I stuck with the original heading for the third installment of my three part investigative expose’.  But today’s post could have been titled, “Different shades of grey.”   Pomalidomide’s development was shaped by a convoluted system that does a poor job balancing patient need with investor returns.

Before I get started, did you happen to see the MMRF’s Kathy Giusti interviewed in the trendy tech magazine, Fast Company?  Interesting approach.  Simply click-on the headline link below to access the interview:

Most of you probably know that I have been working on several new books about multiple myeloma. 

Yesterday I set the stage for today’s report about research data which was featured at the International Myeloma Foundation’s Journalist Workshop Monday night.

Do you hate taking dexamethasone or prednisone?  This new therapy combination of Velcade, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (D), and thalidomide (T), may provide an an alternative option.  Here is an abstract from a Phase 2 trial featuring the VDT combination:

I saved the link to this interesting article about the history of thalidomide, I found a few months back on a mainstream site called SLATE.  Here are some selected excerpts from the article, along with a link to access the full text:

The Myeloma Beacon just broke the story about how the FDA is investigating Revlimid and Thalomid, based on research data showing a possible secondary cancer risk following long term, post transplant use.

Here is an independent look at the pending investigation by Internal Medical News.  I have highlighted key points I feel are important:

Read this detailed recap/tribute to Geraldine Ferraro by Ann Law for Bizmology.com:

According to a new Czech study, posted earlier this month on Pub Med.gov, it doesn’t matter whether you pick thalidomide (Thalomid) or bortezomib (Velcade) for treatment following first relapse.  Apparently both work about one half of the time.

Multiple myeloma news runs in cycles and streaks.  The calendar revolves around the two largest U.S. hematology and oncology conferences:  The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) meetings in June, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meetings in December.

Yesterday I shared how–after almost four years–I have decided to go ahead with a stem cell transplant.

Here is an interesting article I found in the Cornell Daily Sun this morning.  Interesting because it is combines basics with a very insightful look at a promising clinical trial featuring pomalidomide:

Fellow blogger, caregiver and regular reader, Lori Puente, forwarded me a link to this article about a 10 year multiple myeloma survivor a few weeks ago.  I saved it to pass along when I got a chance:

Late last month I received this e-mail comment from fellow patient Jack Searight, in response to my four part series of articles following my visit with multiple myeloma specialist Dr. James Berenson in Los Angeles.   Jack apparently had trouble getting Blogger to accept his comment.  From my experience, Jack’s difficulties are not unusual.  I think this is one reason more readers don’t comment and participate regularly.

I have received a number of calls and e-mails recently from patients who’s multiple myeloma has become active again while using Revlimid, Velcade, or both.  Here is a short, hopeful response I found addressing this on the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Website:
Treatment Options for Relapsed or Refractory Patients Failing Revlimid and Velcade:

Q&A with Dr. Keith Stewart, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
What are my current options if I fail Revlimid® (lenalidomide) and Velcade® (bortezomib)?
Fortunately, there are many existing therapies available for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. Conventional chemotherapy drugs that may be effective include Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), melphalan, and anthracyclines such as doxorubicin or Doxil® (doxorubicin HCL liposome injection). Thalomid® (thalidomide) may still be an option if patients have not received it previously. These drugs may be used in various combinations that may even include trying Velcade or Revlimid again.

I know this isn’t what most multiple myeloma patients want to hear, but the evidence is growing that it is better to stay on some type of maintenance therapy indefinitely.  This applies to those who undergo a stem cell transplant and those who don’t. 

A fellow multiple myeloma patient forwarded me this excellent, comprehensive review of peripheral neuropathy he found on a site called FAQS.org.  Here are some of the highlights:

I had already written part of today’s article. But after reading this comment from Nick in California, defending the MMRF, I decided to go in a different direction:

I have commented about racial disparities many times before. Here is another study with states the obvious:

As promised, today I would like to take a look at how a drug like thalidomide, which was first created and distributed over forty years ago, could still be controlled by drug maker Celgene.