Brussels, 23 April 2024 – Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) has launched today the English version of the Myeloma and AL Amyloidosis European Clinical Trial Navigator, an online search tool to learn about and find clinical trials for myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) and AL amyloidosis in Europe. With this tool, MPE wants to facilitate the search of clinical trials for these conditions and provide to patients, carers and advocates a patient-friendly tool not only to find clinical trials but also to know about their availability and location.

Solène Clavreul, PhD, Head of Medical Education and Scientific Engagement at MPE, explained:

“Many patients are not aware of clinical trial options. The Navigator will be useful to help myeloma and AL amyloidosis patients find clinical trials in their own country and in Europe. It will also help patient advocates to analyse the clinical trial landscape in Europe and advocate for better access to clinical trials in their country.”

 Dr. Claudio Cerchione, Haematology Unit, Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori “Dino Amadori” (IRST IRCCS), Italy, and member of MPE’s Medical Advisory Committee, said:

“The Navigator is a great opportunity for both patients and caregivers and myeloma physicians and researchers. It can help to look for the best therapeutic opportunity in the current setting of disease and to help centres to refer patients.”

 The Navigator offers an easy way to search for clinical trials by selecting only the relevant condition. The platform allows an advanced search to select characteristics such as the study phase, recruitment status, type of medicine or results availability, among others. The Navigator also provides the option of locating the selected clinical trials in a map for the user to know in which country and which centre the clinical trials are taking place.

The Navigator is currently available in English but will be available in many more European languages in the future.

Lise-lott Eriksson, president of MPE explained:

“Unlike other clinical trial search tools, the Navigator stands out for its patient-friendly interface, easy to navigate for patients and caregivers. One other advantage from a patient perspective is that it can be used in different languages. It serves as a vital tool for patient organisations and advocates, driving forward patient-centric healthcare and cross-border collaboration in drug development and clinical research.”

Dr. Claudio Cerchione also commented:

“The platform is simple to use. It is so important to be able to find, not only which trials are available (and which ones are opening soon) in our country, but also their location. This could help the connection between clinical institutions and allow us to provide the opportunity to access trials for all patients.”

About myeloma

 Myeloma is a rare and incurable cancer of the bone marrow and accounts for approximately 1% of cancers.  Approximately 50,000 people in Europe are diagnosed each year with myeloma. Myeloma is a relapsing-remitting cancer: patients will start treatment and may enter a period of remission before reappearance of symptoms. During remission phases, patients will either continue on the treatment that is keeping their myeloma at bay, they may receive a single drug maintenance treatment or undergo observation. Relapses can occur several times during the course of myeloma, when it is again necessary to start or change treatment. The treatment landscape of myeloma is very complex and can include a stem cell transplant and combinations of three to four drugs at a time, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and steroids. Survival rates of myeloma patients have significantly improved over the last decade with the development of new and emerging treatments.

About Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE)

Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) is an umbrella organisation of myeloma and AL amyloidosis patient groups across Europe. MPE currently has 52 members based in 33 countries. The mission of the organisation is to provide education, information, and support to member groups and to advocate at European, national, and local levels for the best possible research and equal access to treatment and care. To achieve its aims, MPE works directly with members, healthcare professionals, reimbursement authorities, regulators, politicians, pharmaceutical companies, and the media to ensure all stakeholders collaborate to improve patient outcomes and reduce inequalities across Europe.