It isn’t often you get a chance to sit at a cancer meeting, in this case the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and hear 100% response rates mentioned.

Previously, I thought 98% response rates for Hematologic Response with Gleevec in CML was pretty darn good, but a 100%? Wow.

There were two studies in the high risk multiple myeloma session that stood out. The first, presented by Paul Richardson, reported 100% ORR with induction therapy using the combination of Velcade, Revlimid and dexamethasone. The second study by Shrij Kumar of the Mauo Clinic found 100% ORR using Velcade, Revlimid, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide.

Now admittedly, these are small phase II studies and survival is not yet known, but the prospect of more durable response rates from improved induction combinations offers new hope for patients diagnosed with myeloma. Time will tell whether there will be a long term effect but at least for now the results are encouraging.

When cancer data gives you goosebumps