ATLANTA, GA - Asher A. Chanan, MD, Department of Medicine at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, will present novel research on multiple myeloma (MM) at the 47^th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 10-13, Atlanta, GA.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. An estimated 15,980 new cases of this incurable but treatable disease are expected to be diagnosed in 2005. At present there are more than 50,000 people in the United States living with multiple myeloma.

“A Phase I, Multi-center, Dose Escalation Study of Atiprimod in Patients with Refractory or Relapsed Multiple Myeloma (MM)” (Abstract # 111)

Embargoed until Sunday, December 11 - 5 pm.                   

Hall B4 – Georgia World Congress Center

The phase I trial included 14 patients from four centers who were diagnosed with refractory or relapsed MM and who had previously been treated with two types of therapy. These patients received escalating doses of Atiprimod. To date, there has been no clinical response, however, activity is not expected until higher dose levels are evaluated. Atiprimod was generally well tolerated by patients. After the maximum tolerated dose has been established, the study of Atiprimod combinations should be considered based on the in vitro assessment of synergy with other agents.

 “Safety and Activity of KOS-953 in Patients with Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): Interim Results of a Phase I Trial” (Abstract #361)

Embargoed until Monday, December 12 – 11 am                

Hall B4 – Georgia World Congress Center

Clinical benefit was observed in 41% of the 22 patients with relapsed or refractory MM included in a phase I clinical trial of KOS-953. Patients received KOS-953 twice weekly for two out of three weeks. Toxicity and neuropathy were manageable. This research supports additional study with dose escalation of KOS-953 to further define clinical benefit and patient response to treatment.    

“Phase I Clinical Trial of KOS-953 + Bortezomib (BZ) in Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM)” (Abstract # 362)

Embargoed until Monday, December 12 – 11:15 am                       

Hall B4 – Georgia World Congress Center

Encouraging antitumor activity was observed in relapsed or refractory patients enrolled in this phase I clinical study to define the optimal dose combination of Bortezomib (BZ) and KOS-953. Treatment of MM cells with BZ triggers significant stress response; KOS-953 blocks this response thus enhancing MM cell sensitivity to BZ. Fifteen patients who had previously relapsed or had experienced a progression of their disease received treatments twice weekly for two out of three weeks with dose escalation of both agents through infusion. Patients experienced limited toxicity to the treatments.

The American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) annual meeting provides a forum for nearly 20,000 clinicians, scientists and others from around the world to discuss the latest developments in scientific research in hematology. ASH strives to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org

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