We're Here for You!

The Brian D. Novis Research Grants, established in memory of the IMF’s co-founder, are traditionally awarded at the “Living Well with Myeloma” patient presentation which takes place every year at the annual meeting and exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). This year, the presentations were conducted online. Since 1994, the IMF has funded more than 150 of the most promising myeloma research projects by talented investigators from leading institutions around the world. The IMF’s commitment to supporting important myeloma research has improved patient outcomes and has brought us closer to fulfilling our mission — the search for a cure. To learn more about the 2022 Brian D. Novis Grant recipients, read the full publication of the 2022 Spring Edition of Myeloma Today.  

The latest results of the Phase 3 IKEMA trial demonstrate the longest median progression free survival (mPFS) on a proteasome inhibitor backbone in patients who relapsed after a prior therapy, including lenalidomide. The median progression free survival increased from 19.2 months to 35.7 months when Sarclisa® (isatuximab) was added to carfilzomib and dexamethasone. Further analysis, following U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations on censoring rules, showed mPFS increased from 20.8 to 41.7 months when Sarclisa was added to carfilzomib and dexamethasone. These results, presented at the Controversies in Multiple Myeloma World Congress, represent the longest mPFS among studies investigating a proteasome inhibitor backbone in the second-line setting for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). These data will also be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology on May 19. To learn more, read Sanofi’s press release. 

Patients have always been the primary focus of the IMF’s mission: to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. Patients are at the center of all IMF initiatives, ranging from education to research that will enhance their quality of care and outcomes. IMF programs have made and continue to make significant advances and improvements in the lives of myeloma patients across the IMF’s four founding principles: Research, Education, Support, and Advocacy. Help the IMF collect and study important data to ensure that the right patient gets the right treatment at the right time! To learn more about the IMF’s novel research and how to become a philanthropic partner, visit our news section or read the full publication of the 2022 Spring Edition of Myeloma Today.  

The IMF Regional Community Workshop – Midwest will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 8:00 a.m. PT/ 9:00 a.m. MDT/ 10:00 a.m. CT/ 11:00 a.m. ET. IMF Senior Director of Regional Community Workshops Kelly Cox will kick off the workshop. Guest speakers include Morie Gertz, MD (Mayo Clinic—Rochester, MN), Al-Ola Abdallah, MD (University of Kansas Medical Center—Kansas City, KS), and IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) Member Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN (Mayo Clinic—Rochester, MN). The workshop will include an introduction to myeloma, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, relapse information, and an update on clinical trials. IMF NLB Member Teresa Miceli will talk about managing side effects and symptoms of myeloma and its treatments. After each presentation with the experts, attendees will have ample time to ask questions.