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Blood cancer breakthroughs presented

07-13-2006

New data illustrates the dramatic progress being made in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

An advancement in multiple myeloma was found with the drug Thalomid. When used in the treatment of newly diagnosed elderly patients with the disease, it was found to be more effective than stem cell transplants. Thalomid is the newest generation of the infamous drug thalidomide, which received national attention in the late 1950s for causing birth defects.

In another finding, during clinical trials, Revlimid was shown to extend life for patients taking the drug. This is a major advancement as the majority of patients can now consider multiple myeloma a chronic, manageable condition.

Revlimid, the second generation of Thalomid, works in a similar way to the original drug, but has fewer side effects and can be used on patients who have relapsed or whom other therapies are not working.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.