Abstracts of the Fourth Annual UKMF Scientific Meeting on 07-Feb-2003

Introduction

In the context of multiple myeloma (MM), immune manipulation to attack tumour cells presents a particular challenge. However, advances in treatment including transplantation are able to bring many patients into disease remission. It is in this setting of minimal residual disease that immunotherapeutic intervention to eradicate tumour cells is likely to prove most effective. This therapy will include vaccination strategies, both passive and active to induce immunity.

A clear requirement is the characterisation of nature of the target, the tumour cell. This issue will be addressed at this meeting with insights from immunogenetic analysis, chromosomal abnormalities and importantly, gene expression profiling which will focus on intercellular myeloma interactions. The meeting then examines strategies that are likely to be important in attacking myeloma cells, and the requirements of read-out assays to validate response. Finally, key presentations will deal with developments in transplantation strategies in MM and their important role when allied to active immunisation protocols.

This year we are delighted to announce the setting up of the Michael Morley Memorial Fund. This has been generously provided by the family, friends, and business colleagues of the late Michael Morley. The fund will be applied to support research and education into multiple myeloma in the UK. This year the project takes the form of a Michael Morley Memorial Lecture, which we are greatly honoured, is being given by Bernard Klein from Montpellier France.

We are, as at previous scientific meetings, grateful to the Leukaemia Research Fund for their continued support. This has enabled us this year to invite Nickhil Munshi from the Dana Faber Cancer Institute.

It is indeed a pleasure to be able to welcome the distinguished international panel of experts who have agreed to discuss these issues. We also welcome all UK Myeloma Forum members and delegates to what we hope will an exciting and informative meeting. We thank all our sponsors for their generous support.

Surinder S. Sahota - Meeting Organiser (for the UK Myeloma Forum Scientific Committee)
Diana Samson - UK Myeloma Forum Chair

Index of Abstracts

  1. Patterns of somatic mutations in VH genes reveal pathways of clonal transformation from MGUS to multiple myeloma - Niklas Zojer
  2. Molecular cytogenetic classification of multiple myeloma: clinical implications - Herve Avet-Loiseau
  3. Idiotype-specific T cells in multiple myeloma - Bjarne Bogen
  4. Clinical and immunological results of MAGE vaccination - Pierre van der Bruggen
  5. Can we manipulate the immune system to attack myeloma? - Freda K. Stevenson
  6. The Inaugural Michael Morley Memorial Lecture: Intercellular communication signals in human multiple myeloma - Bernard Klein
  7. Leukaemia Research Fund Lecture: Evolution of immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma - Nikhil C. Munshi
  8. Allogeneic transplantation and graft versus myeloma - N H Russell
  9. Prospects for adoptive T cell therapy of multiple myeloma - Paul Moss

Meeting organised by The UK Myeloma Forum [Registered Charity Number 1082702].

The UK Myeloma Forum gratefully acknowledges the support given by the following companies / organisations towards it's work:

  • Amgen UK
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Chugai Pharma
  • International Myeloma Foundation (UK)
  • Leukaemia Research Foundation
  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  • Ortho-Biotech
  • Pharmion
  • Roche Products Ltd

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