ASH 2014 - Hidden Treasures Sometimes you find the very best ideas in the least likely places. Going into ASH, I knew I would hear about all manner of iterations around the monoclonal antibodies, and yes I did and it was great news. It seems no matter what you do with SAR and Daratumumab they help to provide improved response and potentially improved survival rates. Now I just hope and pray they are approved for use by all patients.
But sometimes very promising ideas seem to fly under the radar. If you were at some of the "high profile" presentations you have to get to the conference hall early and you still might end up in an overflow room. But if you go to one which uses old line drugs in new ways, or go to one of the sessions on research, seats are available in abundance. But it is in these less popular sessions where I was able to glean some excellent information on a new treatment for high risk disease and potentially game changing ideas.
Potential game changing ideas -
Irene M. Ghobrial, MD - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Mass.
Dr. Ghobrial discussed the effect the Bone Marrow Micro-environment has on the progression of multiple myeloma, and ways to make this micro-environment inhospitable to tumor growth. Her research has shown this micro-evironment has been modified in mice with exceptional results. IF this could be translated to success in human trials, this could be a potential CURE. To view a link to the abstract CLICK HERE. Just be aware that this link may make your eyes glaze over.
Marta Chesi, PhD - Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
This research revolves around using a genetically engineered mouse model to determine the likelihood a drug will have efficacy in humans. Mayo is now using this model to prioritize which drugs will likely provide the best potential for success. This could speed up drug development, as well as an effective way to check many existing drugs and herbal medicines. You can read the abstract if you CLICK HERE.
New High Risk Treatment Protocol -
Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD - University Hospital of Salamanca Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL) Salamanca Spain
This study compares a Sequential Vs Alternating Administration of Bortezomib, Melphalan, Prednisone (VMP) and Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone (Rd) in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients. The study included all newly diagnosed patients, but the surprise was the results for the high risk group with a PFS of 28 months and a 3 year overall survival of 64%. This would suggest the OS would come in at about 4 years, or twice the existing OS of 2 years. This is with an older non transplant eligible patient population. To view the abstract CLICK HERE. Dr. Lonial of Emory University has the only other high risk data which is better than this and you can find this information if you CLICK HERE.
Good luck and may God Bless your Cancer Journey. For more information on multiple myeloma survival rates and treatments CLICK HERE and you can follow me on twitter at: https://twitter.com/grpetersen1
But sometimes very promising ideas seem to fly under the radar. If you were at some of the "high profile" presentations you have to get to the conference hall early and you still might end up in an overflow room. But if you go to one which uses old line drugs in new ways, or go to one of the sessions on research, seats are available in abundance. But it is in these less popular sessions where I was able to glean some excellent information on a new treatment for high risk disease and potentially game changing ideas.
Potential game changing ideas -
Irene M. Ghobrial, MD - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Mass.
Dr. Ghobrial discussed the effect the Bone Marrow Micro-environment has on the progression of multiple myeloma, and ways to make this micro-environment inhospitable to tumor growth. Her research has shown this micro-evironment has been modified in mice with exceptional results. IF this could be translated to success in human trials, this could be a potential CURE. To view a link to the abstract CLICK HERE. Just be aware that this link may make your eyes glaze over.
Marta Chesi, PhD - Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
This research revolves around using a genetically engineered mouse model to determine the likelihood a drug will have efficacy in humans. Mayo is now using this model to prioritize which drugs will likely provide the best potential for success. This could speed up drug development, as well as an effective way to check many existing drugs and herbal medicines. You can read the abstract if you CLICK HERE.
New High Risk Treatment Protocol -
Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD - University Hospital of Salamanca Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL) Salamanca Spain
This study compares a Sequential Vs Alternating Administration of Bortezomib, Melphalan, Prednisone (VMP) and Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone (Rd) in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients. The study included all newly diagnosed patients, but the surprise was the results for the high risk group with a PFS of 28 months and a 3 year overall survival of 64%. This would suggest the OS would come in at about 4 years, or twice the existing OS of 2 years. This is with an older non transplant eligible patient population. To view the abstract CLICK HERE. Dr. Lonial of Emory University has the only other high risk data which is better than this and you can find this information if you CLICK HERE.
Good luck and may God Bless your Cancer Journey. For more information on multiple myeloma survival rates and treatments CLICK HERE and you can follow me on twitter at: https://twitter.com/grpetersen1
RSS Feed