WHAT'S NEWS
- In case you missed it last week, make sure you check out the ASCO 2004 Update. Its all there—top researchers discussing everything from frontline therapy to the myeloma stem stell. You can watch the videos, view the presentations in your browser or download the presentations and posters to print out.
- After consulting with representatives from the IMF, including Dr. Brian Durie and Dr. Bart Barlogie, US Senator Bob Graham (FL), sent a letter to Mark McClellan, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) recommending CMS coverage for PET Scans for myeloma patients. Read the letter.
- VELCADE® (Bortezomib) for Injection Data Show a Significant Improvement In Survival in Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
Risk of death in first year reduced by an estimated 30 percent in the VELCADE arm. (from PR Newswire)- More information on VELCADE®...
- From ASCO 2004: Dr. Paul Richardson discusses the Phase III trial that was closed early because the experimental arm, which treated patients with VELCADE® proved superior to the control arm, which used only dexamethasone.
- Combination of TRISENOX®, Vitamin C and Low-Dose Melphalan Produces 54 Percent Objective Response Rate in Late-Stage Multiple Myeloma Patients
These results were in a group of heavily pretreated patients who had received an average of four prior regimens. (from Yahoo Finance)- VELCADE® (Bortezomib) for Injection Shows Promising Activity in Two Phase II Studies of Patients with Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma (Millennium Press Release)
- New Method to Identify Blood Proteins May Spur Novel Disease Marker Discoveries
Previous studies by other scientists had found evidence of blood-borne molecules related to disease states. This new method offers refinement, which may lead to identification of more sensitive disease markers. (from NIH News)
- Cancer patients' genes may influence how they experience fatigue and quality of life
Being able to identify cancer patients who have a predisposition to fatigue or other quality of life problems can mean earlier and better uses of resources so treatment and support services can be provided to help them have the best quality of life to cope with their disease." (from EurekAlert)
- Fighting Myeloma at Sea!
Follow IMFer Jerry Eisenhower as he spends six months at sea, all the while being treated with Aredia, which he will administer himself.
WHAT'S NEW IN RESEARCH
- CLINICAL TRIALS
- New Velcade trials
- New Trisenox trials
- Phase II Studies of TRISENOX in Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Yield Promising Results (from Yahoo Finance) (check that you didn't put this in before.)
- ARTICLES
- Osteoclasts enhance myeloma cell growth and survival via cell-cell contact: a vicious cycle between bone destruction and myeloma expansion
Masahiro Abe et al (from Blood)
- Physicians' attitudes about quality of life issues in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Stephanie J Lee et al (from Blood)
- NCI OPENS PROTOCOL MENU TO RESEARCHERS
The NCI's Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU) has initiated the Independent Clinical Research Site (CICRS) program to open its protocol menu to qualified medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists and hematologists located throughout the USA who are not Cooperative Group members to allow them to offer Phase III treatment trials in their practice setting and facilitate the enrollment of eligible cancer patients who wish to participate.
For more information, 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 CenterWatch and EmergingMed. The IMF has entered into partnerships with them 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.
LIVE CHATS
- Understanding Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma
Wednesday, July 28, 2004, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Featured Experts: James Armitage, MD, Stefano Tarantolo, MD, Lori Maness, MD
JULY EVENTS
- Istanbul Physician and Patient Seminar - July 2 – 3, 2004
Istanbul, Turkey
- San Jose Patient and Family Seminar - July 16-17, 2004
San Jose, California
- Support Group Leaders' Retreat - July 9 - 11, 2004
Durham, North Carolina
- See complete list of UPCOMING EVENTS.
JULY FUNDRAISERS
FUNdraising Made Easy
Suzanne Battaglia can help you plan your fundraiser, so please write, call or email (SBattaglia@myeloma.org) so that you can get on our Calendar of Events! 
- My Ride For Myeloma - July 10, 2004
100 mile motorcycle ride in Spring Branch, TX.
- 4th Annual WAMP Swim-a-thon- July 17, 2004
West Hartford, CT
- 3rd Annual Multiple Musicians Against Myeloma - July 18, 2004
Long Island, New York
- 2nd Annual Hair Cares - July 25, 2004
Glen Mills, PA
- Kathy McCormick Memorial Golf Tournament - July 26, 2004
Hampstead, Maryland
- See complete list of UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS
EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES
The Multiple Myeloma Awareness Bracelet
IMFer Kristi Difford makes these beautiful custom bracelets to grace the wrists of those who have joined the struggle against Multiple Myeloma.
GTC Telecom is reaching out on behalf of the IMF with a wonderful new way for you to help fight myeloma while saving yourself money at the same time!
Donate 10% of what you spend on long distance to the IMF while saving up to 40% or more! More>>.
- Have an old cell phone lying around?
Donate your old cell phone, get a tax deduction, and become part of the cure. The IMF receives a donation for every cell phone collected. Find out how.
- The Catlett Card Series
The Catlett Cards are designed by Irma Catlett in memory of her husband Lou. All proceeds go to support the programs of the IMF.
- IMFers Esther and Herman Adler, of Adler & Company Jewelers in Los Angeles are continuing their generous offer to help the IMF. Buy beautiful jewelry at wholesale prices, tell them you are an IMFer, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the IMF.
- Volume II of Cooking with the IMF is in the Works!
The collection of recipes for Volume II of our very popular healthy food cookbook is being led by Marilyn Alexander, a myeloma survivor from Philadelphia. Please help us with this important project by submitting your favorite recipes.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
- BANK ON A CURE®
- International Prognostic Index
- NexCura Cancer Profiler
- Expert Opinions on Multiple Myeloma
- Myeloma At The Movies
- HealthTalk's Multiple Myeloma Education Network
BE PART OF THE CURE!
Many of the internet's most popular merchants will donate a portion of your purchases to the IMF if you enter their sites using the links on our Shop For The IMF page. So, Be Part of the Cure by using these links to get the same great service and low prices you're used to while helping support the IMF!
Help Us Help Others...
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. We sincerely thank you for your support.
Tell A Friend...
The Myeloma Minute is a great way to stay abreast of the latest developments within the myeloma community. We hope you'll share this information with friends, family members and physicians and encourage them to sign up for their own copy by forwarding this message. New users can register by clicking here.