News from the 2008 ASCO Meeting Compiled by Lynne Lederman, PhD

Renowned French Scientist Instrumental in Studying the Role of Viruses in Multiple Myeloma

If you missed the Webinar about the IMF's Myeloma Manager™ Personal Care Assistant™, here's a replay with everything you need to know about this incredible tool for tracking lab results, treatment regimens, and so much more.

If you are new to myeloma, we have a new video of Dr. Gertz explaining just what myeloma is and how it is treated.

It's Dan Aykroyd & Jim Belushi as "The Blues Brothers with the Sacred Hearts," and they will be tearin' it up at the IMF's 2nd Annual Comedy Celebration Benefiting the Peter Boyle Memorial Fund. So buy your tickets now for the the funniest fundraiser in Hollywood on November 15, 2008. Hosted by Ray Romano.

"Many MM patients are veterans. Our combined efforts to continue our service by raising money for the IMF through the Veterans Against Myeloma cause can help us win the battle by finding a cure. Hopefully one day together we can say "Mission Accomplished!" Jerry Walton

In "Division C -- the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008" of H.R. 1424, Congress extended an excellent charitable planning opportunity for both 2008 and 2009. This act permits an IRA owner age 70? or older to make a direct transfer to charity. The transfer may be up to $100,000 in one year and this IRA rollover will exist for year 2008 and year 2009. To find out how you can take advantage of this opportunity, call IMF VP of Development Heather Ortner at 800-452-2873.

The Wellsphere Health Impact Award honors individuals and organizations making the greatest impact in the lives of patients.

Philadelphia will be the site of a pioneering effort to raise funds for MM patients and their families. The Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group along with the Central Jersey and the Hackensack MM support groups will jointly sponsor a 5K walk/run.

With these new approvals, patients with multiple myeloma may now receive VELCADE earlier following an initial disease diagnosis.

Save the Date! November 15, 2008 in (where else?) Hollywood, California. (Okay, maybe not exactly in Hollywood, but right next door at the famous Wilshire Ebell Theatre. Hollywood adjacent!) Hosted by Ray Romano.

The Prix Galien Award recognizes the technical, scientific and clinical research skills necessary to develop innovative medicines.

Writing in the October 10th edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, IMF chairman Brian G.M. Durie, M.D., notes that 25 years ago only 48 percent to 66 percent of myeloma patients survived two years, depending on which treatment was used. By contrast today, two-year survival rates are around 90 percent.

Whether you are newly-diagnosed or well-versed in myeloma treatments, an IMF Patient & Family Seminar has something for you. If you are deciding whether to attend an IMF seminar, why not sit in on the Boston seminar held in July. The IMF cameras were there to capture it.

No matter how smart you are, when it comes to myeloma sometimes you just don't have all the answers. Nobody does. It helps to have someone to talk to. That's why we have our hotline. Call 800-452-2873 and get answers to your specific questions from someone who cares about helping you find the answers.

This is the go-to book for the basic understanding of myeloma you need to make informed decisions about treatment choices with your doctor. Caregivers, family, and friends will also find the information useful.

Dr. Durie says that the statistics from the VISTA trial leave no doubt that combination therapy with bortezomib is superior to MP alone. However, he raises the issue, "how does this clear-cut evidence inform treatment decisions?"

Overview of the history of myeloma, pathophysiology, clinical features, and tx options. The focus is practical, founded upon the most recent research developments in the field.

Going somewhere? Don't book your vacation without checking out the specials in the IMF Travel Advantage newsletter. You'll find great deals on travel and you'll be supporting our programs. Thanks for traveling with IMF!

Here?s an elegant and easy way to build awareness about myeloma and raise money in your community, and the IMF will help.