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This week’s blog was originally published on February 29, 2012, with information updated for the benefit of our readers. IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie talks about the use of PET scans as a reliable means to monitor multiple myeloma because it often uses a radioactive form of glucose (sugar) to help find cancer cells in the body. He discusses how certain myeloma treatments can push the body toward glucose intolerance, and why it’s important for patients to track their blood sugar and to avoid high sugar items in their diet. Dr. Durie emphasizes the benefits of stress reduction and highly recommends that patients and caregivers explore the IMF’s education and support programs for clear plans on myeloma management. Additionally, he advises taking advantage of the IMF’s Mind, Body, and Wellness program as a resource for wellness education, movement, exercise, and mindfulness practices. READ THE BLOG.  

Are you taking action during Myeloma ACTION Month and want to take your support for the myeloma community to the next level? Join the Myeloma ACTION Team and be empowered to raise your voice through media outreach, advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, and Action alerts from the International Myeloma Foundation. Join the Myeloma ACTION Team by 3/31 and let your voice be heard. LEARN MORE.

Join us live on Facebook on March 22 at 4 p.m. PST / 7 p.m. EST as IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael discusses how patients can live well with myeloma. Join us LIVE and find out what inspires Dr. Mikhael to be a myeloma practitioner. Hear Dr. Mikhael’s #MYelomaSTORY this Myeloma ACTION Month. REGISTER NOW.

Tecvayli™ (teclistmab-cqyv) is the first in a drug class of bispecific antibodies approved by the FDA to treat myeloma. Tecvayli is indicated for patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have received at least 4 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. This drug is an immunotherapy, a treatment that enhances the patient’s own immune system to attack their myeloma cells. Learn more by downloading the booklet today.  DOWNLOAD NOW.

The Living Well with Myeloma Webinar on Thursday, March 30, at 4 p.m. PST / 7 p.m. EST will focus on “New Drugs in Myeloma – What, How, and When? What Patients and Care Partners Need to Know.” IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy will moderate presentations by IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd (Translational Genomics Research Institute—Arizona). In recent years, many new myeloma drugs have been developed and have greatly improved patients' lives. Patients need to know how each drug works so they can make informed decisions with their healthcare providers. During the webinar, Dr. Mikhael will discuss the different types of myeloma drugs, how they work, the drug development process, as well as new drugs and immunotherapy for myeloma treatment. There will be a summary and time for questions at the end of the webinar. REGISTER NOW.

The 3rd M-Power Charlotte Community Workshop will take place on Saturday, April 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Project 658 (3646 Central Ave in Charlotte, NC). Its focus is on awareness of multiple myeloma in the African American community and living a healthier life. Panelists include the following healthcare professionals from Charlotte’s Levine Cancer Institute: Peter Voorhees, MD; Manisha Bhutani, MD; as well as Community Health Partners Tiffany W. Crank, MPH, and Mellisa Wheeler, BSA, WHA, both who work to help people in Charlotte to lead healthier lives. IMF President and CEO Yelak Biru, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael, and IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Kevin Brigle, PhD, MD, will also take part. The panel will share patient stories and suggest ways to “M-Power” yourself if you or a loved one are ever faced with a complicated diagnosis. Refreshments will be provided beginning at 9 a.m. Attendees are welcome to connect and chat until 1:30 p.m. REGISTER NOW.