International Myeloma Working Group
Encyclopedia
International Myeloma Working Group
The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) was established by the International Myeloma Foundation
International Myeloma Foundation
The International Myeloma Foundation is a non-profit organization serving patients with myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The IMF also provides support and information for family members, caregivers of myeloma patients, physicians and nurses. The organization focuses on...

 to provide a forum for researchers to collaborate on cllinical and scientific issues deemed important to the scientific and clinical communities. 134 researchers from around the world are involved with the group. The group's work to date has focused on myeloma treatments and diagnostic systems. Participation in the group is on a volunteer basis and membership is open to credentialed researchers and clinicians working in multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma , also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease , is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for the production of antibodies...

.

Mission

To conduct basic, clinical and translational research in a collaborative manner to improve outcomes in myeloma, and to provide scientifically valid and critically appraised consensus opinions on the diagnosis and treatment of myeloma and related disorders.

Projects

The IMWG undertakes projects with the objective of publishing in peer-reviewed journals scientific findings and consensus statements in areas where there is currently no standard of care. A list of completed projects is listed below.
  • Myeloma Management Guidelines
  • International Staging System for Multiple Myeloma
  • Molecular classification of multiple myeloma
  • International uniform treatment response criteria for multiple myeloma
  • Criteria for the classification of monoclonal gammopathies, multiple myeloma and related disorders
  • Use of Bisphosphonates in Multiple Myeloma
  • The use of biochemical markers of bone remodeling in multiple myeloma
  • Consensus statement on stem cell collection and high-dose therapy for multiple myeloma
  • Consensus perspectives on stem cell mobilization following initial therapy with thalidomide
    Thalidomide
    Thalidomide was introduced as a sedative drug in the late 1950s that was typically used to cure morning sickness. In 1961, it was withdrawn due to teratogenicity and neuropathy. There is now a growing clinical interest in thalidomide, and it is introduced as an immunomodulatory agent used...

    , lenalidomide
    Lenalidomide
    Lenalidomide , initially known as CC-5013 and marketed as Revlimid by Celgene, is a derivative of thalidomide introduced in 2004....

     or bortezomib
    Bortezomib
    Bortezomib is the first therapeutic proteasome inhibitor to be tested in humans. It is approved in the U.S. for treating relapsed multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma...

  • Guidelines for treating myeloma patients not eligible for stem cell transplant
  • Consensus statement and guidelines for imaging in multiple myeloma
  • Guidelines for serum-free light chain analysis
    Serum Free Light Chain Measurement
    Measurement of immunoglobulin free light chains in serum has recently become possible as an alternative to the analysis of Bence Jones proteins in urine. These tests are used as an aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma and related disorders. There are two types of immunoglobulin...

     in multiple myeloma
  • Consensus statement on vertebral augmentation (vertebroplasty
    Vertebroplasty
    Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are similar medical spinal procedure where bone cement is injected through a small hole in the skin into a fractured vertebra with the goal of relieving the pain of vertebral compression fractures...

     and kyphoplasty) in the treatment of multiple myeloma
  • Myeloma in patients younger than 50 presents with more favorable features
  • Utility of the International Staging System for Brazilian patients
  • Prevention of thalidomide
    Thalidomide
    Thalidomide was introduced as a sedative drug in the late 1950s that was typically used to cure morning sickness. In 1961, it was withdrawn due to teratogenicity and neuropathy. There is now a growing clinical interest in thalidomide, and it is introduced as an immunomodulatory agent used...

    -associated deep vein thrombosis
    Deep vein thrombosis
    Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein. Deep vein thrombosis commonly affects the leg veins or the deep veins of the pelvis. Occasionally the veins of the arm are affected...

    in multiple myeloma patients
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