The International Myeloma Foundation Thanks Dr. Brian G.M. Durie for 35 Years of Remarkable Leadership

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) today announced that IMF Co-Founder Dr. Brian G.M. Durie‘s last day as IMF Chief Scientific Officer will be on July 8, 2024. Dr. Durie will continue to be a member of the IMF Board of Directors.

In 1990, Dr. Durie, along with Brian Novis and Susie Novis Durie, founded the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)—a non-profit that is dedicated to serving the global myeloma community.

IMF President & CEO and 28-year myeloma patient Yelak Biru said, “We deeply appreciate Dr. Durie’s invaluable contributions, which have shaped the IMF into what it is today. Dr. Durie’s reputation for innovation in the field of myeloma globally has allowed the IMF to develop in ways no one could have imagined. The IMF was the first of its kind in many arenas. That pioneering mindset allowed groundbreaking research and invaluable patient support services, offering a brighter future for those diagnosed with multiple myeloma.”

The IMF will keep innovating new opportunities to amplify patient voices in research and to double down on global collaboration. The organization continues its collaborative work with patients, renowned researchers, industry partners, and other organizations in the global fight against the second most common blood cancer in the world.

To undertake this endeavor, the IMF has established a new Scientific Advisory Board. The Scientific Advisory Board includes an esteemed group of global myeloma experts (led by IMF Chairperson of the Board Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar), who will guide and prioritize IMF research initiatives as well as identify areas for investment and expansion. Read the full press release to learn more. 

The International Myeloma Foundation Will Be Closed from July 4-5

To commemorate Independence Day and to refresh at the mid-year mark, the International Myeloma Foundation will be closed from July 4-5, 2024. The IMF's InfoLine team will be unavailable during these dates, but will resume services by Monday, July 8th. The IMF wishes you a safe and fun-filled holiday. 

Watch the Replay: Top Myeloma Research Presented at ASCO & EHA Webinar 2024

In the webinar, IMF board member and eminent myeloma researcher Dr. Brian G.M. Durie and expert panelists discuss Top Myeloma Research Presented at 2024 ASCO & EHA from a patient perspective. Dr. Durie highlights scientific abstracts from the 2024 ASCO and EHA meetings and explains data in approachable terms that patients can use in their everyday care decision-making.

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

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 & CEO, and 28-year 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. Jeffrey Zonder, MD (Karmanos Cancer Institute — Detroit, MI) 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). 

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

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.

Apply for a 2025 Brian D. Novis Research Grant by August 26, 2024

The International Myeloma Foundation funds the Brian D. Novis Research Grants which are provided through private donations. The IMF awards these grants to researchers working in the field of multiple myeloma and related disorders including smoldering myeloma, MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), and immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis. This year's awards will be $50,000 each for the junior grant and $80,000 for the senior grant. Applicants must complete and return the application package to the IMF no later than August 26, 2024.

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 & CEO, and 28-year 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!

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. Read this Medscape article on “New Tools for Monitoring Multiple Myeloma.” Also, each month the IMF’s team of medical editors summarizes the most fascinating studies about myeloma. Here is the most recent edition: June 2024 – Myeloma News from the Journals. As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the latest myeloma news. 

ASK DR. DURIE VIDEO SERIES

What is the current status of belantamab and its potential reapproval?