February 2017
Positive Initial Recommendation Issued for Carfilzomib (Kyprolis) for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
   
On February 3rd, 2017, the pCODR Expert Review Committee (pERC) recommended reimbursement of carfilzomib (Kyprolis) in combination with dexamethasone for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma with a good performance status who have received one to three prior treatments, on the condition that the cost-effectiveness be improved to an acceptable level.

This means the pERC has concluded that Kyprolis provides clinical benefits but that provinces, through the pan Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance should negotiate its cost down to be more cost-effective. At this point patient advocacy groups or registered clinicians that provided input to the submission are invited to provide feedback on the initial recommendation. The final recommendation will be issued sometime in mid-March. Myeloma Canada and the Myeloma Canada Research Network will be submitting feedback to the initial recommendations.
 
Myeloma Canada's Educational Webinar is now on YouTube

The Best of ASH 2016: What Patients and Caregivers Need to Know
Click on the image for link to video
Just in case you missed Myeloma Canada's online educational Webinar on Tuesday, February 7th, not to worry! The session was recorded and is now available for viewing on YouTube.

The Best of ASH 2016 : What Patients and Caregivers Need to Know
Featuring Dr Arleigh McCurdy from the Ottawa General Hospital


Bringing Game-Changing Therapies to Canadian Patients:
Updates on The Myeloma Canada Research Network's Active Clinical Trials


The Myeloma Canada Research Network (MCRN) brings innovative Canadian-designed clinical trials to hundreds of patients in 24 centres in 9 provinces across Canada. All MCRN trials are designed to improve Canadian myeloma treatment protocols, influence government decision-making policies for drug reimbursement and provide access to game-changing therapies for which would otherwise not available, leading to overall improved outcomes for Canadian patients.

Find out more here...

A
Day in the Life of Anthony Everett :  
A Myeloma Patient and Member of the Myeloma Canada Board of Directors, Representing British Columbia
 
"For the first time in my life I am truly living in the moment and I am grateful for the understanding, compassion, support and encouragement I have from all those that live with myeloma."
 
Myeloma Canada will be Offering 8 InfoSessions from
Coast to Coast in 2017 
 
Each year Myeloma Canada hosts InfoSessions for patients, their families and healthcare professionals, featuring guest speakers from the medical community in cities across Canada. InfoSessions are generally half-day sessions held in smaller cities and address many aspects of living with myeloma including treatment options, management of side effects, new myeloma therapies, the drug approval process and clinical trials.

Stay tuned for upcoming details on the 2017 Myeloma Canada InfoSessions in the following cities: 
          • Vancouver, British Columbia - March 24
          • Kelowna, British Columbia - March 25
          • St John, New Brunswick - April 7
          • Sherbrooke, Quebec - April 8
          • St John's, Newfoundland - TBD
          • Kitchener, Ontario - TBD
          • Thunder Bay, Ontario - TBD
          • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan -TBD
The Month of March is Myeloma Awareness Month and Myeloma Canada is Taking Action

For the month of March, Myeloma Canada will be launching a series of online campaigns aimed and increasing general awareness
of multiple myeloma and helping to promote the importance of early diagnosis. Help us spread the word and put myeloma on the map. Stay tuned for details.

 
Michelle Oana is Promoted to the Myeloma Canada Leadership Team
 
In recognition of her outstanding achievements over the past year, the Board of Directors of Myeloma Canada is pleased to announce the promotion of Michelle Oana to the position of Associate Director, Development and Communications and the Myeloma Canada Leadership Team.


Reminder: The Myeloma Canada Patient Advisory Council is Seeking New Members   
 

Lorelei Dalrymple, PAC Chair 
Early in 2015, the Myeloma Canada Board of Directors approved the creation of the Patient Advisory Council (PAC). The primary purpose of the PAC is to function as an advisory to the Board of Directors on matters important to patients, caregivers and support groups, providing the patient perspective on national and regional issues to the Board.

Three vacancies have recently been created: PAC Representative for Western Canada, Atlantic Canada and Ontario. If you are a myeloma patient or caregiver who might be interested in this important and meaningful role in the PAC, we would encourage you to respond to this Call for Interest.

Read more...

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER RESOURCE PROGRAM:  NAVIGATING THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Debbie Basevitz, a retired nurse and caregiver of a myeloma patient, generously initiated a peer-to-peer program for patients and caregivers. The program is intended to provide practical advice, and help you better navigate the Canadian healthcare system.

Debbie gained first-hand experience of the Canadian healthcare system as a pediatric nurse in Montreal, and as a caregiver to her husband, who is living with multiple myeloma. Debbie will guide you through the process, and  provide you with sound advice on how to navigate the system.

To schedule a time to speak with Debbie, email her at debbiebasevitz@gmail.com. She is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Eastern Time.
See what's happening on the social sites of Myeloma Canada:

  Facebook    Twitter    LinkedIn    View our videos on YouTube   View our photos on flickr   View on Instagram