Pain, Purpose, Myeloma

In early 2023, a man’s life changed when sudden, intense pain led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma—a blood cancer that destroys bone. With lesions throughout his body and no known cure, he faced grim statistics. Initial online research showed a life expectancy of three to five years, but he soon learned that newer treatments had extended survival for many. One of those treatments was Revlimid, a modern derivative of thalidomide—the infamous drug linked to severe birth defects in the 1950s and 60s. Surprisingly, this once-disgraced drug now plays a crucial role in fighting cancer.

Revlimid helped extend his life, but he was shocked by its price: nearly $1,000 per pill, despite costing just 25 cents to manufacture. A seasoned health care journalist, he began investigating how such a drug became so expensive and uncovered a history of unchecked price hikes and aggressive tactics by drugmaker Celgene.

His story also highlights the relentless efforts of Beth Wolmer, a New York lawyer who fought to save her husband Ira from multiple myeloma in the 1990s. Her determination led her to Dr. Bart Barlogie, a bold oncologist known for aggressive treatments, and later to thalidomide researcher Dr. Robert D’Amato, who identified the drug’s potential to block blood vessel growth in tumors.

This powerful account sheds light on the emotional and financial toll of cancer treatment and raises critical questions about access, affordability, and the life-saving repurposing of old drugs. For men managing incontinence and broader health challenges, it’s a story of resilience, science, and system flaws.