"Dear all, 

Welcome to the last few weeks of 2024. It’s been quite a year… ongoing international turmoil, changing political and climate environments, alongside celestial wonders, a total solar eclipse, innovations in environmental protection, incredible AI advancements in the fields of medicine and climate change, heartwarming moments from the Paris Olympics, and of course, tremendous strides in cancer and myeloma research." 

I - 4th myeloma consensus guideline published!

Canadian guidelines for the first line treatment of transplant eligible multiple myeloma 

We’re pleased to share that the 4th myeloma consensus manuscript, “First line treatment of newly diagnosed transplant eligible multiple myeloma” has been published in Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia this past October. The manuscript provides clear, evidence-based recommendations to guide treatment for patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). 

The guidelines emphasize the effectiveness of quadruplet induction regimens combining an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory drug for achieving deep and sustained treatment responses. Additional topics include ASCT eligibility, stem cell mobilization, conditioning, and maintenance therapy.

Myeloma Canada was proud to lead this work throughout its development, review, and publication. We extend our gratitude to the authors for their tireless dedication and to GlaxoSmithKline for their support of this important initiative. 

This is the fourth set of consensus guidelines led by Myeloma Canada and top Canadian myeloma specialists.

Read all the guidelines here.  

II - Recommendations for the effective use of T-cell–redirecting therapies: a Canadian consensus statement 

Authors: Guido Lancman, Kevin Song, Darrell White, Tina Crosbie, Ismail Sharif, Marianne Emond, Muhammad Saleem Raza, Martine Elias, Rayan Kaedbey and Michael P. Chu

"Here, we have presented a set of recommendations for optimizing the use of T-cell–redirecting therapy in a Canadian context. This set of recommendations, which is expected to evolve in the future, includes strategies to improve and optimize referral pathways, coordination of care, patient selection, clinical decision-making, and adverse event management. Implementation of these protocols is expected to streamline health care resource utilization, expand access to T-cell–redirecting therapies, and improve patient outcomes, including safety, for patients with RRMM in Canada."

Click here to learn more.

III - Outcomes of young myeloma patients treated with modern therapies 

We’re happy to share the recently published study, “Disease Characteristics and Outcomes of 493 Young Myeloma Patients Treated With Modern Therapies: A Canadian Myeloma Research Group Database Study”. This important Canadian database study examines patients aged 50 and under, an age group that represents only 10% of myeloma cases and is often underrepresented in research. 

Analyzing 493 patients treated between 2010 and 2022, the study reports a median progression-free survival of 45 months (median overall survival has not yet been reached).

Despite treatment advancements, the findings highlight the urgent need for innovative therapies to achieve deeper and longer-lasting responses in this population.



This work was supported by Myeloma Canada through the 2023 Aldo Del Col Research Grant competition, and the Maryse and William Brock Chair in Applied Research into Stem Cell Transplantation held by Dr Jean Roy at Université de Montréal. 

Read the article.  

I - Decisions on CARVYKTI expanded indication

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (CARVYKTI) has received a notice of compliance (NOC) from Health Canada, approving the treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received 1-3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and are refractory to lenalidomide. 

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) conducted a reimbursement review of Carvykti for the same indication and decided to recommend the treatment for reimbursement.   

I - Our matched giving campaign keeps on giving!

2X Impact. 2X Hope for the holidays

This holiday season, gift the gift of hope. It’s not too late to join Jérôme’s gift matching challenge and turn the $350,000 he and his l’Armée de Jé raised for Myeloma Canada into $700,000 for our community.  

Donate before Tuesday, December 31st to receive your 2024 tax receipt*. 

With the ongoing postal strike, please make your online or phone donation today.

To donate by phone, call us toll-free: 1-888-798-5771. 

On behalf of the 4,100 Canadians like Jérôme

who receive a myeloma diagnosis every day, thank you! 

To learn more about Jérôme, read the November Spotlight. 

*Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more and will automatically be sent to you via email. 

II - Gift of securities 

A gift of shares, stocks, or securities is an easy and cost-effective way to support Myeloma Canada and our Canadian myeloma community. 

Supporting charitable organizations is a valued and respected part of our Canadian society. To encourage the gift of shares, the federal government has simplified the process by removing capital gains tax on shares and stocks donated. 

Donate your shares to Myeloma Canada in a simple electronic transfer. Once received, we immediately issue a tax receipt for the fair market value. If deductions cannot be used for that calendar year, you can carry the remainder over the next five years. 

If shares have appreciated in value at the time of transfer to Myeloma Canada, you pay no tax on the gain in value and still receive a charitable tax receipt for the highest value of the shares. 

Consult your financial advisor to learn more about donating your shares, stocks, or securities to Myeloma Canada. You can also contact Muriel Ingrassia at mingrassia@myeloma.ca for more information. 

Learn more.

III - 2 NEW InfoSheets

1 - A new title added to InfoSheets series on managing side effects : “Managing thrombocytopenia associated with myeloma and its treatment.”

This month we address thrombocytopenia associated with myeloma and its treatment. Multiple myeloma and the new therapies used to treat it can cause a wide range of side effects. These include an imbalance in blood cell production, such as a reduction in the number of platelets, known as thrombocytopenia. 

To learn more about thrombocytopenia, its signs and symptoms, and the changes it can cause in your body, consult the new InfoSheet, "Managing thrombocytopenia associated with myeloma and its treatment."

2 - More information on myeloma cellular therapies

Cellular therapies, a type of immunotherapy, use a completely different mechanism of action to efficiently eliminate myeloma cells compared to more conventional myeloma drugs.  

Currently in Canada, access to these therapies is limited and offered through clinical trials. Cellular therapies can offer a long treatment-free remission period which could last for years. 

To learn more about cellular therapies, how they work and their availability in Canada, consult the new InfoSheet: Myeloma Cellular Therapies.

Visit Myeloma Canada’s extensive resource library on myeloma.ca.  

IV - New myeloma 101 infographic

Myeloma is a complex, challenging disease that, like all cancers, can be frightening. Uncertainty about the struggles to come can act as a barrier to understanding and that misunderstanding can, in turn, compromise treatment. For people living with myeloma to truly give informed consent, the information they’re given must be clear and easy to understand. 

When it comes to explaining the nature of myeloma and its effects on those impacted, care teams need to be inclusive when communicating the complexities of the disease. It’s important to take into account various barriers that may make it more difficult for this complicated disease to be understood, including but not limited to cultural and/or linguistic barriers, differing needs of neurodivergent persons, illiteracy, and more.  Many of these situations can be helped with a visual explainer. 

To ensure that people living with myeloma are able to understand the disease they're facing, Myeloma Canada has created the Myeloma 101 Infographic which explains the various phases of myeloma in a clean and simple way.  



By using drawings, our team, volunteers, and care teams will be able to help patients visualize where they are as well as the steps ahead. Discussions will be easily tailored to the individual and where they’re at, so they can make informed decisions about the nature of their care.  

V - Movin' on up!

Congratulations to Michelle Oana, Myeloma Canada’s newly appointed

Chief Mission Officer

It is with great pleasure that I share with you the recent announcement of Michelle Oana’s promotion to the newly created position of Myeloma Canada’s Chief Mission Officer. Formerly, Michelle held the role of Director of Development and Community Relations within our organization. 

Since joining Myeloma Canada in January 2016, Michelle has consistently demonstrated a strong affinity and commitment to the core mission and philosophy of Myeloma Canada: keeping Canadians affected by myeloma at the centre of everything we do.

Through her many projects and initiatives, Michelle has played a significant role in strengthening our organization, expanding our impact, and ensuring we remain focused on delivering programs that matter to our community. Her leadership has been instrumental in growing our Community empowerment pillar by extending our reach, increasing local and online support groups, our Multiple Myeloma Marches, and other important community, awareness and fundraising events. 

In her new role, Michelle will lead the strategic development of programs within our Education, Science and Research pillars to further our impact and ensure alignment with our promise. Michelle’s new responsibilities will have her working closely with Jessy Ranger, Myeloma Canada’s Director of Patient Programs, Health Policy & Advocacy, and Gabriele Colasurdo, Myeloma Canada’s Director of Science and Research so that our focus remains steadfast on making myeloma matter. 

Please join me in congratulating Michelle on her new role! 

-Martine Elias 

Myeloma Canada’s Chief Executive Officer 

VI - Big things on the horizon: an exciting new information service will launch in the new year!

Announcing Myeloma Canada Assistance, or MC Assistance, coming in January!

MC Assistance is an exciting new Infoline that you can call or email in to for answers to your questions on myeloma, its treatments and side effects. It can even connect you with community services available in your region. Stay tuned for more details!  

Keep reading to meet Stephanie, our new Myeloma Information Specialist, who will be working on MC Assistance and helping you get the information you need. Join us in welcoming Stephanie Valkenier!   

Meet Stephanie, Myeloma Canada’s new Myeloma Information Specialist.

With over ten years of experience as a pharmacist, Stephanie Valkenier is thrilled to bring her clinical skills and dedication to compassionate care to the not-for-profit sector, where she can focus on meaningful, community-driven work.

Having worked in diverse healthcare settings, from practicing pharmacy in remote locations to leading medical information teams, she brings a wealth of experience in patient education, adverse event management, and multi-channel communication, enabling her to provide accessible, accurate information.

Stephanie’s personal and professional passion for cancer care brought her to Myeloma Canada. With her experience managing a medical information team, Stephanie is well-prepared to help launch and lead MC Assistance. Previously, she oversaw a team responsible for handling complex inquiries, ensuring compliance, and maintaining high communication standards for both patients and healthcare providers. This role refined her ability to deliver empathetic support, precisely manage inquiries, and address needs effectively. Now, Stephanie looks forward to establishing a trusted resource that empowers and educates Canada’s myeloma community. 

Currently completing her Doctor of Pharmacy, Stephanie remains committed to advancing her knowledge in pharmaceutical care. As a mother of four, she understands the importance of a supportive, accessible healthcare environment and is excited to bring her skills to this impactful project, offering invaluable support to those who need it most. 

As a military spouse, home moves frequently, adding a unique dynamic to Stephanie’s family's adventures and experiences. Currently, Stephanie enjoys living in the picturesque Valley of Nova Scotia on the Fundy Coast with her family, where they embrace the beauty of nature and the strong sense of community. 

Welcome to the Myeloma Canada team Stephanie! 

VII - myeloma.ca is an award winner!

This past January we launched our new myeloma.ca website. The project was a labour of love for you. Our goal was to provide a website that was easy to navigate and use, where the information you need was easy to find and welcoming to read.   

We’re proud to announce that our new website won two awards at the latest Davey Awards international competition. Our silver awards were in the “General–Health & Health Services” and “Features–Website Redesign” categories which are most important to us, as they relate to user (your!) experience.

Congratulations to Marcie Baron, Myeloma Canada’s Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, for leading this important project, to everyone who worked directly or indirectly on it, and to our agency, Lemieux Bédard, for bringing our vision to life. 

VIII - A peek at the PAC!

Read the fifth edition of A peek at the PAC for news from your Patient Advisory Council (PAC).

This month, we'll hear from Shawn Crossman, the Atlantic Canada representative.

IX - Announcing our new Double the Donation employer gift matching program!

Take your donation even further without increasing your budget

Doubling the impact of your charitable donation to Myeloma Canada has never been easier. 

We provide all the donation tools and information your employer needs to double (or even triple!) your donation to Myeloma Canada. 



Many companies match their employees’ donations to charitable organizations like ours. If yours does, your donation goes even further to improve the lives of individuals who are, or have been, affected by myeloma.  

See if your employer participates in a gift matching program by clicking here!!  

"I strive to communicate the message that a diagnosis of multiple myeloma and any other hardship is not a death sentence—that it is possible to live life with passion and purpose even in the face of this illness."

I - InfoSessions

Our 2024 InfoSessions are now over. Stay tuned for our 2025 calendar! 

II - InfoWebinars

Join us online from the comfort of your own home! All you need is a computer, tablet or smart phone, and an internet connection. 

Food for thought for myeloma

January 21st, 2024 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (EDT)  

For more information, click here.

Lifestyle research and its implementation in plasma cell disorders like myeloma is an unmet need.

Join us to learn more about comorbidities, nutrition research, and practical nutrition tips. 

Speaker: Urvi A. Shah, MD, MS 

Assistant Attending, Myeloma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York

Visit our YouTube channel to view our InfoWebinars, presentations, and videos.

Among past webinars to watch: 

• Developing Less Invasive Detection Methods Using Blood-Based Cell-Free DNA Tests 
• Top myeloma research presented at ASCO & EHA 2024 
• Understanding your labs 
• The role of exercise for those living with & beyond cancer 
• Living solo with myeloma  

III - Save the date!

The next Myeloma Canada’s conference for patients and caregivers will be held in Vancouver on February 9, 2025!

Register now for this day-long conference!

Registration fees: $35

Breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks included

For those needing accommodations, we have secured a group rate for conference participants. For more information, contact Sophia Mendoza by email at smendoza@myelome.ca.

IV - New video

Kyphoplasty and Bone Imaging in Multiple Myeloma 

Presented by: Dr Roger Smith MD, FRCSE  

University Health Network at the Toronto and District Multiple Myeloma Support Group

Watch the video

I - A fundraiser filled with festive fun!  

Another year, another successful Christmas Market. Les Promenades du Parc seniors' residence, managed by Groupe Maurice on Montreal's South Shore, participated in this heartwarming fundraiser for Myeloma Canada for the 3rd year in a row. 

Each year, Groupe Maurice organizes a Christmas Market at their Longueil residence in Quebec. The event brings together local artisans and merchants to provide a cheerful day of holiday shopping for residents and their families, while supporting our important cause. 

Reflecting the true spirit of the holiday season, Groupe Maurice generously offered to double donations, up to a maximum of $2,000, raised during the day for Myeloma Canada!

This wonderful initiative, spearheaded by the South Shore Myeloma Support Group, resulted in a generous $4,065 for Myeloma Canada and our community. 

II - Unique partnership at the 2024 Presidents Cup raises $8,500 for Myeloma Canada! 



This past September, the 2024 Presidents Cup at the Royal Montreal Golf Club was not only a showcase of elite golfing talent but also a testament to the power of community collaboration.  

Catering company Marigolds & Onions partnered with Myeloma Canada to provide volunteers for the concession stands throughout the event. In return, Marigolds & Onions donated 8% of revenues from the concession stands, including tips, to Myeloma Canada, amounting to $8,500! 

This unique and creative partnership was a fun and meaningful way to combine professional catering and charitable fundraising. It exemplified the power of nonprofit and corporate collaboration to raise funds and make a difference in our local communities. 

Thank you to everyone who participated on behalf of Myeloma Canada: members of our staff along with their families and friends, myeloma community members, and added support from Pfizer employees who also gave their time to come out and help.  

The Presidents Cup celebrates athletic excellence while championing meaningful causes.