Even as they fight their cancer, multiple myeloma patients can be forced to face an unwelcome effect of their condition—the serious risk of acute and chronic renal failure. A new therapy under evaluation can help them combat renal impairment and perhaps add a few more—and better—years of life with their families.
Fighting cancer—and renal failure
Multiple myeloma is a serious and chronic illness. But often renal failure—as a further consequence of their disease—drastically worsens the patient’s condition and shortens the time they have left. Renal failure is caused by an unwelcome by-product of myeloma—unmanageable quantities of Free Light Chain (FLC) proteins.
A new option for Free Light Chain removal
Until now, there has been little success in attempts to use blood purification techniques to remove these damaging molecules, and stop them disrupting the kidneys. But the new Myeloma Kidney Therapy made possible by Gambro could be a lifeline for many of these patients.
More time for patients and their families?
Initial pilot studies of the new therapy, as well as predictions derived from modeled survival data, point to the potential for long-term clinical benefits and a cost-effective use of healthcare resources in comparison with historical controls (1,2,3,7). The difference for patients and their families may be measured in months and even years. These findings are currently being validated in an on-going randomized controlled trial.
References 1,2,3,7:
1. Hutchison CA, Cockwell P, Reid S, Chandler K, Mead GP, Harrison J, Hattersley J, Evans ND, Chappell MJ, Cook M, Goehl H, Storr M, Bradwell AR. Efficient removal of immunoglobulin free light chains by hemodialysis for multiple myeloma: in vitro and in vivo studies. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):886-95
2. Hutchison CA, Basnayake K Cook M, Bradwell AR, Cockwell P. Free Light Chain Hemodialysis Increases Renal Recovery Rate and Improves Patient Survival in Patients with Cast Nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant Jun; 1 (Suppl 2): ii9a, 2008
3. Devlin N, Parkin D. Does NICE have a cost-effectiveness threshold and what other factors influence its decisions? A binary choice analysis. Health Econ. 2004 May;13(5):437-52
7. Grima D. Modeled Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Costeffectiveness of Hemodialysis with the Gambro HCO 1100 Dialyzer Versus Standard Hemodialysis in Patients with Renal Failure Secondary to Multiple Myeloma. 2008. Available on request from Cornerstone Research Group Inc.