Hematology

Brand name, patent-protected medications drive increasing costs.

In a recent phase III trial, a 3-medication regimen showed efficacy in reducing treatment-related nausea and vomiting in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing induction therapy before autologous stem cell transplant.

Thiopurines found to increase the risk of myeloid disorders.

Following favorable results of the ASPIRE clinical trial, Amgen acquired Onyx Pharmaceuticals for an estimated $9.7 billion.

A phase 2 trial reported 100% 3-year overall survival rates with frontline therapy consisting of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in younger patients with multiple myeloma.

Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital have tested a nanomedicine technology in mice formulated to precisely target myeloma cancer cells with a novel bortezomib delivery system.

LBH589, when used in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, improved progression-free survival among relapsed and refractory patients with multiple myeloma.

A genetic test in development by Micromedic may help identify patients who are likely to develop bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Study assesses the safety and tolerability of TH-302 in combination with dexamethasone.

Using Captisol technology, scientists have developed a more stable formulation of melphalan that may facilitate higher-intensity regimens in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous stem cell transplant procedures.

A variety of treatments to counteract the bone-wasting effects of multiple myeloma are in development.

Early results of a phase-1/-2a indicate that an infused monoclonal antibody treatment may target the abnormal cells associated with multiple myeloma while stimulating an immune response.

Study finds significant racial and geographic disparity in prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

In 2013, many new medications and new indications were approved.

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, kidney damage, and peripheral neuropathy. Considering the effect of medications to treat MM on blood glucose control may be an important part of choosing a treatment regimen for some patients.

Promoting vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae can prevent meningitis and related complications.

Investigators strengthened the results of a 2012 trial with a long-term follow-up of an important phase III trial evaluating a bortezomib-based regimen versus a vincristine-based regimen.

Carfilzomib's ability to inhibit myeloma cell growth and ability to trigger a greater response in proteins associated with cell death than other therapies makes it a promising therapy for multiple myeloma patients.