Kyprolis

Good news on the paraprotein front today. The count at the end of cycle two was 14 g/l, down from the previous level of 17 g/l at the end of cycle one, so all positive and heading in the right direction.

Len receives e-mails from Myeloma UK, and whilst we were up at the hospital she received one regarding a new drug, Carfilzomib (Kyprolis - you just couldn't make these names up!!), which has just been granted licensing and marketing approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of relapsed and refractory myeloma patients. Results from Phase II clinical studies indicated that Carfilzomib is more effective than Velcade, and associated with less severe side-effects, especially peripheral neuropathy.

It's really encouraging to see that, even for these rare forms of cancer, research continues and new treatments are becoming available. No doubt there is still some way to go before its approval for use in the UK, but we're not talking about ten years from now and I'm sure there will be significant developments with not only this drug, but others, over the next few years. What's most important however, is that this postive news gives me just another helping hand along my journey.

With all this ongoing research and new treatments becoming available, I've got to keep believing that the future looks bright and who knows, maybe one day, myeloma will be seen more as a chronic disease. Maybe....but it's good enough for me!!

....and with a night like this, it felt almost rude not to pop down for a quick shandy by the river. Just been out with a close friend for a good catch up on all that's been happening in both of our lives.....really good night! Now back at home and looking forward to a good nights sleep...until 2:30am when I'll probably be tapping Len on the shoulder and asking nurse for a cup of tea. Now would I do that??

http://www.myeloma.org.uk/about-muk/news/myeloma-news/carfilzomib-kyprolis-approved-by-fda-for-use-in-the-united-state/#.UBEN4K_Okmw.facebook