The International Myeloma Foundation “Week in Review” Blog Moves Forward with Commentary from Global Myeloma Experts and Collaborators

Last week, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) announced that IMF Co-Founder Dr. Brian G.M. Durie will no longer continue his role of Chief Scientific Officer with the organization. Dr. Durie will remain a member of the IMF Board of Directors. With this transition, the IMF looks back as we embark on a new direction. The IMF is grateful to Dr. Durie for co-founding, developing, and guiding the organization – with multiple myeloma patients, care partners, and their loved ones at the heart of it all.

Did you know that you have visited Dr. Durie’s “Week in Review” blog more than 50,000 times in this last calendar year alone? In today’s “Week in Review” blog, we look back at the Top 10 Blogs of 2023-2024. These blogs set the stage for what’s to come: a turning of the page to the perspectives of key opinion leaders in the field of myeloma who will lead us into the future. Read the full blog to learn more.

Earn CE Credits: Case Studies for Nurses New Therapies and Regimens for Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Visit this educational activity that aims to equip healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, with up-to-date knowledge and practical strategies for managing patients with multiple myeloma. It covers new and emerging therapies such as CELMoDs®, CAR T-cell therapy, and bispecific antibodies. The session emphasizes adverse event management and patient education. The importance of therapy sequencing, including multidrug regimens and bridging therapy, is discussed alongside strategies to achieve deep responses through treatments like ASCT and maintenance therapy. The session also addresses health equity issues and advocates for shared decision-making between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers throughout the treatment journey. By completing this course, you can earn 1.5 ANCC hours that will be valid through December 31, 2024.

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 Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology article on “Just scratching the surface: novel treatment approaches for multiple myeloma targeting cell membrane proteins.” 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.