International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Report on New Consensus Guidelines for CAR T Therapy Management and Response Assessment in RRMM Published in The Lancet Oncology

The Lancet Oncology published a report from the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Committee on "Consensus guidelines and recommendations for the management and response assessment of CAR T therapy in clinical practice for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma." With the recent FDA approvals of idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), and with CAR T-cell therapies having "unique toxic effects that require distinct mitigation strategies," a panel of IMWG experts "was assembled to provide guidance for clinical use of CAR T-cell therapy in myeloma.” Read the full study in The Lancet Oncology.

Watch “A Day in the Life” Webcast with Myeloma Patient Adrienne Moore and Her Care Partner Chad Moore

In this episode of "A Day in the Life," multiple myeloma patient Adrienne Moore and her husband and care partner Chad share Adrienne's diagnosis and treatment at age 42 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and seeking support from the myeloma community while Chad highlights the significance of being proactive and informed in the caregiving journey. 

Join the M-Power Initiative's In-Person Dinner on Thursday, June 20

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), in association with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and the Abyssinian Baptist Church (132 Odell Clark Place at W. 138th St.), is excited to host the M-Power Initiative’s reception and dinner with compelling speakers on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in New York, NY. The event’s speakers include IMF President and CEO, and myeloma patient Yelak Biru; IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, M.Ed., FRCPC, FACP (TGen, City of Hope — Phoenix, AZ); and Urvi A. Shah, MD (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NY). These experts will share valuable insights about blood, how it impacts the health of the Black community, and how food can improve health. You will also get an introduction to myeloma, including differences in Black myeloma patients. At the end of the event, participants can take part in a Q&A with Dr. Mikhael and Dr. Shah. Seating is limited, so be sure to register today!

Register Now for the Regional Community Workshop in Charlotte, NC, on June 22

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that an in-person Regional Community Workshop will take place on June 22, 2024, at the Hyatt Centric Charlotte Southpark (3100 Apex Dr.) in Charlotte, NC 28211. Peter Voorhees, MD, (Atrium Health, Levine Cancer Institute — Charlotte, NC) will present on Myeloma 101, therapies at relapse, and clinical trials. Cindy Varga, MD, (Atrium Health, Levine Cancer Institute — Charlotte, NC) will discuss frontline therapies and maintenance therapies. IMF Nurse Leadership Board member Amy Pierre, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, (Flatiron Heath — New York, NY) will talk about how patients can manage myeloma-related symptoms and side effects brought on by treatment. Finally, a patient and care partner panel will feature couples, Ellen and Bruce Herman, and Ivy and Ron Walker.

Sign Up for the Patient and Family Seminar in Minneapolis from July 19-July 20

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 Minneapolis Patient and Family Seminar will take place at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America (2141 Lindau Lane) in Bloomington, MN, from July 19-20, 2024. The Keynote Speaker is Morie Gertz, MD (Mayo Clinic—Rochester, MN), who will present on “What is the Future of Myeloma?” IMF President and CEO, and myeloma patient Yelak Biru will give a special address.

IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, M.Ed., FRCPC, FACP (TGen, City of Hope — Phoenix, AZ) will discuss hot topics in myeloma, clinical trials, Myeloma 101, and understanding your lab results. IMF InfoLine Advisor Teresa Miceli RN, BSN, OCN, will take part in the Myeloma 101 and understanding your lab results discussions, and will cover shared decision-making.

Kansas City Area Myeloma Support Group Leader Wendy Thomas RN, MSN, CHPN (Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion — University of Kansas Health System) will talk about Advanced Care Planning. Doug Sborov, MD, MS (Huntsman Cancer Institute/University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT) will discuss frontline therapy. Jonathan Kaufman, MD (Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University — Atlanta, GA) will talk about relapse therapies. Also presenting will be Rahma Warsame, MD (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN).

IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy will cover how to best use myeloma.org and will hold a special breakout session for care partners. Also, as a breakout session, IMF Support Group Leader Michael Tuohy will talk about patient lessons learned. 

While the Seminar is FREE, in-person seating is LIMITED. Don’t miss your chance to take part and register today! 

Take Part in This Year’s Patient and Family Seminar in Los Angeles from 8/16-8/17

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 Patient and Family Seminar will take place on August 16-17, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA. The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is LIMITED. The event’s keynote speaker Rafael Fonseca, MD, Hematologist, Director for Innovation and Transformational Relationships, and Professor of Medicine (Mayo Clinic —Phoenix, AZ) will present on “What is the Future of Myeloma?"

Other esteemed members of the myeloma community who will speak at this seminar include the following: IMF President and CEO, and myeloma patient Yelak Biru; Sagar Lonial, MD (Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University — Atlanta GA); Kansas City Area Myeloma Support Group Leader Wendy Thomas, RN, MSN, CHPN (Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion, University of Kansas Health System — Kansas City, MO); IMF InfoLine Advisor Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN); Urvi Shah, MD (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NY); Angela Dispenzieri, MD (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN); Robert Vescio, MD (Cedars-Sinai — Los Angeles, CA); IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, M.Ed., FRCPC, FACP (TGen, City of Hope — Phoenix, AZ); IMF Nurse Leadership Board member Tiffany Richards, MS, ANP, AOCN, (MD Anderson — Houston, TX); Triage Center’s Erin Bair, Esq.; IMF Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Danielle Doheny; and IMF Vice President of Philanthropy Sylvia Dsouza. You don’t want to miss this event that gathers top practitioners and educators in the field of myeloma under one roof!

Give to the Cyclists Who Will Tackle the Inaugural Iceland Cycling Expedition

The Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE) is a fundraising bike tour taking place in beautiful Iceland with a team of twelve cyclists. From August 29, 2024, to September 3, 2024, 12 intrepid individuals will embark on an adventure across Iceland to support the Black Swan Research Initiative®, including the iStopMM Research Project in Iceland. Visit the Donate button below to give to an individual cyclist on the ride. By giving to a cyclist, you will support the thrill of adventure while being an agent for change.

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. According to a May 27th press release, the “FDA Grants Priority Review to Sarclisa for Treating Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma in Transplant-Ineligible Patients.” As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the most recent myeloma news.

Myeloma Made Simple Video Series with IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael

Bispecific Antibodies Made Simple! In this video, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael delves into the fundamentals of bispecific antibodies and their significant impact on myeloma treatment.