A large-scale study has confirmed the effectiveness of a prediction model that can identify people affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE) with a low risk of recurrence. These patients may not require long-term anticoagulant treatment, researchers say. The validity of the Vienna Prediction Model, developed at MedUni Vienna, has been confirmed in a large-scale clinical study, researchers have…

Beneficial results have been seen during a trial a novel drug for treatment-resistant and refractory multiple myeloma. In the phase 1/2 study, the drug mezigdomide is given orally alongside the steroid dexamethasone. The study has shown mezigdomide to have a “manageable safety profile and promising efficacy” for people with heavily pre-treated myeloma. The research group, led by Dr Paul…

Autologous stem cell treatment is effective in slowing progression of multiple sclerosis, according to a new Swedish study into its use in routine healthcare. There is growing evidence that autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is suitable for treating relapsing-remitting MS, the researchers say. Because aHSCT has yet to be included in most national clinical guidelines, a…

In a ‘proof-of-concept’ study, scientists have developed a new form of T cell therapy that could effectively target a specific gene mutation to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). There is currently no approved immunotherapy for AML except for stem cell transplantation. What’s more, the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors towards leukaemias with mutations is variable. So a team led by…

A new study has investigated the interaction between multiple myeloma, diabetes, and race. Multiple myeloma is known to be twice as common in Black people than white, and diabetes also disproportionately affects Black patients, US researchers say. So, Dr Urvi Shah of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA, and colleagues looked at how the two conditions can interact, and the effect…

A paediatric bone marrow transplant service has been launched at a new Children’s Hospital in Cambridge – aimed at reducing the journeys faced by patients and their families. The service, officially launched on Monday, is the first in the region to offer treatment, which can require a hospital stay of six to eight weeks or more. Previously, patients may have needed to travel to Bristol, London,…