A group in Spain published some long-term follow up data on a cohort of patients who received an autologous transplant between 1989 and 1998. Their findings show that patients who achieved a "complete response" (i.e. remission) have better outcome and overall survival than those who did not. This has always been suspected, but never really proven because of lack of long term follow up on bug enough populations. Another exciting thing here is the observation of a "plateau" after which a portion of the patients do not relapse or die from the disease. It seems 35% of patients that achieved remission are very likely cured! The cure word has been floating around in myeloma treatment for a while, but for the most part it's just been a whisper. The fact that this data is from patients who received their transplants before the newer more specific drugs were available for front line therapy makes it all the more encouraging. Patients today are waiting for the long term follow-up data to play out with the new drugs added into the mix, and the Total Therapy data things are even better than 35%!
Also in the news, Matt Damon recently announced his father is has multiple myeloma. Always hate to hear of families affected by the disease, but glad Matt is already using his star power to raise awareness. All the best to Kent Damon as he dominates!
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r/28101533/detail.html
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Hi Jody, I saw that article and was quite excited and encouraged after reading it! Also thought that Matt Damon bringing some of his celebrity muscle to the myeloma fundraising and battle couldn't hurt!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're home and feeling better!