LBH589, developed by Novartis Pharmacueticals, is part of a promising class of drugs called deacetylase inhibitors, which may play an important role in helping to slow or stop the growth of multiple myeloma cells. Preclinical laboratory data suggests that LBH589 has significant activity against multiple myeloma cells, including those that are resistant to conventional therapies.

The MMRC is participating in a Phase II study to determine the efficacy of LBH589 for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This trial is open to patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two lines of therapy, and whose disease progressed on their most recent therapy. Prior therapy must have included VELCADE®(bortezomib) or REVLIMID ® (lenalidomide).

MMRC Member Institutions that will enroll patients are:

• Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
• City of Hope National Medical Center
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Emory University
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
• Mayo Clinic
• Washington University

For more information about this clinical trial, contact Sandra Wear, RN, at wears@themmrc.org.