Myeloma Minute: Are We Close to a Cure?

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells. It is synonymous with "myeloma" and "plasma cell myeloma." Plasma cells make antibodies against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows.

| INNOVATION | Latest Research

A Bright Future for a Myeloma Cure, Treatments, and the Planet

What does a myeloma cure look like in 2019? It is “when patients live with a good quality of life and succumb to something other than myeloma—such as old age, vascular disease, or other common illnesses of the elderly,” says Dr. Brian G.M. Durie. Recent advances in the treatment of AIDS and hepatitis C are offering instructive lessons for the path ahead. Also, upbeat news about the environment.

| EDUCATION | Teleconference

Listen to a Replay of This “Living Well with Myeloma” Teleconference

In case you missed it, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, IMF Chairman of the Board, hosted a “Living Well with Myeloma” teleconference last week. The teleconference focused on early disease management, including criteria for diagnosis and best treatment options. Patients are increasingly diagnosed early, and the decisions for initial treatment must be appropriate. In some cases, observation is recommended. With new therapies, many options must be reviewed and considered for patients in each risk group. Each individual’s age and comorbidities should also be considered. Dr. Durie covers current best treatment guidelines. Slides and audio are available at the link below.

| EDUCATION | Workshop

| INSPIRATION | Mother’s Day

Register Now for a Regional Community Workshop in Detroit, MI

Shop for Mom and Give to the IMF at the Same Time

The IMF will host a Regional Community Workshop at The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel (1114 Washington Blvd) in Detroit, MI, on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Registration is FREE, but seating is limited. Learn from and meet one-on-one with myeloma experts to get answers to your questions and concerns.

If you shop Amazon this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12) or for your daily needs, visit smile.amazon.com and select the International Myeloma Foundation as your preferred charity. When you shop at this link, Amazon will donate a percentage of your total purchase to the IMF, at no added cost to you. Donating to the IMF this Mother’s Day is as easy as a point-and-click.

| ACTION | Advocacy

Copay Accumulator Program Bans Enacted

New policies are being put into place by many health plans called “copayment accumulator programs” or “accumulator adjustment programs.” Before these new policies, when a patient used a copay assistance card or other manufacturer assistance, the payment or discount credited by that manufacturer toward the cost of the treatment counted toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket max. These programs are taking patients by surprise and can greatly increase the amount a patient pays out-of-pocket for their medications.

If you believe you or someone you know has been impacted by copayment accumulator programs, please contact the IMF Advocacy team at advocacy@myeloma.org. Learn more about these programs and IMF’s efforts surrounding them. Read the full article at the link below.

| INNOVATION | Research Grants

Calling All Researchers: Submit Your Grant Applications

The Brian D. Novis Research Grants honor the IMF’s founder Brian Novis, who succumbed to multiple myeloma in July of 1992. The grants are awarded to researchers working in the field of multiple myeloma and related disorders, including smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis. The 2020 grants will support senior research projects with $80,000 each and junior research projects with $50,000 each. The deadline for applications is Thursday, August 1, 2019.

| INSPIRATION | Fundraiser

Miracles Happen When Pigs Fly: A Weekend of Races

The Flying Pig Marathon is a whole weekend of many races in Cincinnati, Ohio. You can enroll in either a 5K or 10K Walk/Run on Saturday, May 3. Also on Saturday, children can take part in a one-mile fun run.

On Sunday, May 4, adults (over the age of 18) can enroll in the Flying Pig Full Marathon, which is 26.2 miles. On this same day, you can elect to do the Flying Pig Half Marathon or choose from marathon relay races as well. Full details on each race’s course, times, and age requirements are at the official Flying Pig Weekend website.

Through the efforts of the event’s organizers, more than $33,000 have been raised for the International Myeloma Foundation from past races. Learn more about how you can register or donate to this year’s races at the link below.

| #ASKDRDURIE | Dr. Durie's Weekly Web Video Series