Geneva, Switzerland - New research data was presented at the 9th annual congress of the European Hematology Association confirming that treatment with VELCADE^TM in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma demonstrated a survival benefit of up to one and a half years. Study findings also demonstrate that extended therapy or re-treatment with VELCADE^TM beyond eight cycles is a safe option for patients. These data also re-affirm recent findings from the phase III APEX trial which showed a 30 percent reduction in the risk of death during the first year in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma receiving treatment with VELCADE^TM compared to those treated with high-dose dexamethasone.

The novel cancer agent, commercialized in Europe by Ortho Biotech, the biopharmaceutical division of Janssen-Cilag, was recently approved by the European Commission (26 April) to treat multiple myeloma patients who have received at least two prior therapies and demonstrated disease progression on their last therapy.

"These data show that not only can bortezomib induce important responses in this relapsed and refractory patient population, but it can also significantly extend survival", said Dr Paul Richardson, Clinical Director of the Jerome Lipper Myeloma Center at the Dana-Farber Institute, Boston, USA and lead Investigator of the study. "The benefit offered by bortezomib is especially encouraging in this patient population in whom resistance to treatment and shortened survival constitutes a major challenge."

Investigators designed an extension of the phase II SUMMIT trial (which included a total of 202 patients) allowing a subset of patients who had achieved a response to VELCADE^TM in the original trial (N=46) to continue treatment or receive retreatment with the drug. In addition they followed the progress of the 156 patients from the SUMMIT trial who were not receiving extended therapy.

'"/>

Contact: Eva Reynolds
eva_reynolds@uk.bm.com
44-207-831-6262
Burson-Marsteller
14-Jun-2004

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related medicine news :

1. Study confirms ICDs more effective in preventing sudden cardiac death than medical therapies
2. Study confirms alcohols role in increasing risk of gout
3. JAMA study confirms drug can help improve memory and cognition in advanced Alzheimers patients
4. Study confirms benefits of hemispherectomy surgery
5. Study confirms nursing shortage affects patient satisfaction
6. M.I.N.D. Institute study confirms autism increase
7. Study confirms air pollution linked to slowed lung function growth in children
8. Study by UBs RIA confirms link between alcohol consumption, work absence
9. Study confirms seasonal fluctuation in immunity-generating cells among MS patients
10. Research confirms safety and efficacy of RemiFemin for menopausal symptoms
11. New study confirms periodontal disease linked to heart disease