There are various clinical trials being conducted to treat multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a cancer that occurs in the plasma cells, or white blood cells, of the bone marrow. There are two types of myeloma, primary and secondary. Primary myeloma is generally more aggressive than secondary myeloma, and accounts for about eighty percent of all new cases. This type of cancer usually begins with a malignant melanoma, which is a cancerous or non-cancerous cell.
The latest research involving clinical trials, however, has to do with brain tumors. There have been several clinical trials testing the effectiveness of surgery to remove a brain tumor. The conclusion of these studies, though, is unclear. One reason why the results of the surgeries to remove brain tumors are not conclusive is because they are also trying to remove a normal brain tumor. If the surgery to remove a normal brain tumor is unsuccessful, then it may be possible to remove a brain tumor in patients without causing any life-threatening side effects.
There have been many clinical trials testing different types of immunotherapy for myeloma. Some of these experiments are testing ways to boost the immune system to fight off the myeloma. One of the latest research projects involves the use of a combination of interferon, glatine, and cello glycogen. Interferon, which is often used to treat other diseases, may be able to treat myeloma. One reason to test this type of immunotherapy for myeloma is that it stimulates the immune cells to go after the cancerous cells.
Another research project testing new drugs for multiple myeloma focuses on inhibitors of the protein tyrosine. People with multiple myeloma often have low levels of this tyrosine in their bodies. This amino acid acts as an amino acid that allows for multiple cell to grow and divide properly. The latest research aims to see if inhibitors of tyrosine can increase the levels of this amino acid so that myeloma cells cannot grow and divide as quickly. This method may prove to be very successful as there are many people with myeloma that have slow-growing cells and researchers hope that using inhibitors of tyrosine can help them get on with their lives.
There are also several experimental treatments being tested for brain tumors. One of these is experimental immunotherapy that is meant to kill off tumor cells by exposing them to chemicals. One of the types of chemicals being used is vincristine, which has shown some promising results in certain animal models. Other chemicals in the experimental drugs for brain tumors include azathioprine, lecithin oil, mercaptopurine, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin.
These new drugs for myeloma may soon find their way into human clinical trials. If the current research holds true, myeloma will no longer be treated by the typical treatment methods such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. For those patients and their families, it is important to keep up on the latest medical news in order to know what options are available. For more information or to see if any clinical trials are currently taking place in your area, talk with your doctor or look online.