IMF Launches #MYelomaSTORY Campaign for Myeloma Action Month in March 2023

The IMF spearheads its Myeloma ACTION Month (MAM) campaign every March for the entire month. For MAM this year, the IMF invites YOU to take the action of storytelling. This month, the IMF will share stories about members of the myeloma community who live well with myeloma and prompt others to share their stories too. One such story comes from IMF’s President and CEO Yelak Biru, who is also a 27-year myeloma survivor. Read the full press release to learn about Yelak’s story and how you, too, can build myeloma awareness by sharing your myeloma story. 

Elranatamab Receives FDA and EMA Filing Acceptance

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Priority Review for for elranatamab, an investigational B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CD3-targeted bispecific antibody (BsAb), for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The FDA’s decision on the application is expected in 2023. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has also accepted elranatamab’s marketing authorization application (MAA). Read the full press release for details.

What Is the IMF's M-Power Project?

The M-Power Project partners with cities across the country to turn the core vision of the International Myeloma Foundation's Diversity Initiative into a reality, improving the short- and long-term outcomes of African American patients with multiple myeloma. During Black History Month, we invite you to learn how the IMF's M-Power Project is changing the course of myeloma in the African American community.  

Register Now for the March 4th In-Person Regional Community Workshop 

The IMF will host an in-person Regional Community Workshop (RCW) on March 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. PST to 4:00 p.m. PST in San Diego County. Its location is the La Mesa Community Center’s Arbor Room at 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, 91942. Caitlin Costello, MD (Hematologist/Oncologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California San Diego—La Jolla, CA) will review the definition of myeloma, multiple myeloma basics, advances in initial myeloma diagnosis, stages of treatment, and transplant. IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Sandra Rome, RN, MN, AOCN, CNS (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles) will discuss how patients can manage myeloma symptoms as well as side effects brought about by treatments. David Vesole, MD, PhD (Director of the Myeloma Program, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital; Professor of Medicine, Georgetown University; Co-Director of the Myeloma Division and Director of Myeloma Research at the John Theurer Cancer Center — Hackensack, NJ) will focus on the types of relapsed disease, considerations by doctors when selecting treatment, options for relapsed/refractory treatment, and updates on clinical trials. Also, myeloma patient Tom Tucker and care partner Helen Tucker will share insights on the myeloma journey.

Expert Myeloma Speakers Live and In-Person. Register NOW for FREE!

Back in person for the first time since 2019, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2023 Boca Raton Patient and Family Seminar is taking place on March 17-18, 2023, in Boca Raton, Florida. Attendees will hear from the following experts: IMF President and CEO and 27-Year Myeloma Survivor Yelak Biru; IMF Chief Scientific Officer and Chairman of the Board Brian G.M. Durie, MD; IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael MD (TGen, City of Hope — Phoenix); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Beth Faiman, PhD, MSN, APN-BC, AOCN®, BMTCN®, FAAN, FAPO (Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute — Cleveland); James Hoffman, MD (University of Miami Health System — Miami, FL); Principal Investigator of the IMF iStopMM Trial Sigurður Kristinsson, MD, PhD (University of Iceland — Reykjavik, Iceland); Professor of Medicine and Chief of Plasma Cell Disorders Division Peter Voorhees, MD (Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute — Charlotte, NC); and Professor Nikhil Munshi, MD (Harvard Medical School and Associate Professor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute —  Boston). You do not want to miss this unique opportunity to hear from some of the world’s top myeloma experts. In-person seating is FREE but limited; REGISTER TODAY before slots fill up!

Myeloma Patient Thomas Belfort Talks About Undergoing CAR T-Cell Therapy

In this video, IMF Chairman of The Board Dr. Brian G.M. Durie and IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, along with other myeloma experts, talk to patient Thomas Belfort about undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. Watch the full video to learn about this innovative treatment.

Take Action by Being Part of a Global Myeloma Mash-Up Video. Submit Your Video Now!

The IMF wants YOU to raise myeloma awareness on a global scale by sharing your #MYelomaSTORY. When you share your story, you raise awareness of myeloma; create a stronger and more connected community; help doctors, researchers, and other healthcare professionals understand the importance of their work; and accelerate the pathway to a cure. 

Participating is simple: 

• Take a video of yourself answering the question: "In ONE WORD, my myeloma story is...” 
• Upload your video using the submission form linked below.