The MDS Beacon™

Jonna’s Body, Please Hold! – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is holding a young adult cancer survivor event and dinner on June 18. The event features a “cancerous dark comedy” based on the experiences of Jonna Tamases, a three-time cancer survivor, as she puts a humorous spin on her battles with cancer. The event will be held at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please visit the LLS or Jonna’s Body Web sites.

The Road to Discovery: Emerging Therapies in Blood Cancers – On June 25, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is sponsoring an educational program at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Duncanville, TX from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topics include the development of new cancer treatments, how to distinguish myths from facts about clinical trials, and how to talk to your doctor about clinical trials as a possible treatment option. The event is free with pre-registration for patients, caregivers, nurses, and social workers. A complimentary dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. More information can be found at the LLS Web site.

Lintuzumab Phase 1  Clinical Trial Results – Seattle Genetics reported results from a recent lintuzumab (SGN-33) Phase 1 clinical trial. The results showed that 17 percent of acute myeloid leukemia patients responded to lintuzumab, and 65 percent of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or other myeloproliferative diseases achieved stable disease in response to the therapy. Lintuzumab is an antibody that binds to a specific substance that normally causes an immune system response. It is also being studied in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Vidaza (azacitidine) for the treatment of MDS. For more information on the study, please visit the Seattle Genetics press release.