Pomalidomide, Being Tested for Multiple Myeloma, Improves Overall Survival in Patients in a Clinical Trial

<0> For The Tackle Cancer FoundationPeggy Frank, 818-642-6804 </0>

Leaders of the Tackle Cancer Foundation today said there’s hopeful news for patients with myeloma, a cancer of cells in the bone marrow. An experimental drug called pomalidomide improved survival longer than a comparison treatment in patients taking part in an international clinical trial.

“I've been running marathons while diagnosed with multiple myeloma for the past nine years, and for half that time I've been on pomalidomide as part of a clinical trial,” said Don Wright, the 71-year-old marathon runner who heads up the E-Race Cancer Campaign sponsored by Tackle Cancer. “I know first-hand what it means to be on an oral drug that leaves me free to run marathons all over the country while it keeps my cancer at bay. I'm pleased these findings show I'm not alone in benefiting from this investigational new drug.”

The Tackle Cancer Foundation helps pay living expenses for parents who have a child with cancer, and the foundation donates money to support myeloma research. Kimberly Alexander runs Tackle Cancer in memory of her late husband, former NFL football player Elijah Alexander.

Kimberly says, “We know from personal experience how important it is for patients to get treatments that allow them to live active, productive lives. We are pleased to see experimental drugs like pomalidomide showing promise.”

Elijah Alexander, a former NFL football player was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 35, much younger than the typical patient profile. Elijah experienced the benefits of new drug development first hand. But multiple myeloma cannot be cured, remissions end, and patients need new options. In clinical trials pomalidomide has been shown to be effective even after other treatments have stopped working. It has been submitted for approval to the US Food and Drug Administration with a decision no later than February 10.

The Tackle Cancer Foundation helps pay family utility bills up to $2500 per year. A portion of the proceeds goes to the International Myeloma Foundation for research. More information about TCF can be found at

Information about E-Race Cancer is available at