Leading Experts To Conduct Los Angeles Seminar On Myeloma Treatment As The 'New Model' For Managing Cancer As A Chronic Disease

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia / Myeloma
Also Included In: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 22 Feb 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) -- a not-for-profit organization supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians -- is bringing leading myeloma experts to a seminar this week for patients and families to discuss the latest trends and developments that are changing the course of cancer care and improving the outcomes. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the bone marrow that affects production of red cells, white cells and stem cells. There is no cure, but new treatments that can be used in combination and sequentially are moving myeloma toward becoming a chronic disease, a cancer that for many patients can be managed over time. The seminar will be held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, February 23rd and 24th.

"Blood cancers, including myeloma, are the third most common form of cancer, and today new therapies are transforming the way we treat them," said Susie Novis, president and co-founder of the International Myeloma Foundation. "While the benefits from most cancer treatment are measured in months, we are seeing our patients beginning to experience long-term responses measured in years. As a result, growing numbers of myeloma patients are now able to live active, productive lives."

Michael Stuart, a myeloma survivor who was diagnosed in his thirties more than 16 years ago, will speak at the conference about living an active life with cancer. And in Orange County, author and motivational speaker Tom Bay, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma seven years ago, says finding the right doctor and the right treatment helped save his life:

"When I was first diagnosed I had never heard of myeloma, and then the hospital gave me papers to sign that said in bold letters, 'there is no cure.' But I went to see the chairman of the International Myeloma Foundation, Dr. Brian Durie, and today I take just an oral medication at home, I have all my hair and my stamina, and I am continuing my work writing books and accepting motivational speaking engagements well into the future."

"We are using new drugs -- THALOMID, REVLIMID and VELCADE -- that attack not just the cancer cell, but the environment in which it lives," said Dr. Durie, who is also a world recognized myeloma researcher. "Understanding these mechanisms of action helps us increase the efficacy of our treatments, decrease their side effects and apply them to a growing range of blood cancers."

The International Myeloma Foundation
http://www.myeloma.org/

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