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Eris: The New COVID-19 Variant on the Rise

As we head into fall, a new COVID-19 subvariant, EG.5 (nicknamed Eris), is rapidly gaining dominance in the U.S. This variant, classified as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been detected in numerous countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Canada. What’s the big deal with Eris? Eris, a descendant […]

Should We Bring CAR-T Therapy Home Sooner?

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is already making a significant impact in treating various blood cancers, including multiple myeloma. Currently, two CAR T-cell therapies are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for myeloma patients. In March 2021, Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel, or “ide-cel”) became the first FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma. […]

9/11: 22nd Anniversary, Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccines, Cancer Moonshot Progress, and Breakthrough Myeloma Research

Several significant events took place this week: the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, the FDA’s approval and CDC’s endorsement of updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting current variants, and notable new developments in myeloma research, including the FDA approval of motixafortide (Aphexda™) in combination with G-CSF for mobilizing stem cells in autologous […]

Advancements in Asia Benefit Myeloma Patients Worldwide

As the 7th Annual Summit of the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) concluded in Bangkok on Sunday, October 22nd, it became clear that the progress made in Asia extends far beyond the region itself. This year’s summit brought significant benefits, including insights from the 3rd Doctor Masterclass Program, the 3rd Patient Forum, and the 7th Scientific […]

Gaining a Deeper Understanding of ‘Cure’ in Multiple Myeloma

For myeloma patients, the word “cure” holds immense significance—it’s like the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, often feeling like a mirage that fades as you approach. This is why it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what “cure” truly means and how close we are to achieving this much-desired […]

Caregivers Deserve Care Too

Recently, the term “care partner” has gained popularity to describe those assisting myeloma patients. However, it’s essential to distinguish between a primary care partner and a care partner. A caregiver is a patient’s companion throughout their myeloma journey, hence the term “care partner.” A myeloma diagnosis can be equally challenging for both the patient and […]

Does Measles Pose a Risk for Myeloma Patients?

Measles has been making headlines recently, with 121 cases reported in the U.S. so far this year. To understand the level of concern for myeloma patients, it’s important to put this number into context. Since 2001, the U.S. has seen up to 220 cases of measles annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and […]

Can Polio or Other Viruses Be Used to Treat Myeloma?

A segment on last Sunday’s edition of 60 Minutes highlighted the remarkable effects of injecting poliovirus into brain tumors. Three years after receiving the poliovirus treatment at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, a young woman featured in the program remains cancer-free and has just graduated from nursing school. Her glioblastoma, […]

Focusing on the development of new treatments to achieve lasting remission

In the two weeks since we lost one of our most cherished patients, we have been confronted with the harsh reality of our inability to cure myeloma. While it’s remarkable that Mike Katz lived 25 years after his initial diagnosis, we urgently need more effective drugs to reach our ultimate goal of permanent remission. Until […]

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