Patients affected by myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, can use Farydak, a drug from Swiss laboratories Novartis. The European Union has just given its agreement for its sale and use.
“The European Commission has approved this anticancer agent, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, for adult patients with relapsing or refractory multiple myeloma who have already received two previous treatments”, explained the pharmaceutical company in a press release.
Myeloma occurs when plasma cells, cells made by the bone marrow and involved in fighting infections, undergo a mutation. From there, they multiply, invade the marrow and disrupt its functioning. Then, the consequences of this disease are numerous: first on the bone, because the plasma cell produces a protein that destroys bone cells, then on the kidney. Half of the patients end up with renal failure. The risk of infection is also increased since the bone marrow, responsible for manufacturing cells of the immune system, is impaired. Myeloma causes anemia and therefore very tired.
“This incurable disease, which manifests mainly in people aged 60 and over, is characterized by a high number of relapses and resistance to treatment,” said Novartis in a statement.
Warning signs of myeloma
Invasion of the marrow by cancer causes fractures and bone pain. These pains are very particular. Unlike rheumatism which primarily affects the joints, myeloma pain affects the body of the bone. They are very intense since they may require the use of morphine. This disease affects 5,000 people per year. Apart from age, no specific risk factor is implicated. The average age of diagnosis is around 65-70 years. Only 2% of patients are under 45 years old.
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