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| The IMF has a new eMail news distribution service, Myeloma Minute. As part of the eMail updates, you will receive information related to the treatment and management of multiple myeloma, including updates on current research and available clinical trials. In addition, you will also learn about new programs and services available via the IMF. Lastly, items of interest to the cancer community as a whole will also be distributed. You can sign up for this service at http://news.myeloma.org. ****************************** The following abstract is the first (and long-awaited) study which shows that Aredia (pamidronate) not only slows bone destruction but actually helps lower the myeloma protein. This is important news and we must get it to our oncologists. Effect Of Pamidronate Administration On Markers Of Bone Turnover And Disease Activity In Multiple Myeloma Terpos E, Palermos J, Tsionos K, Anargyrou K, Viniou N, Papassavas P, Meletis J, Yataganas X First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Laiko Hospital, Greece. evsiterp@itel.gr Eur J Haematol 2000 Nov;65(5):331-6 Related Articles, Books AIM: Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclastic activity and are used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with chemotherapy. The effect of pamidronate on markers of bone resorption [cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx)], markers of bone formation [serum alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and osteocalcin (OSC)], interleukin-6 (IL-6), beta2-microglobulin, CRP, paraprotein and disease-related pain and skeletal events has been evaluated in 62 newly diagnosed patients with MM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first included 32 patients under chemotherapy and pamidronate (group I) and the second 30 patients on chemotherapy only (group II). Pamidronate was administered at a monthly dose of 90 mg iv, and the above parameters were evaluated at the beginning of this study and after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14 months of treatment. RESULTS: The addition of pamidronate to chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction of NTx, IL-6 and paraprotein from the 3rd month and of beta2-microglobulin, CRP and pain from the 6th month of treatment. No changes of NTx, IL-6, beta2-microglobulin, CRP or skeletal events were observed in patients of group II, while paraprotein was significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment. The differences in NTx, IL-6, paraprotein and beta2-microglobulin were statistically significant between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between changes of NTx, changes of IL-6 in both groups and reduction of pain and paraprotein in group I. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pamidronate may have a synergistic action with chemotherapy in decreasing osteoclastic activity, in reducing markers of myeloma activity and myeloma related pain and in improving the quality of life in patients with MM. ****************************** Phase II Clinical Trial for Neovastat This Phase II pivotal clinical trial has been designed to obtain accelerated approval of Neovastat in the treatment of multiple myeloma patients with refractory disease. The study will determine tumor response based upon commonly used criteria, such as the level of M-protein (myeloma protein). Other parameters specific to the disease will also be considered. The study will involve approximately 20 sites across North America and Europe, and will evaluate the efficacy of Neovastat as monotherapy treatment for patients with multiple myeloma not responding to standard therapies. In North America, the principal investigators are Dr. Sundar Jagannath, Chief Multiple Myeloma Service, St. Vincents Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, in the US, and Dr. Chaim Shustik, Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill University and The Royal Victoria Hospital, in Montreal, Canada. The principal investigator in Europe is Dr. Jean-Paul Fermand, Professor of Medicine and Head of the Immuno-Hematology Unit of St. Louis University Hospital in Paris, France. Neovastat, is a novel orally bioavailable naturally occurring antiangiogenic product that has a unique multiple mechanism of action. Neovastat blocks two of the main regulators of angiogenesis, VEGF and MMPs. Most tumors secrete VEGF, which binds to specific receptor sites on the wall of blood vessels and triggers the growth of new blood vessels. Neovastat contains active components that specifically block the receptors where VEGF binds. Preclinical studies also evidence that Neovastat regulates the proliferation of endothelial cells that is thought to be necessary for the growth of new blood vessels. In addition, Neovastat has been shown to selectively inhibit MMPs 2, 9 and 12, which are involved in breaking down the surrounding tissue and creating an opening for the formation of new blood vessels. ****************************** |