Podcasts about healthtree

In today's episode, we talk with Krista Wood, a registered nurse with the Cell Therapy and Transplant Program at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). Krista shares her invaluable insights and experiences working with patients dealing with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common complication following stem cell transplants. Our discussion delves into the importance of communication, post-transplant care, and finding joy and purpose during survivorship.Krista emphasizes that early detection and treatment of GVHD are critical. She encourages patients to report any changes, no matter how minor they may seem, and reassures them that healthcare teams are there to help. This open communication is vital, as post-transplant life can be overwhelming with fears of relapse or complications. Ensuring patients have direct access to their care team can ease their anxieties and foster trust.Routine health checks, like blood work and pulmonary function tests, play a crucial role in monitoring potential complications. Krista explains the importance of tracking liver enzymes, bone density, and lung function to catch and address issues early. She underscores that post-transplant care goes beyond the transplant itself, extending to overall health maintenance, including routine screenings like mammograms, dental care, and colorectal exams.Reconnecting with life post-transplant is another important theme. Krista encourages patients to rediscover the activities they loved before their illness, whether it's returning to work, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies. Work and social engagement provide purpose and can aid emotional recovery. For those who can't return to work, finding alternative ways to contribute, such as volunteering with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or HealthTree, can offer fulfillment and connection. (Note: the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link (nbmtLINK) has a peer mentor program as well, email info@nbmtlink.org if you'd like to be a peer or need a peer mentor. )Preparing for transplant and understanding GVHD beforehand is crucial. While some patients prefer to know everything, others may only want the basics. Krista and her team provide consistent education in manageable increments to help patients absorb key information. She explains factors that increase the risk of GVHD, such as donor characteristics and patient preconditioning, and stresses the importance of entering the transplant process in the best possible physical shape.Krista also highlights the importance of addressing sensitive topics like sexual health, which many patients are reluctant to discuss. She brings up these issues proactively, ensuring patients feel supported and have access to necessary resources.Finally, Krista shares stories of hope, including patients who, despite long-term challenges, have regained a sense of normalcy and fulfillment. She reminds us that while every patient's journey is unique, resilience and adaptation are common threads in their recovery.This episode is a testament to the critical role nurses like Krista play in guiding patients through this complex medical journey, offering care, education, and encouragement every step of the way.More:Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.orgHealthTree Foundation: https://www.healthtree.orgGVHD Alliance: https://www.gvhdalliance.orgLink to LLS free Nutrition Consultations: https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/food-and-nutritionThank you to our sponsors. This season is supported by a healthcare contribution from Sanofi  https://www.sanofi.com/ National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

The cure for multiple myeloma only happens with patient participation in research. In this episode, Faith Davies, MBBCh, MRCP, MD, FRCPath of the NYU Langone will share how research works in multiple myeloma, the various stages in clinical trials, the most critical steps that move curative therapies forward, how barriers to a cure can be removed and how patient participation is essential to the entire process.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, GSK

Teclistamab is the first bispecific antibody to be FDA approved in mulitple myeloma. On this HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma episode, learn from Alfred Garfall, MD of the University of Pennsylvania about how it will be used in the clinic as an approved therapy. Our discussion will include who qualifies for this new treatments, when patients should consider using it, if it can be combined with other myeloma therapies, if the therapy is continuous or can be stopped, common side effects to expect, how it is administered (in and outpatient) and how the caregiver needs to be involved.  

Over 40% of multiple myeloma patients deal with kidney disease during their multiple myeloma journey. Learn more from Natalie Callander, MD of the University of Wisconsin at Madison about how myeloma affects the kidneys, what else causes kidney damage, signs and symptoms to watch for, tips to protect the kidneys, how to resolve kidney concerns, how dialysis plays a part in care and when a patient may need a kidney transplant. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

Maintenance therapy over the past several years has commonly included the use of Revlimid (lenalidomide) over a long period of time. Is more better? Does more maintenance therapy or certain combinations help extend remissions or help patients deepen their responses?  Ashraf Badros, MD, of the University of Maryland will join the HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to talk with us about the rationale behind the AURIGA clinical trial using daratumumab and lenalidomide following stem cell transplant for patients who are still MRD positive.  Myeloma experts are working to identify more personalized approaches for each type of myeloma patient. We know that patients who are still MRD positive following high dose therapy are more likely to have shorter remissions and the use of a different maintenance therapy may help patients who aren't getting their deepest responses do better over time.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

Jenny Ahlstrom is the Founder and CEO of the HealthTree Fouon and a multiple myeloma patient and patient advocate. The HealthTree Foundation was the winner of the GSK Target the Future Think Tank Challenge and will receive financial support and technical expertise to extend equal access and diversity in multiple myeloma research, clinical trials, services, and education. This effort includes patient navigators who are members of the Black community as well as Spanish speakers who can provide patients access to material translated into Spanish. Jenny explains, "I was diagnosed in 2010 and had some hypotheses about what I wanted in terms of my own therapy and my own types of support that I was looking for. And so, in 2012, we started the foundation, and we have been building up different patient programs for multiple myeloma over that long period of time. We've just gone to look and see what is available already in terms of support services. Then we identified different gaps that we saw as patients ourselves and tried to fill those gaps. And that's been the primary effort of our work, to fill those gaps for patients." "So, we are going to apply this funding to our equity and diversity program. And specifically on this blackmyelomahealth.org website. This website will do outreach to the African American community. Like I said, they are two or three times more likely to develop multiple myeloma. And it's really essential that they learn broadly about what multiple myeloma is." @HealthTree #HealthTreeFoundation #GSK #TargettheFuture #MultipleMyeloma #PatientAdvocate healthtree.org Listen to the podcast here             ************ Interview with Dr. Tania Small GSK Podcast and Transcript

Jenny Ahlstrom is the Founder and CEO of the HealthTree Fouon and a multiple myeloma patient and patient advocate. The HealthTree Foundation was the winner of the GSK Target the Future Think Tank Challenge and will receive financial support and technical expertise to extend equal access and diversity in multiple myeloma research, clinical trials, services, and education. This effort includes patient navigators who are members of the Black community as well as Spanish speakers who can provide patients access to material translated into Spanish. Jenny explains, "I was diagnosed in 2010 and had some hypotheses about what I wanted in terms of my own therapy and my own types of support that I was looking for. And so, in 2012, we started the foundation, and we have been building up different patient programs for multiple myeloma over that long period of time. We've just gone to look and see what is available already in terms of support services. Then we identified different gaps that we saw as patients ourselves and tried to fill those gaps. And that's been the primary effort of our work, to fill those gaps for patients." "So, we are going to apply this funding to our equity and diversity program. And specifically on this blackmyelomahealth.org website. This website will do outreach to the African American community. Like I said, they are two or three times more likely to develop multiple myeloma. And it's really essential that they learn broadly about what multiple myeloma is." @HealthTree #HealthTreeFoundation #GSK #TargettheFuture #MultipleMyeloma #PatientAdvocate healthtree.org Download the transcript here             ************ Interview with Dr. Tania Small GSK Podcast and Transcript

Myeloma advancements are happening quickly. Learn more from Paul Richardson, MD of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute about the latest findings from two key summer conferences.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Glaxo Smith Kline

CAR T therapies are expanding as multiple myeloma treatment options. In addition to the two currently FDA approved CAR T therapies (Abecma and Carvykti) which use a patient's own T cells in a production process, new allo (off-the-shelf) options are being developed in clinical trials. Dr. Jesus Berdeja is one of the leading CAR T experts in multiple myeloma and in this episode, he will share the current development taking place for allo CAR T therapies. Join us to learn more about this exciting field in myeloma research which may provide faster and more availalble treatment options for patients.  Note: Myeloma Crowd Radio is becoming HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma. 

Since being diagnosed with myeloma in 2015 Valarie has rallied to educate, inspire and empower other myeloma patients and caregivers. The best place to get information on Multiple Myeloma is the website: Myeloma Crowd by HealthTree.===== Contact Valarie can be contacted at valarie@healthtree.org.Twitter: @MyelomaValarie===== Other Links for items mentioned in this show African American Multiple Myeloma  Facebook GroupHealthTree University for Multiple MyelomaHealthTree Moves for African American Myeloma Awareness: Virtual Walk/Run on August 13, 2022

Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski joins Myeloma Crowd Radio to share a study to share the new innovations myeloma patients can expect in 2022. He will review the recent findings from the American Society of Hematology meeting and share what we can expect from new combination therapies, best options for newly diagnosed myeloma patients, expected FDA approvals in 2022, CAR T advances, bispecific and trispecific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, targeted inhibitors and new approaches for MGUS and smoldering myeloma. We invite you to join us for this well loved annual show.  Dr. Orlowski is Chairman, Ad Interim, Director of Myeloma, and Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Lymphoma/Myeloma and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Orlowski serves as Chair of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and is a member of the NCI Steering Committee, the Multiple Myeloma Tissue Bank Steering Committee, the Computerized Provider Order Entry Steering Committee, BMT Committee, and American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Orlowski is on the Editorial Board of Hematology and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Orlowski has received many awards over a number of years including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar in Clinical Research, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year Award, Emil Frei III Award for Excellence in Translational Research from MD Anderson and is the recipient of an ongoing SPORE grant from the NIH. Find news and information from his daily newspaper, Myeloma Daily or find him on Twitter at @myeloma_doc. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Bristol Myers Squibb

A new approach in myeloma immunotherapies is in the works called Engineered Toxic Bodies (ETBs). Early on, Molecular Templates partnered with Takeda Oncology to begin development on an ETB therapy for multiple myeloma targeting CD38. Currently, Molecular Templates is moving this therapy forward. ETBs work differently from monoclonal antibodies because they move deep inside the plasma cell instead of flagging the cell's surface. They also don't rely on the body's own immune system (like T cells or NK cells) to kill myeloma. Learn more about this emerging therapy from Dr. Shaji Kumar on this fascinating program.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

Join Dr. Dan Vogl and Dr. Yulia Nefedova to understand more about a new oral treatment for multiple myeloma called tasquinimod. This is a treatment that targets the tumor microenvironment by targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs are a variety of cells that expand during cancer, inflammation and infection, and can suppress T-cell responses. They can stop myeloma killing-immune cells and at the same time form new tumor blood vessels that help myeloma spread in the body. The researchers are hopeful that tasquinimod will promote anti-tumor immune activity .  The treament is being developed by a Swedish company called Active Biotech and tasquinimod is now being tested in combination with standard myeloma therapies like lenalidomide, ixazomib and dex.  New treatments like these could be used in patients who have relapsed after standard myeloma treatment like daratumumab and could help alter the microenvironment that is causing myeloma relapse. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Bristol Myers Squibb

Smoldering myeloma is a precursor condition for the blood cancer multiple myeloma. There is hot debate about when and how to treat this precursor condition. Do you treat it like regular myeloma? Do you try to prevent progression? And if so, with which therapies? Dr. Elisabet Manasanch of the MD Anderson Cancer Center provides an update on treatment in smoldering myeloma and smoldering myeloma clinical trial designs that seek to determine the very best approach.   Thanks to our episode sponsor, Bristol Myers Squibb

All cancer therapies come with some type of side effect. One newly approved therapy called BLENREP, by GSK, is an antibody drug conjugate targeting BCMA that can cause a condition called keratopathy. Keratopathy is an eye condition that can be mild, so patients don't even know they have it, or it can be more severe. Myeloma specialist Dr. Cristina Gasparetto, MD from Duke University and Mark Newman, OD of OPTIX Eye Center will share in this show how keratopathy can be successfully managed for patients on BLENREP. Learn what keratopathy is, how care is coordinated between the myeloma doctor and the eye doctor, and what patients should know about keratopathy before starting on this therapy.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

Myeloma experts are beginning to use antibodies in earlier lines of myeloma treatment, even for newly diagnosed patients. Learn what recent clinical trials are using antibody therapies such as daratumumab and isatuximab in early quad (four) drug combinations for newly diagnosed patients. Peter Voorhees of the Levine Cancer Institute joins Myeloma Crowd Radio to share his experience and findings from these clinical trials. He will discuss the early use and their use as maintenance therapy following stem cell transplant. Is earlier use better? Should they be "saved" for later? When should patients consider using the monoclonal antibodies as maintenance therapy with or without traditional drugs like lenalidomide? Dr. Voorhees will help answer these very practical questions for the myeloma community. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Karyopharm Therapeutics.

AL Amyloidosis is a secondary condition that can occur in patients with multiple myeloma and can cause protein buildup in organs like the heart, kidneys, liver and nerves. Join HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma by HealthTree to hear from Sascha Tuchman, MD of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as he shares amyloidosis symptoms, treatments and open clinical trials.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

AL Amyloidosis is a secondary condition that can occur in patients with multiple myeloma and can cause protein buildup in organs like the heart, kidneys, liver and nerves. Join Myeloma Crowd Radio by HealthTree to hear from Sascha Tuchman, MD of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as he shares amyloidosis symptoms, treatments and open clinical trials.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

CAR T therapy has been in development for over 20 years. The first CAR T therapy is now available for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The ide-cel treatment (now called Abecma) is now FDA approved for multiple myeloma relapsed or refractory patients. In this show, Dr. Noopur Raje of Mass General Hospital will share how the CAR T cell therapy works, outcome data from clinical trials, a review of patients who are eligible to join and when patients should consider the therapy in context of other therapies. Ide-cel (Abecma) is a product developed by Bristol Myers Squibb and blubird bio.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Oncopeptides

Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski joins HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to share a study to share the new innovations myeloma patients can expect in 2021. He will review the recent findings from the American Society of Hematology meeting and share what we can expect from new combination therapies, best options for newly diagnosed myeloma patients, expected FDA approvals in 2021, CAR T advances, bispecific and trispecific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, targeted inhibitors and new approaches for MGUS and smoldering myeloma. We invite you to join us for this well loved annual show.  Dr. Orlowski is Chairman, Ad Interim, Director of Myeloma, and Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Lymphoma/Myeloma and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Orlowski serves as Chair of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and is a member of the NCI Steering Committee, the Multiple Myeloma Tissue Bank Steering Committee, the Computerized Provider Order Entry Steering Committee, BMT Committee, and American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Orlowski is on the Editorial Board of Hematology and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Orlowski has received many awards over a number of years including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar in Clinical Research, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year Award, Emil Frei III Award for Excellence in Translational Research from MD Anderson and is the recipient of an ongoing SPORE grant from the NIH. Find news and information from his daily newspaper, Myeloma Daily or find him on Twitter at @myeloma_doc. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Karyopharm Therapeutics

Dr. Irene Ghobrial joins HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to share a study to identify discoveries that could potentially inform COVID-19 treatment decisions and prevention policies in the IMPACT study. Myeloma patients are known to be immunocompromised and may be at higher risk for poor outcomes.  IMPACT is a study to identify the prevalence and unique characteristics of COVID-19 in individuals with precursor conditions to hematologic malignancies and in healthy populations. It is enrolling individuals nationwide who are enrolled in the PCROWD and PROMISE studies. All participants enrolled in IMPACT are screened using a blood test for active SARS-CoV-2 and/or antibodies. Participants are then followed and undergo additional blood collection and testing over a one-year period. The overall goal of IMPACT is to understand the short- and long-term impact of COVID-19 on the immune system of healthy individuals and individuals with underlying immune dysregulation. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Bristol Myers Squibb

The coronavirus continues to be a global concern for all citizens and especially for cancer patients. Where are we at now with our learning over the last seven months? Dr. Joshua Richter re-joins HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma for an update on how myeloma patients are and should be navigating during the coronavirus pandemic.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

Venetoclax (Venclexta) is being studied in myeloma clinical trials and particular benefit has been seen in 11;14 myeloma patients. It is the first time a true precision medicine drug has been identified in myeloma. Which clinical trial combinations are using venetoclax, which are proving to be the most effective and is it getting closer to approval? Learn about the experiences of its use in 11;14 multiple myeloma patients and clinical trial results outside of this specific patient group. The innovation happening in myeloma is astounding and this is the first time that a personalized therapy has been identified to be effective for myeloma patients with a particular genetic feature.  Jonathan Kaufman, MD of Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute has been involved in early and later trials for venetoclax in multiple myeloma. Dr. Kaufman is Associate Professor, and serves as Associate Vice-Chair, and as Director of the Division of Hematology in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine. Board certified in hematology and medical oncology, Dr. Kaufman's practice includes treating multiple myeloma and amyloidosis patients at Emory University Hospital. As a network physician, he started practicing with Emory Healthcare in 2005. He is also an active clinical and translational researcher in the fields of multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and bone marrow transplant. Dr. Kaufman is a member of the Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute. He also holds memberships with American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Karyopharm Therapeutics

Dr. Ali is the primary investigator on a clinical trial to use a vaccine to extend remissions following successful myeloma treatment. The GVAX study is open for patients who are MRD positive but don't yet have a measurable m-protein. Dr. Ali explains how the vaccine works and why patients may want to use it to lengthen theri remission times.   Thanks to our episode sponsor, Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Since HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma started our advocacy work in myeloma, the most common question we get is “What supplements, diet or other alternative treatments will help my myeloma?” Whether it's yoga, supplements, massage therapy, Tai Chi, music therapy, IV vitamins or guidance therapy, Dr. Krisstina Gowin and Dr. Onytemaechi Okolo of the University of Arizona will discuss how integrative and alternative therapies can be used in myeloma care. They are also performing a study inside of HealthTree to learn what integrative therapies myeloma patients are using in addition to traditional myeloma therapy.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Karyopharm       Whether you are using yoga, exercise, acupuncture, art therapy, vitamin D supplements, curcumin or other alternative treatments, Dr. Krisstina Gowin of the University of Arizona and the Mayo Clinic is performing research to better understand how widespread the use is for myeloma patients of these alternative therapies and how well they help patients.

Since the Myeloma Crowd started our advocacy work in multiple myeloma, the most common question we get is “What supplements, diet or other alternative treatments will help my myeloma?” Whether it's yoga, supplements, massage therapy, Tai Chi, music therapy, IV vitamins or guidance therapy, Dr. Krisstina Gowin and Dr. Onytemaechi Okolo of the University of Arizona will discuss how integrative and alternative therapies can be used in myeloma care. They are also performing a study inside of HealthTree to learn what integrative therapies myeloma patients are using in addition to traditional myeloma therapy.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Karyopharm       Whether you are using yoga, exercise, acupuncture, art therapy, vitamin D supplements, curcumin or other alternative treatments, Dr. Krisstina Gowin of the University of Arizona and the Mayo Clinic is performing research to better understand how widespread the use is for myeloma patients of these alternative therapies and how well they help patients.

In episode eight we speak with Todd Foster the Head of Product at HealthTree about helping patients with myeloma find the most effective treatment, AI, and Napoleon Dynamite!

Myeloma specialists and myeloma patients alike want to know which treatment will work best before they are taken. Dr. Keith Stewart and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale have developed a new test using a "direct-to-drug" screening that helps determine how certain myeloma cells (with specific biomarkers and pretreatment histories) will react to different myeloma therapies. The new test is flexible enough to accommodate new drugs as they become FDA approved and is a way to avoid using drugs that won't provide much impact. This flexibility is required with the rapidly changing environment in myeloma.  Personalized care in myeloma is especially tricky because of the differences in each myeloma patients' cells. A single patient can have an average of 5 different "types" of myeloma at diagnosis and those types can evolve over time. This is called heterogeneity. Add to that the large number of potential treatment combinations, and it becomes an art and a science to treat myeloma patients. This new test will help provide much needed guidance. Learn more about this fascinating topic with Dr. Stewart.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, GlaxoSmithKline

Isatuxiab (Sarclisa) by Sanofi Genzyme is a new CD38-targeting monoclonal antibody that is now FDA approved to be combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. In the same drug class as daratumumab, isatuximab is different in its mechanism and is now being used in additional clinical trials in combinations such as isatuximab/carfilzomib/dex and isatuximab/bortezomib/dex. The growing number of potential therapies is a big win for myeloma patients. Learn from myeloma specialist Thomas Martin, MD of the University of California at San Francisco about how the drug works, how it is being applied in the myeloma clinic and open clinical trials using it in new combinations. Dr. Martin will also cover the recent clinical trial results presented at the recent ASCO 2020 meeting.    Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology  

Myeloma progress continues to occur, in spite of the coronavirus and myeloma patients need to stay up-to-date on advancements in order to receive excellent myeloma care. The myeloma arsenal of treatments is growing, with several new treatments approved in the last few months and more to be approved in 2020. Dr. Paul Richardson of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute provides the myeloma patient community with a great synopsis of all relevant announcements shared at the virtual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting held May 29-31, 2020. Learn what's coming shortly in immunotherapies, precision medicine, targeted therapies, combination therapies and much more in this important show.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, GlaxoSmithKlein

Antibody testing for COVID-19 is rapidly evolving on a daily basis. Dr. Stephen Russell is developing a new blood-based antibody test to identify neutralizing antibodies that can determine a person's immune defense against SARS-CoV-2.  The project is a collaboration between Dr. Russell's company Vyriad and the pharma company Regeneron, and wants to make the tests commercially available through major labs soon. Dr. Russell notes that there are many different antibodies, some of which can neutralize the virus. And that those antibodies are the important ones that can tell if a patient will be protected against reinfection or not. He started looking into ways he could respond to the virus in February and a clinical trial quickly opened to study the test. Learn more about antibody testing in general and this test in particular on this fascinating show.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Genentech. 

To date, a select number of myeloma patients have become COVID-19 positive. What have they experienced and how have they fared? Dr. Ola Landgren of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is living in New York City, a major hot spot in the United States for COVID-19. He joins us on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to share his expderiences in treating COVID-19 positive patients and his suggestions for myeloma patients who have not been infected with COVID-19. Join us for this relevant and important program during this critical time for myeloma patients.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology. 

Why do some multiple myeloma patients relapse early after stem cell transplant while others stay in remission for many years? The immune system may be a key factor.   David Chung, MD, PhD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center was recently selected as a Myeloma Crowd Research Initiative (MCRI) award recipient. The goal of the MCRI is to help optimize myeloma therapy for individual patients. Dr. Chung's research will review patients who have undergone stem cell transplant. He will study three different parts of the immune system after transplant - T cells, lymphocytes and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and will compare early vs. late relapse. He will then combine that immune system signature with the myeloma genetics of each patient to understand the impact they have together.  Learn why studying the immune system may be just as important as the study of myeloma genetics and what this research can mean for you personally. The Myeloma Crowd created the MCRI because we "Can't Wait for a Cure." Through the MCRI we want to help find the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. The MCRI is funding three research projects - each with a different focus - that will also integrate with HealthTree, a new tool for myeloma patients. Learn more about HealthTree here: www.healthtree.org. Donate to the MCRI here: http://give.crowdcare.org/mcri. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology  

When people are diagnosed with cancer, their search for information, research and treatment options can be overwhelming. Yet, access to the most recent and relevant data can be lifesaving and life preserving. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, Myeloma patient, Jenny Ahlstrom, joins FM100.3's Rebecca Cressman to explain why she helped create a new patient-led online portal called HealthTree.org to empower cancer patients and accelerate a cure for multiple myeloma.

A new tool for multiple myeloma patients is coming in June! Join us as we discuss the Myeloma Crowd's new initiative called HealthTree with Rafael Fonseca, MD of the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.  HealthTree will help myeloma patients understand their personally relevant treatment options, find clinical trials, track lab data and help accelerate research towards a cure.   Over 80% of myeloma patients are treated by general oncologists, yet data shows that patients who see myeloma specilists can live 38% longer. This is true because myeloma is a highly complex cancer to treat. HealthTree was designed to help you have better discussions with your doctor about options that may be available to you so you can receive optimal care for your specific situation. The tool also allows patients and researchers to view anonymous long-term data about the collective patient experience, providing new hypotheses about better patient care.  This summer, we will be canvasing the United States and hosting hands-on HealthTree workshops to help myeloma patients learn how to use the tool with one-on-one help. The HealthTree Summer Tour 2018 begins on June 1 in over 50 cities in the United States. Patients are invited to bring laptops and attend the HealthTree workshops where they can receive one-on-one support. Learn more and find city locations on www.myelomacrowd.org/healthtree. Special thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology.

Join us as we talk with Dr. Sarah Holstein, MD, PhD of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute about her work to outsmart myeloma resistance and her work to target the bone marrow microenvironment via a variety of pathways. 

Join us as we talk with Dr. Jay Bradner, MD of the Bradner Lab, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bradner focuses his research on the use of chemical biology to target gene regulatory pathways. Specifically, Dr. Bradner is working to develop a MYC inhibitor for myeloma. MYC is the most common translocation to be found in multiple myeloma and increases in prevalance as the disease progresses, so finding a target for this translocations is critical. 

Do all multiple myeloma patients need continuous maintenance therapy? Join us as we talk with Dr. Antonio Palumbo, MD on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma about the recent data to suggest that this may be the case. 

Join us as we talk with Dr. Saad Usmani, MD about his new position as Director of Clinical Research for Hematologic Malignancies and Director of Plasma Cell Disorders at the Levine Cancer Institute and his clinical trials for high-risk myeloma patients. Dr. Usmani was formerly at UAMS. 

Hear from Dr. Brendan Weiss, MD from the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania about the indicators and factors that can MGUS progression to myeloma and a host of immunotherapy approaches that are up-and-coming both in the lab and clinic. He will also share his work on the bone marrow environment, how obesity impacts transplant, and how MGUS in racial groups.

Join us as we talk in detail about the recent announcement by the Mayo Clinic on Dr. Stephen Russell, MD, PhD's success in using the measles vaccine to halt myeloma growth. This major announcement was made earlier this week and patients want to know more. Dr. Russell will describe the long road to use vaccines to treat cancer, how that work was connected to myeloma, how it works in myeloma, and what comes next. 

Join us as we talk with Dr. Damian Green about radiation, radioimmunotherapy and how progress is being made for high-risk patients in myeloma treatment today.

Join us as we talk with Dr. ParameswaranHari, MD, MRCP, MS, about transplants, his latest myeloma research and open clinical trials. Dr. Hari is the Armand Quick-William Stapp Professor of Hematology, Section Head of Hematological Malignancies and the Director of the Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Join us as we talk with Dr. Noopur Raje, MD of Massachusetts General Hospital about the research she performs in the Raje Lab to study how the bone marrow environment affects myeloma growth.

Join us as we talk with Dr. Jatin Shah about his many open mutliple myeloma clinical trials at MD Anderson. With a wave of new approaches just presented at ASH, Dr. Shah discusses the wide variety of clinical trial offerings for myeloma patients (from newly diagnosed to relapsed or refractory) that include the use of monoclonal antibodies and other cell signaling inhibitors that are now being tested in the mix with existing therapies.

What do your lab results mean and how can you learn more about your specific type of multiple myeloma? Dr. Michael J. Misialek, MD tells us that we have a pathologist that is ready and waiting to help you understand your disease.

Join us as we speak with Dr. Gareth Morgan from the Institute of Cancer Research as we discuss how we can get to personalized medicine in multiple myeloma. 

Join us to discuss with Dr. Rodger Tiedemann of the Ontario Cancer Institute and the Princess Margaret Hospitel his latest discovery about why myeloma keeps returning even after stem cell and combination therapy.

Listen to cytogenetics and genomics expert Dr. Rafael Fonseca, MD of the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale share the latest in his myeloma research and his open clinical trials. 

Hear myeloma expert Dr. Frits van Rhee, MD, PhD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences discuss the latest research in Total Therapy and open clinical trials at UAMS. 

Listen to Dr. Shaji Kumar, MD of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester as he describes how all myeloma was once MGUS, how new inhibitors (like CDK and HDAC) work, and his study of how cytogenetics impacts disease progression. 

Listen to our next show with Dr. Sergio Giralt of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to hear about his deep expertise in transplantation and his latest trials including the use of a vaccine in combination with transplant and a gene-targeted approach using cabozantinib.

Listen to Dr. Craig Crews of the Crews Laboratory at Yale University describe how a drug begins as an idea and becomes a real myeloma therapy used in the clinic. He shares his story of the discovery and development of the drug carfilzomib (Kyprolis).

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma we welcome Dr. James Berenson of the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR) to discuss the latest in his research and his open clinical trials.      

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma, we welcome Dr. William Bensinger of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to discuss his research and many trials including a Kyprolis trial. With the recent announcement of Amgen's purchase of Onyx, we will be asking how we can continue to fast-track drug development for multiple myeloma.

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma we welcome Dr. Don Benson of The James Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ohio State University back to discuss his research in nk cells, immunotherapy, and an upcoming PD-1 trial.

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma, listen to Dr. Robert A. Kyle, a pioneer in myeloma research, as he gives us perspective on the history of "Innovation in Myeloma" and his lengthy research as the first to identify MGUS and smoldering myeloma. 

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma, listen to Dr. Landgren as we discuss his research in new therapies for myeloma in its precursor states (MGUS and smoldering), molecular profiling of myeloma and why it is important in predicting progression, and his related research with myeloma and the immune system. 

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma, listen to the first in a two-part series with Dr. Benson as he gives us a primer in clinical trials. Because only 5% of myeloma patients participate in clinical trials, we want you to know all about them so you can understand why you would want to enroll, how they are staged, who funds them and what you can expect in outcomes.

  This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma listen to Dr. Guido Tricot discuss his latest research and open clinical trials.  

This week on HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma, listen to myeloma pioneer Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski discuss his latest research and open clinical trials in our first patient internet radio interview.