Word from our CEO
"Over the past 10 years, I have watched myeloma research advance at a pace I had never seen. New treatments are being developed with extraordinary speed, and the time between scientific discovery and meaningful clinical results is becoming shorter. [...]
At the same time, however, it is taking longer for many of these innovations to reach patients. Regulatory reviews, health technology assessments, price negotiations, provincial funding decisions, and implementation can add years to the process. This growing gap between the speed of scientific discovery and the speed of patient access concerns me deeply. For people whose myeloma is progressing, there is no time to wait for heavy processes. Every delay can mean more disease progression and fewer moments with family..."
Read Martine's full message
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In this issue...
- Myeloma Canada at the International Myeloma Society annual meeting 2026: Key takeaways
- Defining cure in multiple myeloma
- Treatment access news
- PAC survey
- Upcoming webinars: Understanding minimal residual disease (MRD) testing for myeloma patients in Canada; Aperçu des traitements de soutien dans le myélome multiple
- Spotlight on Mickey Tortorelli
- A peek at the PAC
- Multiple Myeloma March photos
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Video of the month: Understanding Immunoglobulin Therapy in Myeloma
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Myeloma Canada at the International Myeloma Society annual meeting 2026: Key takeaways
Myeloma Canada’s Martine Elias, CEO, Michelle Oana, Chief Mission Officer, and Gabriele Colasurdo, Director of Science and Research, were all in attendance. Below, they share their key takeaways from the International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting 2026.
See highlights from this major myeloma research meeting
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Defining cure in multiple myeloma
For the first time, the International Myeloma Society (IMS) and International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) have proposed a consensus definition of what cure means in myeloma. [...] The definition is very much a clinical definition, and may not reflect how a patient feels, but it does provide hope for the future of myeloma care.
Learn more
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Treatment access news
GSK Canada and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance signed Letter of Intent for Blenrep for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Read the GSK press release
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Respond to the PAC survey
This short survey will ask for your opinion on the importance of current research priorities and is open to anyone in Canada who lives with, or cares for someone with multiple myeloma.
Fill out the survey
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Understanding minimal residual disease (MRD) testing for myeloma patients in Canada
MRD is becoming an increasingly important part of myeloma care, but what does it actually mean for patients? This webinar will explain what MRD is, how it is measured, and why it matters.
Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 4:30 pm ET
Register
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Aperçu des traitements de soutien dans le myélome multiple
This presentation will explore the role of supportive care treatments in preventing complications and maintaining daily activities, with a focus on improving the overall well-being of people living with myeloma. Details about an English version will follow.
Date: November 23, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm ET
Register
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Spotlight on Mickey Tortorelli
"Before my diagnosis, I didn’t have any symptoms. During my yearly physicals, my family doctor notified me about a blood test that showed a higher than normal level of protein, so she referred me to a hematologist who tested my blood yearly. In January, 2025, the blood labs showed a much higher level of protein in my blood than the previous year, which prompted them to recommend a bone marrow biopsy..."
Read Mickey's story
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A peek at the PAC
This month PAC members, Alison Trenholm (British Columbia representative) and Barb Beaton (Great North representative), reflect on the Myeloma Canada events they’ve attended this year.
Read more from the PAC
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Multiple Myeloma March
This fall, the 18th annual Multiple Myeloma March brought communities together across Canada for a family-friendly day of hope and solidarity. Patients, families, caregivers, friends, and neighbours walked side by side to propel research, improve care, and support patient programs.
We did it, and then some!
Together, you surpassed the fundraising goal and raised $986,219!
Thank you to everyone who took part. Here are just a few of the Marches that made this year successful.
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Video of the month:
Understanding Immunoglobulin Therapy in Myeloma
Learn about immunoglobulin (IG) therapy and why it may be an important part of care for people living with myeloma, especially when it comes to preventing infections and supporting the immune system. The webinar will cover how IG therapy works in the body and provide an overview of this supportive treatment. It will also review how IG therapy is given, including intravenous (IVIG) and subcutaneous (SCIG) options, and share information about how people can access this treatment.
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Sneak peek: Head over to MYELOMA.CA and look for this icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. Meet Myca, our new virtual assistant designed to answer your questions about myeloma. Myca is still in development, but feel free to give it a try!
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Myeloma Canada's mission: To improve the lives of all Canadians affected by myeloma by accelerating access to the best care while advancing research toward its cure and prevention.
Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources:
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Si vous préférez recevoir vos communications en français, écrivez-nous à contact@myelome.ca.
To donate to Myeloma Canada please visit myeloma.ca or call us toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
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| Myeloma Canada charitable number: 862533296RR0001 | | | | | |
