A video interview with Kenneth C. Anderson, M.D., Dana Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School by Beibei Song

http://essinova.com/video/show/153-The-Evolving-Treatment-Paradigm-in-Myeloma

In this interview by Essinova host BeiBei Song on August 6, 2009 during the IBC Cancer Drug Development Conference in Boston, Dr. Kenneth C. Anderson discusses the effectiveness of combination targeted therapies in the treatment of cancer, as exemplified by multiple myeloma. Phase I-II trials combining two or more novel agents targeting the bone marrow microenvironment, such as Lenalidomide and Bortezomib, have shown significant higher response rates, and lower drug resistance in myeloma patients, according to Dr. Anderson. He also comments on trends shown in the meeting and explains the two ways "combinations" can occur. Dr. Anderson holds an optimistic view that the next few years will be unprecedented in cancer medicine, because "we now have an understanding of science at the genetic level" to predict and achieve favorable outcome; and if the five core constituencies - pharms, biotechs, academics, regulatory bodies and funding agencies can work together, putting patients first, success will likely come. Acknowledging the challenge of combining drugs from competitors, Dr. Anderson nonetheless asserts that "it is achievable", as has been demonstrated in myeloma's case. He anticipates that "the pressures will be there, not only from the medical sense on behalf of our patients but also from the healthcare system", where outcome is measured in the "New World of Medicine" and that becomes the basis of reimbursement.