Patients, Physicians and Scientists Call for Greater Action in the Fight Against Multiple Myeloma

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Myeloma Euronet, the European network of myeloma patient groups, the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), a group of scientists and physicians involved in clinical bone marrow transplantation, and the European Myeloma Network (EMN), an interdisciplinary network of 421 myeloma experts, have issued a manifesto today calling for greater action in the fight against multiple myeloma.

Multiple Myeloma, an incurable but treatable cancer of the bone marrow, currently affects more than 77,000 people in Europe. It is one of the fastest growing cancers in the western world. Only about 35% of people in Europe living with myeloma are alive five years after diagnosis. This is in contrast to recent advances in early detection and treatment of some other cancers.

The three groups therefore call on the European Commission, national governments, medical societies, patient groups, the media, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to take action to address the six key needs of people living with multiple myeloma:

- Equity in biomedical and clinical research.

- Multidisciplinary care from trained professionals.

- Increased information and support services.

- Access to optimal treatment.

- Policies that put patients and their needs at the centre of treatment and care.

- Reduction in the isolation that characterises the lives of people living with myeloma and other rare cancers.

The Multiple Myeloma Manifesto is also endorsed by the Lymphoma Coalition. Organisations and individuals can show their support for this initiative by signing the Multiple Myeloma Manifesto at www.myeloma-euronet.org.