Message from the Director

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

The past 20 years have been a time of significant progress in the care of patients with Multiple Myeloma. Our Myeloma program in Arkansas has developed innovations that have taken us directly from research to the treatment of patients who represent all age groups, nationalities, and levels of disease. The tremendous strides we have made in changing the outcome for Myeloma patients stem from novel research and its applications, including:

• Combination chemotherapy using VAD (Vincristine, Adriamycin, Dexamethasone)

• Tandem bone marrow transplants with increased remission rates

• Bone marrow transplants for patients over the age of 70

• Introduction of Thalidomide as a treatment for Myeloma

• Cytogenetic research to identify chromosomal prognostic factors

• Genetic chip analysis to identify high and low risk disease

The Myeloma Institute has treated large numbers of patients on its own clinical protocols, thus assuring that new knowledge is incorporated into front line therapies. We have an extensive comprehensive data base that includes information from 70,000 cytogenetic tests, MRI exams on more than 5,000 patients, and PET-CT scans on more than 1,000 patients. We have annotated salvage trial data and overall outcomes that can be used to match newly referred patients with historical patients and thus aid in treatment decisions.  Additionally, our cell and tissue bank including samples from more than 2,000 patients is available to both UAMS and outside investigators. Also, we have a dedicated supportive care team to address side effects of both old and new agent regimens.

The phenomenal growth of the Myeloma program at UAMS is marked by distinct milestones:

• More than 8,000 bone marrow transplants have been performed

• More than 9,000 new patients have come to Arkansas to be treated for Myeloma

• More than 300 peer-reviewed publications have gone to press from the Myeloma clinical and research staff

• More than 50 countries on six continents are represented in our patient population

The team approach we use in treating Myeloma will be of great benefit to you. Our physicians, nurses and other support staff all work together to offer a comprehensive approach to your care. Please read on throughout this website to learn how our unique program can benefit you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,

Bart Barlogie, MD

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