Now Available: The Interactive Summer 2022 Edition of Myeloma Today

The digital edition of Myeloma Today is now INTERACTIVE — with many helpful hyperlinks to a broad range of resources. In this Summer 2022 edition, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie discusses new frontiers in myeloma research as reported at the recent 13th Annual Summit of the IMF’s International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). Additionally, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael provides an overview of top myeloma-related abstracts from the 2022 Annual Meetings of the American Clinical Society of Oncology (ASCO) and the European Hematology Association (EHA), which include clinical trials, new drugs, new combinations, and new approaches to relapsed disease. The Summer 2022 edition of Myeloma Today is available to download for FREE.

EMA Recommends Conditional Marketing Authorization for Tecvayli

On July 22, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended a conditional marketing authorization in the European Union (EU) for TECVAYLI® (teclistamab) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti-CD38 antibody, and whose cancer has worsened since receiving the last treatment. Tecvayli is a monoclonal antibody that targets two proteins at the same time: a protein called B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which is present on the surface of the multiple myeloma cells, and CD3, a protein that is present on T cells (cells of the immune system responsible for destroying abnormal cells). By attaching to BCMA and CD3 at the same time, the medicine activates the T cells to kill the multiple myeloma cells. For more information, visit the EMA's website.

Now Accepting Applications: The 2023 Brian D. Novis Research Grants

The Brian D. Novis Research Grant was established in 1995 to honor IMF co-founder Brian D. Novis, who succumbed to multiple myeloma in July 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 grants will support senior research projects with $80,000 each and junior research projects with $50,000 each. Deadline for submission of applications is September 1, 2022.

IMF Virtual Regional Community Workshop—East South Central

The IMF Regional Community Workshop (RCW) – East South Central will be held on Saturday, August 6 at 8 a.m. PT/9 a.m. MDT/10 a.m. CT/ 11 a.m. ET. Guest speakers include Craig Cole, MD (Michigan State University Karmanos Cancer Institute—Detroit, MI); Jesus G. Berdeja, MD (Sarah Cannon Research Institute—Nashville, TN); IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) Member Patricia Mangan, RN, MSN, APRN-BC (University of Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, PA). IMF Senior Director of Regional Community Workshops Kelly Cox will kick off the workshop, which includes an introduction to myeloma, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, relapse information, and an update on clinical trials. NLB Member Patricia Mangan 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.

Las Voces de Mieloma Support Group (Spanish-Virtual/Virtual en Español)

Las Voces de Mieloma Support Group (Spanish/Virtual), Monday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. PST. Guest speaker: Dr. Ruben Niesvizky, Director of the Multiple Myeloma Center at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He is also a professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and a physician at New-York Presbyterian Hospital. Join us by registering at https://lasvoces.support.myeloma.org/. For any questions, please email [email protected].  

Las Voces de Mieloma Grupo de Apoyo (Virtual en Español), Lunes, 15 de Agosto de 10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. PST. Orador invitado: Dr. Ruben Niesvizky, Director del Centro de Mieloma Múltiple en Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital. También es profesor de medicina en Weill Cornell Medicine en Nueva York y médico en el Hospital Presbiteriano de Nueva York. Registrate en https://lasvoces.support.myeloma.org/. Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected].

Join the Living Solo & Strong with Myeloma Support Group

Founded in 2022, the Living Solo & Strong with Myeloma Support Group was formed for those living with myeloma who do not have caregivers. The group meets virtually every 4th Monday of the month from 5:15 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. ET. For additional information, please visit https://solo-and-strong.support.myeloma.org/ or contact Claire Greenlea at [email protected].

This Week: Laughs 4 Life Returns to Hattiesburg, MS

Laughs 4 Life returns to Hattiesburg, MS this Friday, July 29 with Leanne Morgan and special guests James Austin Johnson and Keith Alberstadt. Proceeds of the comedy show will benefit the IMF and other organizations. For over 4 years, Laughs 4 Life has been funding the IMF’s Brian D. Novis Research Grants. Visit http://www.laughs4life.com for more information on sponsorships, tickets, auction, and the program. You may also donate online through the IMF website if you are unable to attend the event.