 2008;111 1805-1810 The small GTPase Ral mediates SDF-1-induced migration of B cells and multiple myeloma cells David J. J. de Gorter, Rogier M. Reijmers, Esther A. Beuling, Hildegonda P. H. Naber, Annemieke Kuil, Marie Jose Kersten, Steven T. Pals, and Marcel Spaargaren Blood 2008;111 3364-3372 Risk of multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance among white and black male United States veterans with prior autoimmune, infectious, inflammatory, and allergic disorders Linda Morris Brown, Gloria Gridley, David Check, and Ola Landgren Blood 2008;111 3388-3394 CD32B is highly expressed on clonal plasma cells from patients with systemic light-chain amyloidosis and provides a target for monoclonal antibody-based therapy Ping Zhou, Raymond L. Comenzo, Adam B. Olshen, Ezio Bonvini, Scott Koenig, Peter G. Maslak, Martin Fleisher, James Hoffman, Suresh Jhanwar, James W. Young, Stephen D. Nimer, and Adam M. Boruchov Blood 2008;111 3403-3406 The Y-box binding protein YB-1 is associated with progressive disease and mediates survival and drug resistance in multiple myeloma Manik Chatterjee, Christoph Rancso, Thorsten Stuhmer, Niels Eckstein, Mindaugas Andrulis, Christian Gerecke, Heike Lorentz, Hans-Dieter Royer, and Ralf C. Bargou Blood 2008;111 3714-3722 Wnt3a signaling within bone inhibits multiple myeloma bone disease and tumor growth Ya-Wei Qiang, John D. Shaughnessy, Jr, and Shmuel Yaccoby Blood published 14 March 2008, 10.1182/blood-2007-10-120253 An analysis of the clinical and biological significance of TP53 loss and the identification of potential novel transcriptional targets of TP53 in multiple myeloma Wei Xiong, Xiaosong Wu, Sarah Starnes, Sarah K Johnson, Jeff Haessler, Siqing Wang, Lijuan Chen, Bart Barlogie*, John D Shaughnessy, Jr, and Fenghuang Zhan Blood published 13 March 2008, 10.1182/blood-2007-10-119123 Myeloma-derived Dickkopf-1 disrupts Wnt-regulated osteoprotegerin and RANKL production by osteoblasts: a potential mechanism underlying osteolytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma Ya-Wei Qiang, Yu Chen, Owen Stephens, Nathan Brown, Bangzheng Chen, Joshua Epstein, Bart Barlogie*, and John D. Shaughnessy, Jr Blood published 27 February 2008, 10.1182/blood-2008-01-132134 Evaluation of the cytogenetic aberration pattern in amyloid light chain amyloidosis as compared to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance reveals common pathways of karyotypic instability Tilmann Bochtler, Ute Hegenbart, Friedrich W Cremer, Christiane Heiss, Axel Benner, Dirk Hose, Marion Moos, Jelena Bila, Claus R Bartram, Anthony D Ho, Hartmut Goldschmidt*, Anna Jauch, and Stefan O Schonland Blood published 27 February 2008, 10.1182/blood-2007-11-122101 Inhibition of Notch signaling induces apoptosis of myeloma cells and enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy Yulia Nefedova, Daniel M. Sullivan, Sophia C. Bolick, William S. Dalton, and Dmitry I. Gabrilovich Blood 2008;111 2220-2229 B cells: B cell back catalogue (remastered) Matthew C. Cook Immunology and Cell Biology (2008) 86, 109–110; published online 22 January 2008 CLINICAL TRIALS VELCADE® trials THALOMID® trials REVLIMID® trials DOXIL® trials Phase I/II trial of combination CCI-779 (temsirolimus) and bortezomib (Velcade) in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Principal investigator: Irene Ghobrial, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA., 617-632-4198. Phase I trial of lenalidomide and CCI-779 in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Principal investigator: Craig Hofmeister, MD, Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, 614-293-4976. If you would like more information about any clinical trial, you can call the IMF Hotline at 800-452-CURE. The Myeloma Matrix has a current list of all myeloma trials from pre-clinical to recently FDA approved. If you would like to browse trials currently open for enrollment, visit the Clinical Trials page of the IMF web site. Among the links, you will find EmergingMed, with whom the IMF has entered into a partnership to assist you in matching trials to your particular patient profile (i.e., stage of disease, previous treatment, how well you are able to carry out the activities of daily living, etc.) and by doing so, increase your chances of being eligible. You can also learn more about clinical trials by reviewing materials from the National Cancer Institute.

UPCOMING SEMINARS AND CLINICAL CONFERENCES Note: Some of the international seminar cities have been set, but the venues and agendas are still in the works. Check back often if you are interested in attending, as we post the sites and speakers as they are confirmed. 2nd Annual Living with Myeloma Conference - Scottsdale, Arizona March 29, 2008 Vienna Patient & Family Seminar - Vienna Austria April 25-26, 2008 Mayo Clinic's Living with a Blood Cancer: A Comprehensive Patient Centered Symposium - Chicago, Illinois May 2-4, 2008 Barcelona Doctors Regional Community Workshop - Barcelona, Spain May 28, 2008 Valencia Patient & Family Seminar - Valencia, Spain May 31, 2008 Ulm Regional Community Workshop - Ulm, Germany June 25, 2008 Stuttgart Regional Community Workshop - Stuttgart, Germany June 26, 2008 Seattle Patient & Family Seminar - Seattle, Washington June 27-28, 2008 Boston Patient & Family Seminar - Boston, Massachusetts July 25-26, 2008 Short Hills Patient & Family Seminar - Short Hills, New Jersey August 8-9, 2008 San Diego Patient & Family Seminar - San Diego, California August 22-23, 2008 5th International Symposium on Clinical Applications of Serum Free Light Chain Analysis - Bath, United Kingdom September 18-19, 200

UPCOMING EVENTS The IMF's comprehensive "How-to-FUNdraise" guide is what you need if you're thinking about fundraising in your community but don't know where to start. The guide contains the A - Z of fundraising ideas--like running in a local marathon and asking for donations per mile for myeloma; having a holiday party, where you charge a cover and hold a raffle; asking your local supermarket to donate wine and cheese, then selling tickets and having a cocktail party--as well as tips and guidelines for success. Check out the FUNdraisers below and show your support by donating to their effort online: Third Annual Music Against Myeloma - New York, New York April 24, 2008 9th Annual "JC" Golf Tournament - St. Cloud, Minnesota May 17, 2008 IMF Charity Golf Outing - Yorkville, Illinois July 12, 2008 ONGOING EVENTS Cents for Cells Beth Morgan is helping the IMF by raising a penny for each stem cell that will be collected for her BMT. She has dedicated Cents for Cells to the memory of Chris Hollyer. Commissions for Chris: A Campaign to Honor Chris Hollyer Jo Marie Gray is donating her new-client commissions from the sale of Arbonne Cosmetics to the Chris Hollyer Research Fund at the IMF. Clyde's Ride for the Cure Clyde is riding his bicycle to support the work of the IMF. "I say, 'until there is a cure I ride for the IMF.'" Debbie Exner's Walk for Myeloma Debbie walked the PF Chang Half Marathon in Phoenix on January 13, 2008 to raise money for the IMF in honor of her mother. You can still donate to her cause. Losing Weight to Gain Awareness Debi is losing weight to raise money for research and the awareness programs of the IMF. Miles for Myeloma Larry Bartolin is a six-year survivor of multiple myeloma, and is riding his motorcycle to raise funds and public awareness. Spirit of 76 James Conrad is 76. On New Year's Day, he started his 'Run for a Cure' with an objective of 760 miles and donations/pledges of $7600.

HELP THE IMF As a non-profit organization, the IMF is completely dependent on the support of our members. Tax-deductible donations in honor of a friend or family member make great gifts and are a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion. You can donate online or by calling the IMF at (800) 452-CURE. And you can order beautiful tribute cards to send out to your friends and family every time you make a donation in their honor to the IMF.We sincerely thank you for your support. Shop for the IMF Shop with the leading merchants on the Internet, receive the same price as anyone else visiting their sites, and support the IMF at the same time! How About Hong Kong? Or Cancun or Sydney. No matter where you want to go, IMF Travel Advantage has a package for you. Read the latest issue of the IMF Travel Advantage newsletter for these and other fabulous trips. Great prices and you are helping the IMF with every vacation. Caregiver Daily Journal If you know a caregiver, the IMF's own Sylvia Baca has written a journal to help document the daily care they give their loved one. It's $25, with all profits going to support the programs of the IMF.. Sterling Bracelets by Sarah Klein Sarah Klein's father, Benson, was diagnosed with myeloma in 1998, and has been in remission for 8 years. Sarah wants to give back to the IMF in her own creative way and has designed two special bracelets made up of semi-precious healing stones. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these bracelets is being donated to the IMF. Multiple Colors for Multiple Myeloma Keychains and Earrings Bring rainbows of happiness, color and light into your loved ones' lives with an IMF keychain or Swarovski crystal earrings. Arbonne Cosmetics Jo Marie Gray is donating her new-client commissions from the sale of Arbonne Cosmetics to the Chris Hollyer Research Fund at the IMF. IMF Logo Items Let the world know that you support the groundbreaking research and innovative patient support programs of the IMF with a hat or shirt or bracelets! See more exciting ways to help the IMF continue its important work in education, support and research.

ITEMS OF INTEREST National Cancer Institute Announces Availability of New Easy to Read Radiation Therapy Educational Resources Written for patients and health care providers, this new radiation therapy series includes: 11 Fact Sheets for Patients in both English and Spanish Audio CD for Patients Booklet for Providers Designed in easy-to-read and understand formats, these resources provide straightforward information to help patients understand how radiation therapy works and how to best manage its side effects. The patient-centered publications encourage individuals to fully participate in their care by providing personalized tips and key questions to foster discussion between patients and providers. Help for Underinsured Myeloma Patients Thanks to the advocacy of the IMF, the Chronic Disease Fund has received an infusion of money to help them meet the needs of underinsured patients with multiple myeloma. The fund is designed to help patients with their insurance co-payments and/or their Medicare Part D 'doughnut holes.' Patients must qualify based on financial need. To speak with a representative of the Chronic Disease Fund, please call 877-968-7233, or contact them through their web site at cdfund.org. Mensajero del Mieloma La IMF quiere enviar información sobre el mieloma en español a todos los pacientes, familiares e interesados. Para suscribirse al correo electró nico (enviaremos cuatro ejemplares al año), por favor, env íe su dirección a mensajero@myeloma.org. ¡Gracias! BANK ON A CURE® International Staging System NexProfiler A tool to help understand the current status of the disease and the questions you should be asking. Check out HealthTalk's Multiple Myeloma Education Network and Andrew Schorr's Patient Power.

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Please call the hotline (800) 452-CURE (800-452-2873) or email TheIMF@myeloma.org if you have any questions. Copyright 2008. International Myeloma Foundation. All Rights Reserved.