Published on July 21, 2012 at 6:56 AM
The IMF has a long history of fighting on behalf of myeloma patients around the world for approval of new myeloma drugs such as Kyprolis, Velcade and Revlimid, and is now supporting approval of the newest drug pomalidomide. Through the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) the IMF has provided tools such as the "International Response Criteria" and the benchmark for comparisons which document how new agents fulfill the unmet need in the relapsed setting. The IMF also has ongoing campaigns to fight for access to these drugs and equitable insurance reimbursement.
"The IMF always focuses on how we can best support myeloma patients and their families with information, education and unparalleled expertise. We formed the International Myeloma Working Group to bring together the world's experts to determine how best to use the full array of myeloma treatments available, in what order and in what combination. Now we have something new in our toolkit to consider and we will help patients and physicians sort out where and when to use it to full advantage," says Novis.
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of cells in the bone marrow that affect the immune system and can damage bone. It is increasing in numbers and is becoming more common in younger patients with possible links to environmental toxins. Recently, myeloma was added to the list of cancers covered in people exposed to the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Source International Myeloma Foundation