Whatever Happened to COVID-19?

In this week’s blog, IMF Chief Scientific Officer Brian G.M. Durie provides much-needed new information on COVID-19: updated CDC recommendations on prevention steps and strategies as well as new isolation guidelines; the suspension of the free home COVID-19 test program; a 2024 guide to COVID-19 symptoms; COVID-19 treatment and care; and the results of a study on the relation between Long COVID and brain fog. While the CDC has eased most of its COVID-19 guidelines, Dr. Durie still strongly advises to get vaccinated, practice caution, watch out for worrisome symptoms, and address them as soon as possible. Dr. Durie reminds the myeloma community that the IMF is always ready to help, and that they can reach out to the IMF InfoLine for questions or concerns regarding COVID-19.

Want to Take Part in the March for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk? Choose to Participate from Any Location Near You

This isn't just a run; it's a force for change. During March, we're creating a global wave of awareness for myeloma. This Myeloma ACTION Month, march alongside others in the myeloma community and help us make waves of awareness that touch every corner of the globe. Join us in-person in Boca Raton, FL, or race virtually from wherever you are on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. EST as we make this journey a pivotal part of Myeloma Action Month 2024.

Register Now for the April 2024 IMF Patient & Family Seminar in San Francisco

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 San Francisco Patient and Family Seminar will take place on April 12-13, 2024, in Foster City, CA. The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is LIMITED.

Keynote speaker for this seminar is Thomas G. Martin, MD (UCSF, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer—San Francisco, CA). He will present on the topic of “What is the Future of Myeloma?”

Other seminar presenters include IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD (TGen, City of Hope — Scottsdale, AZ); Ajai Chari, MD (Mount Sinai — New York, New York); Amrita Krishnan, MD, FACP (City of Hope — Orange County, CA); Caitlin Costello, MD (University of California — San Diego); IMF InfoLine Advisor Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN; Deborah Doss, RN, OCN (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — Boston); Wendy Thomas RN, MSN, CHPN; and Erin Bair, Esq., Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer. Topics will include a resource review of myeloma.org, Myeloma 101, understanding your labs, shared decision making, financial considerations in myeloma, clinical trials, symptom management, and advanced care planning. 

Register Now for the "Living Well with Myeloma" Webinar on Understanding Medicare Changes in 2024

The next “Living Well with Myeloma” webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 27, at 12:00 p.m. PST | 3:00 p.m. EST. As changes in Medicare Part D impact patient care and out-of-pocket costs, join the IMF and Triage Cancer for a discussion on navigating these shifts. To begin the webinar, IMF Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Danielle Doheny will talk about these new changes as well as the benefits of the redesigned prescription drug program.  

Gain insights into the altered landscape, understand the implications of these part D changes for myeloma patients, and receive practical guidance regarding what to expect financially in 2024 and beyond from Triage Cancer CEO and Cancer Rights Attorney Joanna Fawzy Doran, Esq.  

Join Us for the 15th Annual IMF Gala

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will hold its 15th Annual Gala for the first time in New York City! Join us at the Edison Ballroom (240 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036) at 6:00 p.m. EST for this star-studded event. Hosted by Ray Romano, the Gala Benefits the Peter Boyle Research Fund and Celebrates Groundbreaking Myeloma Research, Education, Support, and Advocacy. These initiatives support research toward prevention and a cure for myeloma, as well as promote greater health equity and access to care for all.

Launched in 2007, shortly after beloved actor Peter Boyle lost his battle with myeloma, the IMF Annual Gala continues to raise funds and awareness for groundbreaking myeloma research projects.

DREAMM-8 Phase III Trial for Blenrep Demonstrates Positive Results

In a March 7, 2024 press release from GSK, the following was reported: "Positive headline results from an interim analysis of the DREAMM-8 phase III head-to-head trial evaluating Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin), in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (PomDex), versus a standard of care, bortezomib plus PomDex, as a second line and later treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The trial met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) at a pre-specified interim analysis and was unblinded early based on the recommendation by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC)."

"The belantamab mafodotin combination significantly extended the time to disease progression or death versus the standard of care combination. A positive overall survival (OS) trend favouring the Blenrep combination was also observed at the time of this analysis. The trial continues to follow up for OS. The safety and tolerability of the belantamab mafodotin regimen were broadly consistent with the known safety profile of the individual agents." Read the full press release to learn more.

Around the Web: Myeloma News

To keep you abreast of the most recent myeloma research findings, “The Myeloma Minute” features links to top myeloma content around the web. Read about “CAR T therapies in multiple myeloma: unleashing the future.” In this video, Dr. Paul G. Richardson reports on the use of various mezigdomide combinations in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. In this press release from Sandoz, the FDA approval of denosumab biosimilars is discussed. Also catch up on the most recent myeloma research from the journals in February 2024. As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the most recent myeloma news.

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

What is the significance of mass spectrometry in measuring myeloma protein levels?