A Deeper Understanding of ‘Cure’ in Multiple Myeloma

In this week’s blog, IMF Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie delves deeper into the meaning of “cure” when it comes to multiple myeloma. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of implications that can possibly bring about this outcome and how close myeloma patients are to achieving this much-desired goal. Dr. Durie tackles the basic requirements (i.e., no active myeloma, outcome or survival based on age, gender, and co-morbidities, and very good to excellent quality of life); key questions that need to be addressed; a reality check for long-term myeloma survivors; as well as a practical definition of functional cure. While it seems that finding a cure for myeloma is like seeing a “mirage in the desert,” Dr. Durie is hopeful that it will materialize into something tangible—the cure may be seemingly elusive, but it is still achievable.

The IMF Launches the Iceland Cycling Expedition: A Fundraiser to Advance the Goals of the iStopMM Project and the IMF’s Robust Array of Research Initiatives

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce the launch of the Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE)—a 3-day, 2-night fundraiser biking tour set to take place from August 29 - September 4, 2024, in Reykjavik and around Iceland to kick off Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which happens every September. The ICE biking tour is an inaugural signature IMF Myeloma Cures fundraiser, with the goal of highlighting IMF’S diverse and robust research portfolio. 

ICE will include a team of approximately twelve participants who will be individually raising funds for the IMF'S vast Research portfolio. These IMF cyclists will embark on an unforgettable journey of adventure and purpose, as they take part in this exclusive bike tour of the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland while doing it to find a cure for myeloma. 

Limited Seats Remaining for the IMF Patient and Family Seminar in Boca Raton, FL, in March 2024

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 Boca Raton Patient and Family Seminar will take place on March 15-16, 2024, in Boca Raton, Florida. The seminar is FREE, with LIMITED in-person seats remaining.

Some of the presenters include IMF President and CEO Yelak Biru, Dr. Saad Usmani (Memorial Sloan Kettering — New York), Dr. Matthew Drake (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN), Dr. Gurbakhash Kaur (UT Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas), Dr. Peter Voorhees (Atrium Health, Levine Cancer Center — Charlotte, NC), and IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael (TGen, City of Hope Cancer Center – Scottsdale, AZ). Also presenting at the meeting will be IMF InfoLine Advisor Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN; IMF Vice President of Patient Support Robin Tuohy; Patient Advocate/Support Group Leader Michael Tuohy; Wendy Thomas, RN (University of Kansas Cancer Center — Kansas City, KS); and Amanda Goodstadt, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney at Triage Cancer.

Register Now for the March 2nd Regional Community Workshop in San Diego

In SoCal? Register now for this in-person Regional Community Workshop at the Westin San Diego Bayview (400 W Broadway) in San Diego. The event’s speakers include IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy, Dr. Ah-Reum (Autumn) Jeong (University of California at San Diego — La Jolla, CA), Dr. Rahul Banerjee (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, WA), and IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Sandra Rome, RN, MN, AOCN, CNS. These speakers will cover the topics of Myeloma 101, frontline therapy, treatment options for relapsed disease, and managing the side effects and complications of myeloma and its treatments.

Hot Off the Press: The Winter 2024 Edition of Myeloma Today

In the Winter 2024 edition, IMF Chair Emeritus and Chief Scientific Officer Brian G.M. Durie sifts through the data of more than 1,000 myeloma research abstracts presented at the ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition and shares their key findings in patient-friendly terms. Also in this edition, read about how 90 support group leaders from 74 myeloma support groups from the U.S. and Canada gathered for the 24th annual IMF Support Group Leaders Summit and get the full report on the 2023 Asian Myeloma Network Annual Summit. Finally, learn about Kent Oliver, a longstanding IMF donor, resilient myeloma survivor, advocate, and strong voice for all myeloma patients and care partners. Myeloma Today is available to download for FREE.

Register Now for the March for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk

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 IMF Patient & Family Seminar in San Francisco in April 2024

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 Krishna, 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.

Co-pay Assistance Programs: Now Accepting Applications

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) has a program to secure funding for patient co-pay assistance here. Also, the HealthWell Foundation has opened a fund to help with Medicare co-pays/premiums. The maximum award level is $12,000, covering various treatments. Check eligibility and apply now.

Visit the IMF Financial Assistance page to view a list of links to resources that may help you find additional financial support.

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. Health Canada authorized ELREXFIO™ for the treatment of adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in Canada. Read the full press release from Pfizer to learn more. Cureus published this case study of a rare case of plasmablastic myeloma. Also learn how San Francisco 49ers coach Johnny Holland copes with living with multiple myeloma. As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the most recent myeloma news.