Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc has received the FDA approval for its Zevalin as a treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a blood cancer. Zevalin was previously used only for patients who had tumors that had not responded to other treatments. The FDA approval was granted on the basis of a phase-three study in which 414 patients showed partial or complete response after receiving a first-line chemotherapy regimen and Zevalin.

Revlimid (lenalidomide), a new medication that has the potential (in combination with dexamethasone) to extend longevity and slowing down the progression of multiple myeloma, has been approved by Health Canada for patients who have undergone at least one treatment.. This makes the drug one of the few once-daily oral therapies that are available for treating this form of blood cancer effectively. The approval was given on the basis of the results of clinical trials that were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Revlimid is available in capsules of 15 mg and 25 mg.

VELCADE (bortezomib) has received Health Canada approval for treatment of multiple myeloma, a fatal form of blood cancer. As part of combination therapy, VELCADE has been indicated for the treatment of patients who are suffering from previously untreated multiple myeloma and are unsuitable for stem cell transplantation. Following this approval, patients with multiple myeloma can now receive VELCADE earlier that may prove helpful in slowing the progression of the disease. Multiple myeloma is an aggressive disease that advances very swiftly, with the patient’s condition worsening exponentially.