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| > SNS01-T> Multiple Myeloma |
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Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell derived from B-lymphocytes, normally responsible for the production of antibodies. Malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow leading to bone lesions and interfering with the production of normal white blood cells. It is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma representing approximately 1% of all types of cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths. In the United States there are approximately 20,000 newly diagnosed cases of multiple myeloma annually and a total of approximately 65,000 patients with the disease. Median survival time from first treatment is 2½ to 5 years depending on disease stage at diagnosis. Clinical manifestations include bone disease, hypercalcemia, cytopenia, renal dysfunction, hyperviscosity and peripheral neuropathy. Recent advances over the past decade have resulted in a new treatment paradigm based on the concurrent targeting of both the tumor cell and its bone marrow microenvironment to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes. Thalidomide (Thalomid), lenalidomide (Revlimid) and bortezomib (Velcade) are commonly used alone or in combination, along with conventional and high dose myeloablative therapies including alkylators (melphalan) and stem cell transplant where appropriate. Nearly all patients with multiple myeloma experience a relapse of the disease after initial therapy. Options for treating relapsed or refractory disease are limited and include repeat of initial therapy, bortezomib- or lenalidomide-based regimens, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, a second transplant if stem cells are available, or an investigational therapy (American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures). However, because up to one-third of patients with myeloma die within a year of presentation and most patients eventually succumb to the disease, new treatments are needed. Currently SNS01-T is being evaluated in relapsed or refractory patients. Senesco was previously granted orphan drug status for SNS01-T by the US Food and Drug Administration. |
