Audio
Tiffany Williams sees "the silver lining" of her multiple myeloma diagnosis, as "not taking time for granted...It’s the here. It’s the now. Tomorrow isn’t promise, and remembering that on a daily basis."
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The International Myeloma Working Group’s (IMWG) summaries focus on guidelines and statements about certain aspects of multiple myeloma. The IMWG's research on multiple myeloma studies its causes, how to stage the disease, and how to achieve remission. The following are a few of the…
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Since 2003, the IMF has honored an outstanding physician each year with the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, named for its first recipient, is presented to an individual whose body of work in the field of multiple myeloma has made significant advances in research, treatment,…
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The Making Miracles newsletter shares your volunteer stories. We feature interviews and spotlights of Member FUNdraisers who make a difference for multiple myeloma patients in their own communities as well as for all those affected by this disease.
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The Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI) is the International Myeloma Foundation's signature research program aimed at developing a definitive cure for myeloma. Led by a team of global myeloma experts, the BSRI provides coordination and support for more than 40 research projects around the world…
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Published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON), this article covers the pathophysiology of myeloma-related oncologic emergencies as well as provides a guide for the assessment and intervention of such emergencies.
Multiple myeloma patients may present with oncologic emergencies,…
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Multiple Myeloma News and Press Releases
Find the latest news and information on multiple myeloma here.
Up-to-the-minute news on multiple myeloma and relevant information for the myeloma community: FDA drug approvals, IMF press releases, research news from ASH and ASCO, changes in U.S.…
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Published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON), this article is a guide for assessing and managing bone disease, pain, and mobility in patients with multiple myeloma during various junctures in the course of the disease.
About 85% of multiple myeloma patients develop bone disease.…
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Many tests are used to assess proteins and other substances in the blood of multiple myeloma patients. These tests measure levels of blood calcium, total protein, serum beta-2 microglobulin, LDH, C-reactive protein, and blood glucose. They are used to monitor the disease and its potential…
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How International Myeloma Organizations Make a Difference
Myeloma organizations worldwide serve as vital partners in improving outcomes and quality of life for patients across different regions. country-specific resources for those outside the United States, from education and advocacy…
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Melphalan (U.S. brand name Alkeran) is a chemotherapy drug commonly used in treating multiple myeloma. It belongs to the class of drugs known as alkylating agents, which inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis, causing the death of both dividing and non-dividing tumor cells. It has been used to treat MM…
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What Is the Durie-Salmon Staging System? Staging was first used in diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer by measuring the size of a solid tumor. The staging system used for solid tumors does not apply to blood-based cancers like myeloma.In 1975, the Durie-Salmon Staging system was first…
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The Brian G.M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award was first presented on June 12, 2018. Named for IMF Co-Founder Dr. Brian Durie (1942-2025), this award recognizes excellence in multiple myeloma research. Dr. Durie was also the Medical Director for AMyC and a Specialist in Multiple Myeloma…
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KYPROLIS® (carfilzomib) is the second agent in a drug class called proteasome inhibitors approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 for the treatment of myeloma. What Are the Indications for Treatment with Kyprolis? Kyprolis is approved by the FDA in the…
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In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved NINLARO® (ixazomib) for the treatment of adult patients with myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy. Ninlaro is the third proteasome inhibitor approved by the FDA since 2003, and it is the first proteasome inhibitor …
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POMALYST® (also known as pomalidomide, its generic drug name) is an immunomodulatory agent taken by mouth in capsule form. It is used to treat adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least 2 prior therapies, including the immunomodulatory agent…
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THALOMID® (thalidomide) is an oral immunomodulatory drug, an agent that can modify or regulate the immune system. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Thalomid was first used to treat multiple myeloma in 1997. It was officially approved for use in treating myeloma in…
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The IMF's Signature Project to Find a CureThe Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI®) was established following a scientific brainstorming meeting linked to the IMWG Summit held in Amsterdam in 2012. The meeting occurred in a remote boathouse to ensure privacy and an excellent focus…
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Why Legal Help Matters for Myeloma PatientsAccess to knowledgeable legal support can help patients and families during the critical stages of their myeloma journey: Address insurance disputes: If treatment areas are denied or coverage is unclear, legal…
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Making the Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma Unlike many cancers, the diagnosis of active myeloma that requires therapy is based upon a combination of factors. A bone marrow biopsy (or biopsy from a tissue site where myeloma may have spread) is an essential part of the diagnosis.…
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Multiple Myeloma DrugsMultiple myeloma treatment options include many different medications and therapies. Learn more about medications for multiple myeloma according to their drug class.Jump to a section:…
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The IMF produces and maintains an extensive library of up-to-date educational publications and periodicals for patients and caregivers, as well as for healthcare professionals. All IMF publications are always free of charge and are available to download by clicking the links below.
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Darzalex® (daratumumab) is the first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody that targets the CD38 protein on the surface of myeloma cells. Jump to a section:What Is Darzalex?…
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EMPLICITI® (known also by its generic drug name, elotuzumab, or “elo” for short) was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received 1 to 3 prior therapies. The FDA…
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Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that occurs when healthy plasma cells become abnormal, leading to the production of abnormal antibodies. This change can result in a range of medical problems that affect the bones, kidneys, blood, and the immune system.Complications in the Bone MarrowBone marrow…
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International Staging System for Multiple MyelomaDeveloped in 2005 by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), the ISS was built on clinical and laboratory data from 10,750 previously untreated myeloma patients across 17 institutions in North America, Europe, and Asia. It uses two readily…
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REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) is an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD). It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 for use with the steroid dexamethasone in adult patients with myeloma who had received at least one prior therapy. In 2015, the FDA expanded this indication to a…
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VELCADE® became the first in a class of drugs called proteasome inhibitors to be approved by the FDA for use in myeloma. Who Is a Candidate for Velcade?Velcade (bortezomib) is approved by the FDA for use throughout the myeloma disease course, in combination with nearly all other FDA-approved…
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About the International Myeloma FoundationFounded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to multiple myeloma.Our Mission:The IMF is steadfast in our mission: Accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the…
News Article
September 10, 2018 (Los Angeles, CA) – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), the first and largest myeloma-specific foundation in the world, announced today the all-star lineup for the IMF 12th Annual Comedy Celebration taking place on…
News Article
The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) has earned the highest, four-star rating from online charity evaluator, Charity Navigator, for the 14th time.
Charity Navigator praised the IMF for its excellent fiscal management and its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. Based…
Videos
If you have myeloma, should you undergo tests for DNA sequencing?
BOTTOM LINE:
For myeloma patients, DNA sequencing is helpful in research trials, but it is not necessary for the day-to-day management of the disease.
News Article
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA, September 13, 2018– Michael Tuohy, who was diagnosed 18 years ago with the blood cancer multiple myeloma, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Houston Astros baseball game on September 16 as fellow patients cheer him on. Michael is representing the…
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The International Myeloma Working Group Summit is held annually each June, between two of the year’s largest cancer conferences, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago and the European Hematology Association (EHA).
Report from the 2018 Summit of the International Myeloma…
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Established by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) at a meeting in Singapore in 2011, the Asian Myeloma Network® (AMN) is the first of its kind in the region and is comprised of myeloma experts from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and…
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The Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC) has been hard at work ensuring patients have access to the treatments that are recommended by their physicians through the oral…
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Through the efforts of the Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN), these key points on the European (EU) drug approval and reimbursement policy were presented by Mait Raava from the Estonian Myeloma Society, during the GMAN meeting held in Copenhagen on June 11, 2016.
The…
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What Did We Accomplish?
The Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) summit had three main issue items that required definitive next steps.
Global Awareness
During day one of the summit, members were divided into three small groups and each given a different topic focused on global awareness.…
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Take a front seat at the most sought-after satellite symposium at the annual Oncology Nursing Society meeting. Members of the IMF’s exclusive Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) address the most important issues in multiple myeloma nursing. In these Nurse Leadership Board videos from the Oncology Nursing…
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To show your support for the IMF year-round, visit the IMF online store to stock up on our branded merchandise, such as Myeloma Warrior T-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, baseball caps, and more. You can look great…
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Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common hematologic malignancies, with 114,252 new cases and 80,119 deaths worldwide annually in 2012, comprising 0.8% and 1% of all cancers, respectively[1]. Its incidence is known to vary by ethnicity, with Asians showing a relatively lower incidence than…
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Learn about the members of the IMF's Nurse Leadership Board, a professional partnership that represents nurse experts caring for multiple myeloma patients at leading medical centers.
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The International Myeloma Working Group® (IMWG) has published dozens of research studies and treatment guidelines on multiple myeloma and its related disorders.
From doctors to patients, the goal of these publications is to help anyone better understand aspects of myeloma. The information…
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Palliative Care for Multiple MyelomaThe World Health Organization defines palliative care as specialized medical care focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing the challenges associated with terminal illnesses. It…
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Consolidation therapy is generally defined as treatment given for a short duration (i.e., 2 to 4 cycles), usually with the same regimen used for induction therapy, following high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). The goal of…