Millennium Pharmaceuticals
and Johnson & Johnson have reported that an interim analysis of a large,
randomized, international Phase III trial comparing melphalan-prednisone
(MP) with MP in combination with Velcade(R) (bortezomib) showed that the
patients treated on the Velcade arm did better. These patients, who are not
eligible for a stem cell transplant, experienced statistically significant
benefit in terms of time-to-disease progression, complete response rate,
progression-free survival and overall survival. Patients treated on the MP
arm of the trial have the opportunity to switch over to the Velcade arm.
Detailed results from this trial will be presented at the American
Society of Hematology annual meeting in early December.
"This is extremely encouraging news for myeloma patients," said Bart
Kamen, M.D., Ph.D., the Society's chief medical officer. "However, while
these results are very exciting, the Society reminds patients not to make
any changes in their treatment regimen without speaking to their doctor
first."
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY,
with 68 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest
voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research
and providing education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure
leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality
of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the
Society has invested more than $550 million in research specifically
targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made
5.1 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare
professionals.
For more information about blood cancer, visit LLS or call the
Society's Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by
master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide
information, support and resources to patients and their families and
caregivers.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
LLS
View drug information on Velcade.