The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Is Encouraged By Promising News For Myeloma Patients

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia
Also Included In: Blood / Hematology;  Cancer / Oncology;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 19 Sep 2007 - 0:00 PST

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Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson have reported that an interim analysis of a large, randomized, international Phase III trial comparing melphalan-prednisone (MP) with MP in combination with Velcade(R) (bortezomib) showed that the patients treated on the Velcade arm did better. These patients, who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant, experienced statistically significant benefit in terms of time-to-disease progression, complete response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival. Patients treated on the MP arm of the trial have the opportunity to switch over to the Velcade arm.

Detailed results from this trial will be presented at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in early December.

"This is extremely encouraging news for myeloma patients," said Bart Kamen, M.D., Ph.D., the Society's chief medical officer. "However, while these results are very exciting, the Society reminds patients not to make any changes in their treatment regimen without speaking to their doctor first."

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 68 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made 5.1 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

For more information about blood cancer, visit http://www.LLS.org or call the Society's Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
http://www.LLS.org