The disease incidence is approximately 4 per 100,000 per year, and about 10,400 deaths yearly are associated with the disease. New treatments for multiple myeloma are being investigated. Cancer cells need a good blood supply to grow, this concept is called angiogeneisis. Anti-angiogenic therapy attempts to stop cancer growth by preventing the development of new blood vessels.
Cytokines are another class of chemicals that regulate tumor growth.
Cytokine modulation therapy attempts to stop cancer growth by interfering with the production or action of these chemicals. This study is designed to determine the effectiveness of oral TM in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have failed standard treatment. It is estimated that approximately 25 patients will be enrolled to take part in this study. Patients who do not have quantifiable monoclonal gammopathy or have an IgM gammopathy are ineligible. Patients on hemodialysis are ineligible.