Top

Winter 2017 : About the Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot

About the Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, with 27,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. annually. For patients with high-risk multiple myeloma, median survival is as low as two to three years.

Understanding the molecular changes in mature myeloma cells and myeloma stem cells that trigger its aggressive behavior is a key goal. Researchers also need to learn why a patient's immune system allows the process to continue unchecked. This can help identify and engage targets using small molecules (drugs) and new immune therapies. Resulting therapies will be validated first in patients with high-risk disease, then in all myeloma patients.

Clinical trials for early-stage myeloma will study the two precursor myeloma stages and test the effects of antibody that prevents cancer cells from functioning. They also will study pembrolizumab, a drug that targets programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptors and takes cancer cells offline altogether.

Another project aims to identify relevant peptides (short amino acid chains) for their ability to stimulate the immune system. The Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot™ also is determining the efficacy of natural killer cells, collected from umbilical cord blood, to treat myeloma. This approach would supplement high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Two genetics pilot projects aim to identify the vulnerabilities of myeloma cells carrying a deletion of chromosome 17p or an amplification of chromosome 1q21.

Robert Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., professor and interim chair, Lymphoma/Myeloma
R. Eric Davis, M.D., associate professor, Lymphoma/Myeloma
Donald Berry, Ph.D., professor, Biostatistics

Podcast: http://bit.ly/1N9yrMR

More Stories From Promise

e-Philanthropy program raises support for cancer patients with just a few clicks

Online donations support cancer research, treatment

In memoriam

Charles Aubrey "Mickey" LeMaistre, M.D.

Mulva Family Foundation contributes $75 million to UT System institutions

$25 million to fund MD Anderson efforts to end melanoma and prostate cancer

Colon cancer survivor donates bell to GI Clinic

Colon cancer survivor donates bell to MD Anderson GI Clinic so that patients can signal end of cancer treatment

Moon Shots Program

Launched in 2012, MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program™ is a comprehensive effort to significantly reduce deaths and transform cancer care.

My Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot

Karen Fore, of Houston, is a six-year cancer survivor. She works in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at MD Anderson and volunteers with myCancerConnection, MD Anderson’s one-on-one cancer support community that connects patients and caregivers with others who’ve been in the same situation. Here, Karen reflects on the hope she believes the Moon Shots Program™ will bring to future cancer survivors.

Survivors Say: Glioblastoma expert Dr. Al Yung

W.K. Alfred Yung, M.D., professor, Neuro-Oncology, and a member of the Moon Shots Program™ executive committee, is an expert in clinical research and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, the most lethal form of brain cancer. He is a 17-year cancer survivor and was recently named to the Blue Ribbon panel of experts selected to advise the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot, inspired by MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program™ and led by former Vice President Joe Biden.

Among Friends: MD Anderson Advance Team member Barry Kessler

For years, Barry Kessler was under the misconception that MD Anderson is "a place you go when things are really bad." Several years and one melanoma diagnosis later, he praises the institution as "the only place to go. Period." Kessler is a principal at Simmons & Company International, Energy Specialists of Piper Jaffray and a member of MD Anderson's Advance Team, a volunteer board of "next generation" community and business leaders. A melanoma cancer survivor, he focuses his efforts outside of the office on helping #endcancer, once and for all.

iPromise: Jeff Lindley

Jeff and Marty Lindley met in 1968 at the University of Arizona. They married in 1970 and had a daughter, Jessica. They later moved to New Braunfels, Texas, and were active in the community. As a surprise, Jeff created the Marty Lindley Foundation by hosting an event at the Brauntex Theatre, inviting guests to wear purple in awareness of leiomyosarcoma, a soft tissue sarcoma. More than 500 people attended, including college friends, and raised $62,000 in Marty's honor.

MD Anderson Cancer Center’s A Conversation With a Living Legend in San Antonio

Former Secretary of State discusses football, politics and more at Living Legend dinner benefiting MD Anderson

MD Anderson nurse receives Brown Foundation Award

MD Anderson nurse recognized for impact on cancer patients' lives

Brain tumor patient's family honors his memory

Family hosts golf tournament to raise money for glioblastoma research in honor of son

Raising money for ovarian cancer research at MD Anderson

Family assembles team to walk in annual Sprint For Life to support ovarian cancer research at MD Anderson

21st Century Cures Act

President Barack Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides increased medical research funding, including $1.8 billion designated for cancer research, and aims to accelerate development and approval of experimental treatments and reform federal policy on mental health care.