Myeloma Minute: Cancer Prevention

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 | Disease Prevention

Parallel Paths: Myeloma Prevention and the Search for a Cure

On the eve of this year’s Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), everyone is rightfully focused on emerging data about the latest myeloma treatments. “But to prevent myeloma in the first place,” says IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, “we need a deep understanding of the disease.” That includes possible causes.

| INNOVATION | Latest Research

IMF to Host 10th Annual International Myeloma Working Group Summit

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will host the 10th Annual International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Summit from June 10-12 in Amsterdam. More than 100 of the world’s top myeloma experts will attend the 2019 Summit, which convenes on the eve of the 24th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), also in Amsterdam. Throughout the IMWG Summit, myeloma experts will debate how best to treat patients in 2019 and beyond.

| INNOVATION | Latest Research

Addition of Daratumumab Reduces Risk for Progression or Death in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

The results of the MAIA clinical trial comparing the use of daratumumab + Revlimid + dexamethasone with Revlimid + dexamethasone alone have just been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie called it “a very important study demonstrating the added value of daratumumab in the frontline setting for patients ineligible for transplant.” He added, “The results, in terms of both response and length of remission, are encouraging and compare very favorably to alternate options, such as Velcade + Revlimid + dexamethasone (the SWOG 0777 trial) or daratumumab + Velcade + melphalan + prednisone (the ALCYONE trial).”

| EDUCATION | Workshop

| EDUCATION | Seminar

Register Now for a Regional Community Workshop in Pittsburgh

Register NOW for the IMF Patient & Family Seminar in Los Angeles

The IMF will host a Regional Community Workshop at The Westin (1000 Penn Ave.) in Pittsburgh on Saturday, June 29, 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.

On August 23-24, 2019, the IMF will host a Patient & Family Seminar at the Hilton in Universal City (555 Universal Hollywood Drive) in Los Angeles. Choose between two registration packages—either attend Friday’s half-day session and the all-day session Saturday, or attend the Saturday session only. We welcome you to meet other patients and family members. Together, we can learn, build community, and share our stories.

| INSPIRATION | Father’s Day

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

If you shop Amazon this Father’s Day (Sunday, June 16) 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 Father’s Day is as easy as a point-and-click.

| INSPIRATION | Fundraiser

Attend the 12th Annual Czerkies Memorial Golf Outing

On Saturday, June 1, 2019, the 12th Annual Czerkies Memorial Golf Outing will take place at Heritage Bluffs Golf Club (24355 W Bluff Rd) in Channahon, Illinois. The event is held in honor of Carolyn Czerkies, a multiple myeloma patient who passed away from complications of the disease in 2000. This year’s event will also honor Edward Czerkies, Carolyn’s husband, who recently succumbed to prostate cancer. To register as a golfer, volunteer, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Craig Czerkies at czerkiesgolf@gmail.com or (630) 721-0557. All proceeds benefit the International Myeloma Foundation.

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