Databank and Learning Network Conference Roundup
The MMRF has been actively engaged in many premier cancer conferences . Here ’ s a brief summary .
MMRF CoMMpass Study SM Data Jamboree , April The MMRF brought together more than 40 of the brightest minds in cancer to review the maturing data , explore trends and consider new hypotheses stemming from the landmark MMRF CoMMpass Study SM — the largest , deepest , most robust data set in multiple myeloma . “ We ’ re learning that there are clinical interventions right now that are very well worth doing , especially for higher-risk patients ,” said Daniel Auclair , Ph . D ., SVP of Research at the MMRF . The meeting participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration , data sharing and the use of broad , cutting-edge technology to advance precision medicine — with the goal of improving the lives of patients with multiple myeloma . To read more go to : themmrf . org / datajamboree n
Daniel Auclair , Ph . D ., Senior Vice President of Research , The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
American Association for Cancer Research ( AACR ) Annual Meeting , April
The MMRF was well represented at this marquis event attended by 20,000 cancer researchers and members of the cancer community . Numerous sessions focused on the increasingly promising area of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer , including data in the areas of CAR-T cells ( engineered cells with proteins that target tumor cells ), immune checkpoint antibodies ( which “ relieve the brakes ” on T cells to recognize and destroy tumor cells ), and personalized cancer vaccine approaches . Evidence of new technologies and therapies in multiple myeloma was presented to enhance patient care now and to work toward an eventual cure . To read more go to : themmrf . org / AACR n
Sagar Lonial , M . D ., Chair and Professor , Department of Hematology Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute , Principal Investigator and Clinical Lead of the MMRF CoMMpass Study
American Society of Clinical Oncology ( ASCO ) Annual Meeting , June
More than 30,000 oncology professionals from around the globe convened in Chicago for the largest oncology conference in the world . The MMRF researchers met with more than 40 companies and reviewed over 100 myeloma abstracts at this premier event . Among the highlights :
• The new proteasome inhibitor Ninlaro ® ( ixazomib ), for patients who have had 1 to 3 prior treatments , continues to show promise in new combinations and in earlier disease , and is well tolerated .
• Data continues to emerge on antibodies in treating active multiple myeloma , including the anti CD38 antibody isatuximab ( SAR650984 ), in the same class as Darzalex , ® as a single agent in patients with relapsed and refractory disease . This is one of three studies on isatuximab that are currently being conducted with the MMRC .
• Patients with high-risk Smoldering Mulitple Myeloma ( SMM ) should be offered clinical trials to prevent progression or carefully observed to avoid end-organ damage .
To read more go to : themmrf . org / ASCO n
Jonathan Keats , Assistant Professor , Translational Genomics Research Institute , Research Lead of the MMRF CoMMpass Study
8 THEMMRF . ORG