| INNOVATION | Latest Research

ASCO 2018: Helpful Guidance, But No Breakthroughs

Abstracts for the studies to be presented at the upcoming 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting were just released. While no dramatic new findings were reported among the myeloma oral presentations, posters, and educational sessions, there are a number of important updates and helpful discussions to guide practicing clinicians and inform patients.

| Innovation | Research Grant

| EDUCATION | Event

Calling All Researchers: Submit Your Grant Applications!

Regional Community Workshop in Indianapolis

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 2019 grants will support senior research projects with $80,000 each and junior research projects with $50,000 each. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

The IMF will conduct a Regional Community Workshop in Indianapolis, IN, on Saturday June 9, 2018. Registration is FREE, but seating is limited. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from and meet, one-on-one with myeloma experts Rafat Abonour, MD (Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN), Al-Ola A Abdallah, MD (Assistant Professor, Univ. of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, KS), and Kimberly Odgers Noonan, RN, ANP, AOCN (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA).

| Innovation | Latest Research

IMF-AbbVie Study on the Role of Genetic Mutation in Outcomes of Myeloma Patients Featured in Oncology Times

Oncology Times reports on an IMF study conducted in partnership with AbbVie examining the role of genetic mutation in outcomes of myeloma patients. The primary objective is to determine the overall survival of patients with the t(11;14) translocation, present in an estimated 16 to 24 percent of FISH-tested myeloma cases. “This study has the potential to provide valuable real-world evidence that can help advance care for patients,” says IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie.

| Advocacy | Veterans and Myeloma

Blue Water Navy Veterans See Hope for Agent Orange Coverage

On May 8, 2018, the House Veterans Affairs Committee voted unanimously to send H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017, to the full House for a vote. The bill is expected to pass the House and move to the Senate, where it appears to have the necessary support to make it to the President’s desk for signature. The bill would provide a presumption of exposure to Agent Orange for Navy veterans who served during the Vietnam era within the territorial waters of Vietnam.

This presumption of exposure is currently limited to those who have set foot on the soil of Vietnam, or in the harbors and inland waterways of the country. Presumption of exposure allows for full coverage benefits to certain diseases, such as myeloma, without the need to prove a specific instance of exposure to any of the herbicides collectively known as Agent Orange. Subscribe to learn more and receive the Veterans Against Myeloma (VAM) newsletter.

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

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BOSTON Trial Fact Sheet

New isatuximab Clinical Trial: the IMROZ Study

New isatuximab Clinical Trial: the IKEMA Study

New ixazomib Clinical Trials: Learn How to Participate

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May 19-20, 2018
Shop for Myeloma - dress lab
Kensington, MD

May 24, 2018
Dine and Donate
Bethany Beach, DE

June 2, 2018
11th Annual Carolyn Czerkies Memorial Golf Outing
Joliet, IL

June 9, 2018
IMF Regional Community Workshop
Indianapolis, IN

August 24-25, 2018
IMF Patient & Family Seminar
Los Angeles, CA

September 22, 2018
6th Annual Miracles for Myeloma 5K Race/Walk
Oak Ridge Park Clark, NJ