Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) May Be Back for Patients with Multiple Myeloma

In this week’s blog, Dr. María V. Mateos (University of Salamanca — Salamanca, Spain) explains that although Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) was withdrawn from the market, its clinical development continues. She provides the results and implications of the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 clinical trials that use combinations of Blenrep to treat myeloma. Dr. Mateos closes the blog by stating, “It is highly likely that Blenrep will soon be included as a treatment option for myeloma patients with relapsed/refractory disease after at least one prior line of therapy.” Read the entire blog to learn more.

Dr. Wenming Chen to Receive Asian Myeloma Network Distinguished Service Award at the 8th AMN Summit in Seoul

Join us in celebrating Dr. Wenming Chen, this year's recipient of the prestigious Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Chen will be honored at the 8th AMN Summit in Seoul on October 19 for his groundbreaking contributions to myeloma research, clinical trials, and patient care across Asia. As a founding member of the AMN and a leader in hematology, Dr. Chen’s efforts have transformed the landscape of myeloma treatment. Read the full press release to learn more.

Apply for the 2025 Iceland Cycling Expedition

The Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE), taking place from August 27 to September 2, 2025, will offer a unique opportunity to join a determined team focused on finding a cure for myeloma amid breathtaking landscapes of the High Mountains in Iceland. This 6-day/7-night expedition through the beautiful but challenging terrain of Iceland serves as a metaphor for cancer: uncertainty, ups and downs, teamwork, optimism, and hope. If you are interested in participating in ICE 2025, please click the button below to submit your application.

Applications will be available through Thursday, November 14, 2024. Shortlisted participants will be invited for a zoom interview in early December with the event leads and IMF leadership to determine physical fitness and fundraising capability. Selected participants will be notified in December 2024, and the event launches in January with a meet-and-greet kick off zoom meeting. If you have any questions regarding the event or the application process, please reach out to Sylvia Dsouza via email at [email protected] or by phone at 310.947.4126

Join the IMF Online Regional Community Workshop (RCW) with Experts from the Cleveland Area

The next IMF Online Regional Myeloma Community Workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 12, at 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. ET (2:30 – 5:00 p.m. PT | 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. MT | 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. CT). Speakers include IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP (TGen at the City of Hope — Phoenix); Louis Williams, MD, MBA (Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland); and IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Beth Faiman, PhD, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCN®, FAAN, FAPO (Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland). Topics will include an introduction to myeloma, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, relapse information, and an update on clinical trials. Beth Faiman will talk about managing side effects and symptoms of myeloma and its treatments. After each presentation with the experts, attendees will have ample time to ask questions.

Save Your Seat for the IMF In-Person Regional Community Workshop in Phoenix

An in-person IMF Regional Community Workshop will take place on November 16, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley (5401 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250) from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. MT. Speakers include MF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP (TGen at the City of Hope — Phoenix); Saurabh Chhabra, MD, MS (Mayo Clinic — Phoenix); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Beth Finley-Oliver, MSN, ARNP, AGNP-BC (H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute — Tampa, FL); and Peter Mathern, MD, (Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona — Casa Grande, AZ). There will also be patient and care partner panel with Gary and Judy Elliott. Topics will include Myeloma 101, frontline therapy, maintenance therapy, and the management of symptoms and side effects of myeloma and its treatments.

Top 5 Research Takeaways from IMS 2024 

The International Myeloma Society (IMS) annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured groundbreaking research for myeloma patients. In this video, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael shares his five most impactful takeaways that could shape future treatments for myeloma patients and their families.

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. This article in Blood Cancer Journal looks at “Patient preferences for intervention in the setting of precursor multiple myeloma.” Also, visit the September 2024 edition of summaries of the most fascinating studies about multiple myeloma from medical journals. As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the latest myeloma news.