
Multiple myeloma patients frequently have skeletal-related issues: spinal cord compression, fractures, surgeries and radiation to bone.
Patients are most commonly given either zoledronic acid (Zometa) or pamidronate disodium (Aredia) in regular infusions for several years during treatment to strengthen the bone and prevent further damage.
Noopur Raje, MD of Massachusetts General Hospital compared a new drug called denosumab against Zometa. Denosumab is in a different drug class than the bisphosphinates and is a RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) inhibitor. In her Phase III study, she found that the drug was just as good as Zometa in delaying the time to a first skeletal-related event (SRE) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Dr. Raje presented her results at the 16th International Myeloma Workshop in New Dehli, India.
“The results of this study showed that denosumab may be an effective, novel option that is not cleared through the kidneys that may help prevent bone complications.”

about the author
Jennifer Ahlstrom
Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can help accelerate a cure by weighing in and participating in clinical research. Founder of HealthTree Foundation (formerly Myeloma Crowd).
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