Learn More About Multiple Myeloma
Dr. Richard LeBlancThe money raised thanks to the Défi Cyclo-myélome is used to fund the Université de Montréal’s Myeloma Canada Chair in Multiple Myeloma at the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR). The chair holder is hematologist and medical oncologist Dr. Richard LeBlanc. He and his team, count on our support to advance research and improve the care of patients suffering from this disease.
Find out more about this disease and the research being done at the HMR.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow, the factory that produces blood cells (red and white blood cells and blood platelets). Symptoms are often secondary to anemia, various infections, kidney failure, bone damage, and varying levels of pain. Every day, more than 7 Canadians find out they have this incurable cancer. Although new treatments are now able to prolong a patient’s life, multiple myeloma remains a fatal and incurable disease. The advancement of research symbolizes hope for the multiple myeloma community.
Improved Survival and Quality of Life
Over the past 20 years, research has progressed rapidly. “Research is advancing! I understand that as a patient, it can never be fast enough. But as a doctor, what I see is that survival and quality of life keep improving every day!”, said Dr. LeBlanc.
Among other things, clinical trials give patients access to many promising drugs that would not be available to them otherwise. This has enabled many patients who did not respond to standard treatments to remain hopeful, while also improving their condition.
Other studies, namely on allogeneic transplantation—an immunotherapeutic approach—have been very successful with participating patients. This technique aims to “transplant” a new immune system in patients. The new, often stronger, cells change the patient’s body and fight disease.
How Défi Cyclo-myélome Funds Are Used
Philanthropy makes it possible to meet a vital need in medical research: The financial factor. Such support is what empowers teams like that of Dr. LeBlanc to make great strides.
Your support is essential and 100% of donations made as part of the Défi Cyclo-myélome go to research.
