[May 09, 2012]

The International Myeloma Foundation Says Three Studies Highlighting Myeloma Treatment-Advances Are Featured Together in the Prestigous New England Journal of Medicine

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) - the oldest and largest foundation dedicated to improving the life and care of myeloma patients - says three studies demonstrating that long term maintenance treatment "significantly improves outcome" and more than doubles remission times, have been published together in the New England Journal of Medicine. The articles cover the use of continuous treatment with the oral drug REVLIMID^© both in newly diagnosed patients and following stem cell transplants. Although the findings have been presented separately at medical conferences this marks their first publication together in a scientific "peer reviewed" journal, an indication of the importance of these findings.

Myeloma, often called multiple myeloma, is a disease of cells in the bone marrow. Newer treatments can result in lengthy remissions, and in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine studies demonstrate additional progress:

"The development of new, targeted drugs that are well tolerated allow us to continue treatment long term, which was not possible with the earlier harsh forms of chemotherapy," said Brian G.M. Durie, M.D., Co-founder and Chairman of the IMF. "The published data on maintenance give us the hope that this can become a standard of care."

The studies were conducted by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) study sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the French Francophone Myeloma Intergroup (IFM), and from University of Torino in Italy.

The novel therapies, including REVLIMID and VELCADE^©, have transformed the treatment of myeloma. With studies such as these doctors are finding new and even better ways to utilize these treatment advances.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION

Celebrating its 21^st anniversary, the International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and largest myeloma organization, reaching more than 215,000 members in 113 countries worldwide. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families, the IMF focuses on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org

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