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When Ray Hartjen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - cancer, it was the first thing he thought about when he woke up, and pretty much the last thing he thought about before he nodded off to sleep. It occupied his thoughts most of the day. “I've got cancer!” After his diagnosis in 2019, Ray became a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a 'y'. Along with the soundtrack of life continuously playing in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres. To snap out of the trauma, he asked himself what type of role model he wanted to be for his family, friends, and community. What would be his legacy? Ray Hartjen is a writer and musician whose professional career has spanned parts of five decades. Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to software. One constant throughout his career path has been storytelling with topics as far-ranging as sports to business. Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma is a cancer-patient memoir written by Ray Hartjen, a multiple myeloma patient diagnosed in March 2019. In this intimate and inspiring account, Ray reflects on every step of his relentless battle with cancer, from working toward a final diagnosis, through an initial induction treatment and an autologous stem cell transplant, and on to maintenance and continuing active treatment. Through it all, Ray shares personal insights into his fight, tending to his systemic physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Fighting cancer or any serious health issue, particularly a chronic condition, can be a daunting quest. Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma shows the importance of being mission-forward. Mission, of course, is unique to each individual and based on values, roles, and the accountabilities associated with each that matter most. Written for cancer patients, their caregivers, and their friends and family, Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma is a personal story of proactive accountability, stubborn perseverance, evolving perceptions, growing maturity, and, ultimately, hope
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/PJA865. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 27, 2026.Planting Roots for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Cancers: Collaborative Principles to Extend the Reach of Immunotherapy in Myeloma and Lymphoma In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/PJA865. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 27, 2026.Planting Roots for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Cancers: Collaborative Principles to Extend the Reach of Immunotherapy in Myeloma and Lymphoma In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/PJA865. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 27, 2026.Planting Roots for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Cancers: Collaborative Principles to Extend the Reach of Immunotherapy in Myeloma and Lymphoma In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/PJA865. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 27, 2026.Planting Roots for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Cancers: Collaborative Principles to Extend the Reach of Immunotherapy in Myeloma and Lymphoma In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
PeerView Immunology & Transplantation CME/CNE/CPE Audio Podcast
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/PJA865. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 27, 2026.Planting Roots for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Cancers: Collaborative Principles to Extend the Reach of Immunotherapy in Myeloma and Lymphoma In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
PeerView Immunology & Transplantation CME/CNE/CPE Video Podcast
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/PJA865. CME/MOC/NCPD/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 27, 2026.Planting Roots for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Cancers: Collaborative Principles to Extend the Reach of Immunotherapy in Myeloma and Lymphoma In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
Rafael Fonseca is a distinguished Haematologist at Mayo Clinic, specialising in multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders. He earned his medical degree at Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico, and went on to complete his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Miami, Florida, USA followed by a Hematology and Oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Timestamps 01:44 – Quickfire questions 07:25 – CAR-T cell therapy 10:48 – Anti-CD38 antibodies 13:31 – Minimal residual disease 14:30 – Bispecific antibodies 15:31 – Antibody-drug conjugates 19:04 – ASCO 2025 21:24 – Genetic discoveries 26:28 – Fonseca's three wishes
In this JCO Article Insights episode, host Michael Hughes summarizes "Co-Occurrence of Cytogenetic Abnormalities and High-Risk Disease in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma" by Kaiser et al, published February 18, 2025, followed by an interview with JCO Associate Editor Suzanne Lentzsch. Transcript Michael Hughes: Welcome to this episode of JCO Article Insights. This is Michael Hughes, JCO's editorial fellow. Today I have the privilege and pleasure of interviewing Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch on the “Co-Occurrence of Cytogenetic Abnormalities and High-Risk Disease in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma” by Dr. Kaiser and colleagues. At the time of this recording, our guest has disclosures that will be linked in the transcript. The urge to identify patients with aggressive disease, which is the first step in any effort to provide personalized medical care, is intuitive to physicians today. Multiple myeloma patients have experienced heterogeneous outcomes since we first started characterizing the disease. Some patients live for decades after treatment. Some, irrespective of treatment administered, exhibit rapidly relapsing disease. We term this ‘high-risk myeloma'. The Durie-Salmon Risk Stratification System, introduced in 1975, was the first formal effort to identify those patients with aggressive, high-risk myeloma. However, the introduction of novel approaches in therapeutic agents—autologous stem cell transplantation with melphalan conditioning, proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib, or immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide—rendered the Durie-Salmon system a less precise predictor of outcomes. The International Staging System in 2005, predicated upon the burden of disease as measured by beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin, was the second attempt at identifying high-risk myeloma. It was eventually supplanted by the Revised International Staging System (RISS) in 2015, which incorporated novel clinical and cytogenetic markers and remains the primary way physicians think about the risk of progression or relapse in multiple myeloma. Much attention has been focused on the canonically high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities in myeloma, typically identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization: translocation t(4;14), translocation t(14;16), translocation t(14;20), and deletion of 17p. Much attention also has been focused on the fact that intermediate-risk disease, as defined by the RISS, has been shown to be a heterogeneous subgroup in terms of survival outcomes. The RISS underwent revision in 2022 to account for such heterogeneity and has become the R2-ISS, published here in the Journal of Clinical Oncology first in 2022. Translocations t(14;16) and t(14;20) were removed, and gain or amplification of 1q was added. Such revisions to core parts of a modern risk-stratification system reflect the fact that myeloma right now is in flux, both in treatment paradigms and risk-stratification systems. The field in recent years has undergone numerous remarkable changes, from the advent of anti-CD38 agents to the introduction of cellular and bispecific therapies, to the very technology we use to investigate genetic lesions. The major issue is that we're seeing numerous trials using different criteria for the definition of high-risk multiple myeloma. This is a burgeoning problem and speaks very much now to a critical need for an effort to consolidate all these criteria on at least cytogenetic lesions as we move into an era of response-adapted treatment strategies. The excellent article by Kaiser and colleagues, published in the February 2024 edition of the JCO, does just that in a far-ranging meta-analysis of data from 24 prospective therapeutic trials. All 24 trials were phase II or III randomized controlled trials for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The paper takes a federated analysis approach: participants provided summaries and performed prespecified uniform analyses. The high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities examined were translocation t(4;14), gain or amplification of 1q, deletion of 17p, and translocation t(14;16), if included in the original trials. All of these were collected into zero, single, or double-hit categories, not unlike the system currently present in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The outcomes studied were progression-free survival and overall survival, with these analyses adhering to modified ITT principles. The authors also performed prespecified subgroup analyses in the following: transplant-eligible newly diagnosed myeloma, transplant non-ineligible newly diagnosed myeloma, and relapsed/refractory myeloma. They, in addition, described heterogeneity by the I2 statistic, which, if above 50%, denotes substantial heterogeneity by the Cochrane Review Handbook, and otherwise performed sensitivity analyses and assessed bias to confirm the robustness of their results. In terms of those results, looking at the data collected, there was an appropriate spread of anti-CD38-containing and non-containing trials. 7,724 patients were evaluable of a total 13,926 enrolled in those 24 trials: 4,106 from nine trials in transplant-eligible myeloma, 1,816 from seven trials in transplant non-ineligible myeloma, and 1,802 from eight trials in relapsed/refractory disease. ISS stage for all patients was relatively evenly spread: stage I, 34.5%; stage II, 37%; stage III, 24%. In terms of high-risk cytogenetic lesions, double-hit disease was present in 13.8% of patients, and single-hit disease was present in 37.4%. In terms of outcomes, Kaiser and colleagues found a consistent separation in survival outcomes when the cohort was stratified by the number of high-risk cytogenetic lesions present. For PFS, the hazard ratio was for double-hit 2.28, for single-hit 1.51, without significant heterogeneity. For overall survival, the hazard ratio was for double-hit disease 2.94, single-hit disease 1.69, without significant heterogeneity except in patients with double-hit disease at 56.5%. By clinical subgroups, hazard ratios remained pretty consistent with the overall cohort analysis. In transplant-eligible newly diagnosed myeloma, the hazard ratio for progression is 2.53, overall survival 4.17. For transplant non-ineligible, 1.97 progression, 2.31 mortality. Relapsed/refractory disease progression 2.05, overall mortality 2.21, without significant heterogeneity. Of trials which started recruitment since 2015, that is to say, since daratumumab was FDA approved and thus since an anti-CD38 agent was incorporated into these regimens, analysis revealed the same results, with double-hit myeloma still experiencing worse survival by far of the three categories analyzed. Risk of bias overall was low by advanced statistical analysis. In terms of subgroup analysis, double-hit results for transplant-eligible newly diagnosed myeloma may have been skewed by smaller study effects, where the upper bound of the estimated hazard ratio for mortality reached into the 15 to 20 range. In conclusion, from a massive amount of data comes a very elegant way to think about the role certain cytogenetic abnormalities play in multiple myeloma. A simple number of lesions - zero, one, or at least two - can risk-stratify. This is a powerful new prognostic biomarker candidate and, somewhat soberingly, also may confirm, or at least suggests, that anti-CD38 agents are unable to overcome the deleterious impact of certain biologic characteristics of myeloma. Where do we go from here? This certainly needs further a priori prospective validation. This did not include cellular therapies. The very scale at which this risk-stratification system operates, agnostic to specific genetic lesion, let alone point mutations, lends itself also to further exploration. And to discuss this piece further, we welcome the one and only Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch to the episode. Dr. Lentzsch serves as an associate editor for JCO and is a world-renowned leader at the bleeding edge of plasma cell dyscrasia research. Dr. Lentzsch, there are several new investigations which suggest that translocation t(4;14), for example, is itself a heterogeneous collection of patients. There are other studies which suggest that point mutations in oncogenes like TP53, which were not assessed in Kaiser et al., carry substantial detrimental impact. Is this classification system - no-hit, single-hit, double-hit - too broad a look at tumor genetics? And how do you think we will end up incorporating ever more detailed investigations into the genetics of multiple myeloma moving forward? Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch: Michael, first of all, excellent presentation of that very important trial. Great summary. And of course, it's a pleasure to be here with JCO and with you to discuss that manuscript. Let me go back a little bit to high-risk multiple myeloma. I think over the last years, we had a lot of information on what is high-risk multiple myeloma, and I just want to mention a couple of things, that we separate not only cytogenetically high-risk multiple myeloma, we also have functional high-risk multiple myeloma, with an early relapse after transplant, within 12 months, or two years after start of treatment for the non transplant patients, which is difficult to assess because you cannot decide whether this is a high-risk patient before you start treatment. You only know that in retrospective. Other forms of high-risk: extramedullary disease, circulating tumor cells/plasma cell dyscrasia, patients who never achieve MRD positivity, extramedullary multiple myeloma, or even age and frailty is a high risk for our patients. Then we have gene expression and gene sequencing. So there is so much information currently to really assess what is high-risk multiple myeloma, that is very difficult to find common ground and establish something for future clinical trials. So what Dr. Kaiser did was really to develop a very elegant system with information we should all have. He used four factors: translocation t(14;16), t(4;14), gain or amplification of 1q, and deletion of 17p. Of course, this is not the entire, I would say, information we have on high risk, but I think it's a good standard. It's a very elegant system to really classify a standard single-hit, double-hit, high-risk multiple myeloma, which can be used for all physicians who treat multiple myeloma, and especially, it might also work in resource-scarce settings. So, ultimately, I think that system is an easy-to-use baseline for our patients and provides the best information we can get, especially with a baseline, in order to compare clinical trials or to compare any data in the future. Michael Hughes: Thank you, Dr. Lentzsch. To the point that you made about this isn't the full story. There does, as you said, exist this persistent group of functional high-risk multiple myeloma where we see standard-risk cytogenetics, but these patients ultimately either exhibit primary refractory disease or very early relapse despite aggressive, standard aggressive treatment. How do you see risk-stratification systems incorporating other novel biomarkers for such patients? Is it truly all genetic? Or is next-generation sequencing, gene expression profiling, is that the answer? Or is there still a role for characterizing tumor burden? Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch: Excellent question, Michael, and I wish I would have the glass ball to answer that question. I see some problems with the current approach we have. First of all, to do the cytogenetics, you need good material. You only detect and identify what you have. If the bone marrow is of low quality, you have mainly peripheral blood in your bone marrow biopsy, you might not really fully have a representation of all cytogenetic changes in your bone marrow. So I think with a low-quality sample, that you might miss one or the other really cytogenetic high risk. So, having said this, I think circulating tumor cells, that might be something we will look into in the future, because circulating tumor cells are readily available, can be assessed without doing a bone marrow biopsy. And what is even more exciting, in addition to the circulating tumor cells or plasma cells, using them is next-generation sequencing. I think at the moment, we are more in a collection phase where we really try to correlate sequencing with our cytogenetics and especially to establish next-generation sequencing in all of our patients. But I think after that collection phase, maybe in the future, collecting peripheral blood and doing sequencing on peripheral blood samples might be the way to go. In addition, I don't want to forget the imaging. We started with a skeletal survey, and we know that you probably need to lose 30% of the bone before you see a lesion at all. So having imaging, such as diffusion-weighted imaging, whole-body MRI, is also, together with sequencing of the tumor cells, a step into the right direction. Michael Hughes: Thank you, Dr. Lentzsch. Bringing this back to the article at hand, how has Kaiser et al. changed the way we discuss myeloma with patients in the exam room? Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch: I think we have more data on hand. So far, we talked about standard risk and high risk, but I think right now, with a very simple system, we can go into the room and we can tell the patient, "Listen, you don't have any of those cytogenetic abnormalities. I think you have a standard risk. We might give you a simple maintenance treatment with Revlimid." But we might also go into the room and say, "I'm really concerned. You have so-called double-hit multiple myeloma. You have high-risk and at least two of those abnormal cytogenetics which we discussed, and I think you need a more intense maintenance treatment, for instance, double maintenance." I think we know that a high-risk multiple myeloma can be brought into a remission, but the problem that we have is to keep those patients into a remission. So, I think a more intense treatment, for instance, with a double maintenance, or with consolidation after transplant, and a longer and more intense treatment is justified in patients who have that truly high-risk multiple myeloma described here. Michael Hughes: Dr. Lentzsch, thank you so much for your time and your wisdom. Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch: My pleasure. Thank you for having me. Michael Hughes: Listeners, thank you for listening to JCO Article Insights. Please come back for more interviews and article summaries, and be sure to leave us a rating and review so others can find our show. For more podcasts and episodes from ASCO, please visit ASCO.org/podcasts. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.
The Do One Better! Podcast – Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship
Philippa Charles, Director of the DFN Charitable Foundation, leads a conversation on the Foundation's strategic philanthropic approach and its distinctive commitment to long-term, systems-level impact. With a background in leading one of the UK's major family foundations and now at the helm of DFN, she offers a compelling look at how deeply personal motivations can shape focused and effective grantmaking. The DFN Foundation operates across four thematic pillars: disability education, disability employment, myeloma cancer research, and conservation. These areas are not only strategic but are also rooted in the lived experiences and values of the Foundation's founding family. This grounding translates into a uniquely empathetic and effective model of philanthropy—one that combines substantial funding with strategic oversight and deep engagement with delivery partners. The episode explores how DFN supports systemic change in disability inclusion. Philippa discusses the success of Undershaw, a school for students with special educational needs that recently received an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted, and the DFN Project SEARCH initiative, which has helped more than 3,000 young people with disabilities secure meaningful employment across over 200 corporate and public sector partners. These stories illustrate DFN's commitment not just to education and training but to shifting the broader landscape of opportunity for disabled individuals. A similarly strategic approach underpins the Foundation's investment in myeloma research. Through the Jacquelin Forbes Nixon Fellowship, DFN has supported a clinical trial at the Institute of Cancer Research that is producing transformative outcomes. Over 75% of participants remain in remission—a significant improvement over standard care—and the research now points toward wider clinical application and deeper exploration into treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. DFN's work extends beyond the UK, particularly in conservation. In Kenya, the Foundation supports the Pangolin Project, an initiative preserving 5,000 hectares of biodiverse forest and protecting the world's most trafficked and critically endangered mammal. The project embodies the Foundation's ability to balance localized impact with global relevance, and its philosophy of acting where there is both clear need and the opportunity for catalytic intervention. Throughout the discussion, Philippa reflects on the leadership demands of running a multifaceted family foundation. She shares how she is structuring her first year in the role by focusing on governance, partnerships, operational strategy, and long-term vision. Her insights offer a valuable roadmap for those leading or advising mission-driven organizations, especially those navigating the complexities of family philanthropy. The conversation concludes with a discussion of collaboration across the sector and the importance of peer networks among foundations. Philippa also speaks passionately about the transformative power of volunteering, not only as a form of civic engagement but as a professional and personal development tool. For those interested in strategic philanthropy, disability inclusion, evidence-based research funding, and conservation efforts with measurable impact, this episode provides a thoughtful and informative exploration of how one foundation is driving change across sectors—anchored in personal values, executed with professional discipline, and amplified through strategic partnerships. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
In this episode of The HemOnc Pulse, Rahul Banerjee, MD of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is joined by Gurbakhash Kaur, MD of Mount Sinai for an in-depth discussion of the RedirecTT-1 trial, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The conversation explores the evolving role of bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma, with a focus on the combination of talquetamab (Tal) and teclistamab (TEC). Drs. Banerjee and Kaur unpack the trial's rationale, design, and real-world implications for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Tune in to hear expert perspectives on unmet needs in late-line myeloma care, emerging toxicity profiles, and the future of dual-targeted immunotherapy.
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or a cuppa and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the second of two episodes this month, Fiona and Nik discuss: What jumped out at us from our brand new video byte: ‘Ramadan - Impact on diabetes and other chronic illnesses'Spotting Myeloma… let's make it less tricky. Myeloma has been a popular topic in our recent Cancer and GP Update courses. So, to celebrate the launch of the NEW season of GP Update courses we wanted to share this Pearl on myeloma.Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources. And hear a best intentions story that will have you checking what you're drying your hands with!RamadanVideoRed Whale Knowledge - Ramadan: impact on diabetes and other chronic disease Myeloma NICE 2015, NG12 Myeloma UK's diagnostic tool for primary care Send us your feedback podcast@redwhale.co.uk or send a voice message Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here. Follow us: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInDisclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast....
In this week's episode we'll learn about the role of autologous transplant for relapsed myeloma. In an updated analysis of the GMMG ReLApsE trial, salvage autologous transplant offered no survival benefit compared to control chemotherapy. These findings may have clinical implications in an era of alternative, and highly effective, treatment options. After that: Response to DDAVP, or desmopressin, in bleeding disorders. This study is the first large scale meta-analysis to assess the response rate to DDAVP in bleeding disorders. Authors provide new insights into determinants of response, which vary according to the disease type. Finally, turning to diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Germinal center B cells depend on the activity of DOT1 and EZH2 to maintain their pro-proliferative identity. New research shows that combined treatment with DOT1L and EZH2 inhibitors has synergistic activity in vitro.Featured Articles:Salvage autologous transplant in relapsed multiple myeloma: long-term follow-up of the phase 3 GMMG ReLApsE trialDDAVP response and its determinants in bleeding disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysisTargeting DOT1L and EZH2 synergizes in breaking the germinal center identity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/JFE865. CME/MOC/NCPD credit will be available until April 18, 2026.Unlocking Efficacy, Expanding Access to CAR-T in Lymphoma and Myeloma: From Practice-Changing Evidence to Real-World and Outpatient Experiences In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (which are both Johnson & Johnson companies), Legend Biotech, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/JFE865. CME/MOC/NCPD credit will be available until April 18, 2026.Unlocking Efficacy, Expanding Access to CAR-T in Lymphoma and Myeloma: From Practice-Changing Evidence to Real-World and Outpatient Experiences In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (which are both Johnson & Johnson companies), Legend Biotech, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/JFE865. CME/MOC/NCPD credit will be available until April 18, 2026.Unlocking Efficacy, Expanding Access to CAR-T in Lymphoma and Myeloma: From Practice-Changing Evidence to Real-World and Outpatient Experiences In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (which are both Johnson & Johnson companies), Legend Biotech, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Shaji Kumar, an expert in hematology and oncology, particularly multiple myeloma, who has made significant contributions to both clinical and translational science. Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction (02:23) – Drug combinations and myeloma biology (08:34) – Treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (17:24) – Quadruplet regimens (23:09) – Clinical trials for plasma cell malignancies (28:04) – The bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma (30:29) – “Blind men and an elephant” (33:58) – Kumar's three wishes for healthcare
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/JFE865. CME/MOC/NCPD credit will be available until April 18, 2026.Unlocking Efficacy, Expanding Access to CAR-T in Lymphoma and Myeloma: From Practice-Changing Evidence to Real-World and Outpatient Experiences In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (which are both Johnson & Johnson companies), Legend Biotech, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/JFE865. CME/MOC/NCPD credit will be available until April 18, 2026.Unlocking Efficacy, Expanding Access to CAR-T in Lymphoma and Myeloma: From Practice-Changing Evidence to Real-World and Outpatient Experiences In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (which are both Johnson & Johnson companies), Legend Biotech, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/NCPD information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/JFE865. CME/MOC/NCPD credit will be available until April 18, 2026.Unlocking Efficacy, Expanding Access to CAR-T in Lymphoma and Myeloma: From Practice-Changing Evidence to Real-World and Outpatient Experiences In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through educational grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC (which are both Johnson & Johnson companies), Legend Biotech, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.
Angela Dispenzieri, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Recorded on March 18, 2025 Angela Dispenzieri, MD Consultant, Division of Hematology Serene M. and Frances C. Durling Professor of Medicine and of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN Join us as we dive into in the complex care of amyloid and myeloma with Dr. Angela Dispenzieri from Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota. She explains the diagnosis and explores the differences between amyloid and myeloma. Discussion on treatment strategies for complex cases, side effects of therapies, and difficult conversations with patients, provide practical information on patient care. Tune in today to learn more about the complexities of myeloma. This episode is supported by GSK plc.
Timestamps: 00:00- Introduction 00:41- Health benefits of yoga and mindfulness 02:34- The potential of AI in hematology 04:23- Transfusion dependence in myelodysplastic syndromes 08:13- The fascinating field of apheresis 10:56- How to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare? 15:44- Regulatory T cells in hematologic malignancies 19:55- CAR T clinical trials: regulatory insights 22:57- EBMT initiatives 30:06- Latest breakthroughs in amyloidosis 34:50- Reducing patient fear through education
In recognition of Myeloma Awareness Month 2025, this podcast explores key unmet needs and unanswered questions in myeloma research and... The post Addressing unmet needs in myeloma: early detection, frail/elderly patients, triple-class exposed disease, & more! appeared first on VJHemOnc.
In this episode of Targeted Talks, Alfred L. Garfall, MD, discusses the phase 2 BMT CTN 1902 trial (NCT05032820) of idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; Abecma), a study focused on patients with multiple myeloma who had a suboptimal response to first-line therapy, including autologous hematopoietic cell transplant and lenalidomide (Revlimid) maintenance.
Tom & Callum joined by Mags chat to broadcasting legend Sandy Roberts about Myeloma, how dangerous and common it is, what to look out for and of course the Gather Round Brekky fundraiser they're hosting at the incredible Adelaide Convention Centre. Show your support and get tickets for the Gather Round Brekky here: https://myeloma.org.au/gather-round-breakfast The ONLY way to wake up in Adelaide is with your best brekkie mates Tom & Callum on Fresh 92.7 Keep up to date on our socials. Instagram - @fresh927 Facebook - Fresh 92.7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March marks Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight advances in the treatment of this complex blood cancer. Multiple myeloma is the leading indication of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in hematologic malignancies, with high-dose therapy followed by ASCT representing a potentially curative treatment modality for eligible patients. Dr. Hamza Hashmi, Assistant Attending in the Myeloma & Cell Therapy Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is currently serving as chair of i3 Health CME/NCPD activity, Cracking the Code to Successful Stem Cell Mobilization in Multiple Myeloma. In this interview, Dr. Hashmi shares additional insights into the evolving role of transplantation in this disease and the importance of education and advocacy during Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month. Click the link for the full activity! https://bit.ly/4hyVwLn
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cesar Rodriguez of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY to discuss… The post Hope in Myeloma: The Road to Long-Term Survival first appeared on The Bloodline with LLS.
Please visit answersincme.com/BCK860 to participate, download slides and supporting materials, complete the post test, and obtain credit. In this activity, an expert in myeloma discusses the latest data in anti-CD38 quadruplet regimens in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Identify the role of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAB)–based quadruplet regimens in the treatment landscape for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM); Review the latest clinical data of anti-CD38 mAB-based quadruplet regimens for transplant-ineligible patients with NDMM; and Analyze evidence-based strategies for optimizing outcomes with anti-CD38 mAB-based quadruplet regimens in patients with transplant-ineligible NDMM.
Diagnosis and treatment of cancers such as leukaemia and myeloma poses unique challenges. In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning editor Pat Anderson talks to haemato-oncologist Dr Majid Kazmi about how GPs and specialists can work together to build on progress in this area.After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:Understand the heterogeneity of haematological cancersAppreciate important differences in staging and treatment between haematological and other cancersRecall key pointers on symptoms, patient history, and presentation patterns that could suggest haematological cancersReflect on how outcomes for patients with haematological cancers have changed in the last 20 yearsMake best use of referral pathways for haematological cancersYou can access the website version of this podcast on MIMS Learning to make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.Useful linksResources from MIMS LearningChronic myeloid leukaemia: staging and managementSkin problems in haematological diseaseAbnormal full blood count - red flagsMIMS Learning LiveMIMS LearningRegister for a free healthcare professional account Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Returning to the show, Drs. Vincent Rajkumar and Aaron Goodman engage in a dynamic debate over the evolving landscape of smoldering multiple myeloma, focusing on the highly anticipated study recently co-authored by Dr. Rajkumar and published in The New England Journal of Medicine after being presented at ASH 2024. They dissect the study's findings, which highlight the impact of early intervention with daratumumab in delaying disease progression for patients classified as high-risk. The discussion explores the nuances of smoldering myeloma classification, the controversy surrounding risk stratification, and the historical context of prior studies that failed to change clinical practice. With their expert insights, Drs. Rajkumar and Goodman break down the implications of this research, questioning whether it truly shifts the standard of care and what it means for future treatment approaches. View the NEJM publication. https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2409029 Check out Chadi's website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA
This week, Jonathan is joined by Fredrik Schjesvold, Head of the Oslo Myeloma Center Oslo University Hospital, Head of the Norwegian myeloma association, and President of the Nordic Myeloma Study Group. Timestamps: (00:00)-Introduction (04:24)-Research into melflufen (07:14)- Ide-cel CAR T-cell therapy (09:40)-Predictors of overall survival (12:15)-Innovative therapies for refractory myeloma (14:04)-Bi-specific antibodies (16:42)-Global guidelines for myeloma (22:00)-Healthcare economics (25:45)-Antibody-based therapies (29:38)- Latest research into amyloidosis (34:23)-Recent breakthroughs in myeloma (38:06)-Fredrik's three wishes for healthcare
In this episode, Shaji K. Kumar, MD, reviews key data on bispecific antibodies used to treat patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma recently presented at the 2024 annual American Society of Hematology meeting, including:Early results with teclistamab combined with anti-CD38 therapyReal-world data with teclistamab including its use after other BCMA-targeted therapiesTalquetamab as bridging therapy to BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapyEvaluation of prophylactic tocilizumab for cytokine-release syndrome associated with bispecific antibody therapyPresenter:Shaji K. Kumar, MDMark and Judy Mullins Professor of Hematologic MalignanciesConsultant, Division of HematologyProfessor of MedicineChair, Myeloma, Amyloidosis and Dysproteinemia GroupResearch Chair, Division of HematologyAssociate Chair for Research, Department of MedicineMayo ClinicRochester, MinnesotaLink to full program:https://bit.ly/40bjFCZ
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. And it most commonly impacts older adults, with higher prevalence among men and African Americans. What are the symptoms and signs that are often subtle or overlooked, leading to delays in diagnosis? What treatment options are available for those diagnosed? In this episode spoke with Jens Hillengass, MD, PhD, chief of the Myeloma and Amyloidosis Service and vice chair of research of the Department of Medicine at Roswell Park Cancer Institute about the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle strategies, and recent advances in research that offer hope. We then sat down with Jacqueline Henry, BSN, RN, nurse manager for the lymphoma and myeloma department at Roswell Park, about what quality of life looks like for patients, treatment goals, and how to find hope after diagnosis.
This podcast brings you exclusive updates on multiple myeloma from the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and... The post Post-ASH myeloma highlights: key takeaways for community physicians & trials to look out for in 2025 appeared first on VJHemOnc.
This week, Jonathan is joined by Anna Sureda, Head of the Clinical Hematology Department at Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain, and President of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Association, to discuss the latest in lymphoma therapies and stem cell transplantation. Timestamps: (00:00)-Introduction (01:48)-Memorable travels (07:44)-Sureda's journey into hematology (12:40)-Breakthroughs in lymphoma treatment (17:54)-Advances in stem cell transplantation (20:26)-EBMT initiatives (29:17)-Allogeneic transplantation for T cell lymphomas (34:32)-Challenges in treatment accessibility (41:35)-How can we ensure health equity? (46:00)-Advice to young hematologists (47:40)-Sureda's three wishes for healthcare
CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 15-01-2026 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/maximizing-myeloma-outcomes-with-gprc5d-directed-therapy-practical-expert-case-studies-and-best-practices/29812/ This 15-minute audio podcast uses real-world patient cases to illustrate effective strategies for managing adverse events (AEs) associated with GPRC5D-directed therapies in multiple myeloma. Expert faculty discuss how to safely implement these therapies to achieve deep, durable responses while optimizing patient tolerability and quality of life. Listeners will gain insights into specific prophylaxis, dosing, and interprofessional management protocols to address unique AEs such as cytokine release syndrome, skin toxicity, and dysgeusia. This practical case-based discussion will equip healthcare professionals with actionable tools to improve outcomes for their patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. =
This week, Jonathan is joined by Marc Hoffman, Associate Professor in Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics at the University of Kansas Medical Center, to discuss novel therapies for B-cell malignancies and current challenges in hemato-oncology. Timestamps: (00:00)-Introduction (03:24)-What is molecular biophysics? (07:01)-Marc's journey into hemato-oncology (09:36)-Advice to young doctors (13:08)-Treatment advances in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (19:11)-BRUIN study: pirtobrutinib for B-cell malignancies (26:15)-Challenges in CAR-T therapy implementation (31:31)-A pharmaceutical perspective (38:10)-Regulatory insights into clinical trials (40:58)-New horizons in hemato-oncology (44:26)-Marc's three wishes for healthcare
In this episode, we dive into the hottest updates in myeloma and amyloidosis at ASH 2024 annual meeting with Dr. Rakesh Popat. Here are the abstracts we discussed: 1. AQUILA Trial in High-Risk SMMOverview of the AQUILA trial testing single-agent daratumumab for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (HR-SMM) versus active monitoring. Discussion on patient characteristics, primary endpoints, and results showing significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit with Dara. Insights into modes of progression, adequacy of active surveillance, and post-protocol therapy in control arm. Read the abstract. Read the simultaneous publication at NEJM. 2. Anito-Cel: New BCMA CAR T Therapy Early data from the iMMagine-1 trial showing strong efficacy and a promising safety profile for Anito-Cel, a novel BCMA CAR T. Discussion of its potential to rival cilta-cel while avoiding neurotoxicity concerns. Read the abstract.3. CARTITUDE-4 Update Updates on MRD-negativity rates and survival outcomes for cilta-cel in relapsed myeloma, with significant benefits over standard care. Read the abstract.4. ANDROMEDA OS Data in AL Amyloidosis Long-term data showing an overall survival (OS) benefit of Dara-VCd over VCd in AL amyloidosis. Insights into cardiac responses and crossover impact. Read the abstract.5. OPTIMUM Trial in Ultra-High-Risk NDMMFive-year follow-up of a tailored approach for ultra-high-risk newly diagnosed myeloma patients with continuous therapy incorporating multiple active agents. Subgroup outcomes highlighting both challenges and exceptional results. Read the abstract6. GMMG-HD7 Trial PFS Update Phase 3 trial results on Isa-VRD vs. VRD induction and risk-adapted tandem ASCT. Discussion on the role of CD38 in maintenance therapy. Read the abstract Read the simultaneous publication at JCO7. Exciting New Drugs Review of three innovative therapies: inobrodib, a BCMA-CD38 trispecific antibody, and cevostamab, a FcRH5-targeted bispecific antibody. Expert insights into their efficacy and potential to reshape myeloma care. Read the abstract
Prof Philippe Moreau of University Hospital – CHU de Nantes in France, Dr Robert Z Orlowski of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Dr Noopur Raje of Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston, Dr Paul G Richardson of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and Dr Sagar Lonial of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, discuss current questions and controversies in the management of multiple myeloma. Produced by Research To Practice. CME information and select publications here (https://www.researchtopractice.com/ASHMM24).
On this episode of "The HemOnc Pulse," Saad Usmani, MD, of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, joins Chadi Nabhan, MD, MBA, FACP, to discuss notable presentations on multiple myeloma from the Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Society of Hematologic Oncology in Houston, Texas.
In this episode, Anthony and Bernie are joined by Dr. Aaron "Papa Heme" Goodman and Dr. Manni "Myeloma Man" Mohyuddin to discuss the most intriguing ASH 2024 abstracts! Should any of the research from ASH 2024 change your practice? Find out!
In this week's episode we'll learn about new explorations in extramedullary myeloma. Then, we'll hear about the role of ruxolitinib in children with acute GvHD. Finally: yapping about YAP1 as a new treatment target in immune thrombocytopenia. Featured Articles:Spatial transcriptomics reveals profound subclonal heterogeneity and T-cell dysfunction in extramedullary myelomaRuxolitinib for pediatric patients with treatment-naïve and steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease: the REACH4 studyYAP1 regulates thrombopoiesis by binding to MYH9 in immune thrombocytopenia
Dr. Dominic Brandy has journeyed through a cancer diagnosis and found the benefits of turning to a plant-based meal plan. He provides us with numerous research studies about how our body and gut microbiome interact with phytonutrients.Dr. Brandy talks about stress reduction, breathing, emotional & spiritual health and the relation to having healthy cells in our bodies.Dr. Dominic Brandy is the Founder of Natural Insights Into Cancer. He has been a practicing medical doctor for 42 years running a plastic surgery/medspa/anti-aging practice during that time. He has published 76 scientific articles and 9 textbook chapters in the medical literature; written many consumer articles; and given over 200 lectures at international medical meetings.Learn more at naturalinsightsintocancer.com, check out his book Beat Back Cancer Naturally, and follow Dr. Brandy on Instagram @cancerveggiedoc Visit ConfidenceThroughHealth.com to find discounts to some of our favorite products.Follow me via All In Health and Wellness on Facebook or Instagram.Find my books on Amazon: No More Sugar Coating: Finding Your Happiness in a Crowded World and Confidence Through Health: Live the Healthy Lifestyle God DesignedProduction credit: Social Media Cowboys
CancerNetwork® spoke with James R. Berenson, MD, about the potential role that JAK inhibitors may play in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The conversation focused on the rationale for researching this drug class as well as ongoing initiatives to assess the utility of agents like ruxolitinib (Jakafi) for this patient population. Berenson, founder, medical and scientific director, and president and chief executive officer of the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research and private practitioner in West Hollywood, California, described the factors associated with the overexpression of JAK in the bone marrow, which may constitute a prime survival factor for multiple myeloma. This overexpression may affect the checkpoint inhibitor proteins in the body, resulting in resistance to standard anti-myeloma therapies such as immunomodulatory drugs. Additionally, he mentioned a patient case that had involved a scenario in which JAK-mutated multiple myeloma progressed following prior treatment with lenalidomide (Revlimid). According to Berenson, the disease's resistance to lenalidomide was primarily associated with proteins driven by JAK; subsequent treatment involving JAK inhibition proved successful in restoring the efficacy of lenalidomide. Based on a rationale to target JAK overactivity in the bone marrow and results from this patient case, Berenson and colleagues have focused on researching ruxolitinib as a therapeutic candidate for potentially improving outcomes in multiple myeloma via JAK inhibition. Findings from a phase 1 trial (NCT03110822), for example, have demonstrated that the efficacy and tolerability of ruxolitinib plus methylprednisolone can be extended with lenalidomide in those with multiple myeloma. Additionally, other ongoing trials aim to combine ruxolitinib with agents such as selinexor (Xpovio). “The question is, where will ruxolitinib sit in the sequencing of treatment of [patients with] multiple myeloma? Where will selinexor be?” Berenson stated. “At this point, there's certainly been low use of these drugs, especially ruxolitinib in multiple myeloma. We hope, with a more positive signal, these drugs will move further up in the algorithm of how you treat multiple myeloma.” Reference Berenson JR, Limon A, Rice S, et al. A phase I trial evaluating the addition of lenalidomide to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma progressing on ruxolitinib and methylprednisolone. Target Oncol. 2024;19(3):343-357. doi:10.1007/s11523-024-01049-w
Yelak Biru, President and CEO of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), joins the show to share his remarkable personal and professional journey. After immigrating to the US from Ethiopia, Yelak was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 26, setting him on an extraordinary path as both a survivor and a passionate advocate for myeloma patients. He discusses pivotal moments in his treatment, including seeking second opinions, utilizing groundbreaking therapies like CAR-T, and his ongoing decision to reject a transplant. Now leading the world's first and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by multiple myeloma, Yelak shares his vision for expanding IMF's global outreach, advancing research, and empowering patients and caregivers worldwide. Learn more about the IMF. https://www.myeloma.org/ Check out Chadi's website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA
In this episode, we discuss the management of newly diagnosed transplant in-eligible multiple myeloma with Dr. Timothy Schmidt, with a special focus on IMROZ and BENEFIT RCTs testing quadruplets in this space. Here are the key papers we discussed: 1. MAIA trial (Daratumumab-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone [DRd] vs Rd in newly diagnosed transplant ineligible myeloma): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34655533/2. S0777 trial (VRd vs Rd in newly diagnosed myeloma [transplant-ineligible or transplant-deferred]): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32393732/3. IMROZ trial (Isatuximab-VRd vs VRd in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38832972/4. IFM-2020/BENEFIT trial (Isatuximab-VRd vs Isatuximab-Rd in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38830994/5. GEM2017FIT trial (VMP-Rd vs KRd vs Dara-KRd in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma): https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/142/Supplement%201/209/500199
Dr. Cutler received his MD from McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Hesubsequently received his MPH from the Harvard school of Public Health. He completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, followed by a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at DFCI. In 2002, he joined DFCI, where he currently is a member of the Hematologic Malignancies staff. Dr. Cutler is a Director of the Adult Cell Transplantation Program, Director of ClinicalResearch for Stem Cell Transplantation and Director of the Stem Cell TransplantationSurvivorship Program. He also works as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
In this week's episode we'll discuss minimal residual disease as an intermediate clinical endpoint for multiple myeloma. Then, we'll learn about IPSS-R downstaging before transplant in MDS. Finally we'll hear about the connection between hereditary angioedema and venous thromboembolism. Featured Articles:EVIDENCE meta-analysis: evaluating minimal residual disease as an intermediate clinical endpoint for multiple myeloma Does IPSS-R down-staging before transplantation improve the prognosis of patients with Myelodysplastic Neoplasms? Increased risk of venous thromboembolism [or VTE] in young and middle-aged individuals with hereditary angioedema: a family study
In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast we are joined by Stephanie Oestreich, Managing Director of the Myeloma Investment Fund, who has an extensive background in life sciences, leadership, and a unique perspective as a semi-professional violinist. Stephanie shares her extensive background in life sciences and leadership, and discusses her passion for finding cures and treatments for devastating diseases like multiple myeloma. She provides insight into the innovative work of the Myeloma Investment Fund, their mission, and the process of fostering and investing in breakthrough therapies. Stephanie also touches on her teaching role at MIT and her unique perspective as a semi-professional violinist, drawing parallels between her musical and professional experiences. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:32 Sponsor Message: D3 Digital Media Marketing 01:21 Meet Stephanie Asterik 01:54 Stephanie's Journey in Life Sciences 03:48 The Complexity of Multiple Myeloma 04:51 Investing in Innovation 08:42 The Role of the Myeloma Investment Fund 11:03 Stephanie's Background and Leadership Lessons 15:02 The Art of Playing the Violin 18:33 Leadership Insights from Music 22:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections 27:55 Conclusion and Farewell
In this episode, we dive into updates in Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma, along with the FDA ODAC meeting in April 2024 to decide on MRD as a surrogate endpoint for accelerated approval. Our guests are Dr. Benjamin Derman and Dr. Manni Mohyuddin. Here are the key papers we discussed:1. Recording of FDA ODAC meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pooME9gMaL02. EVIDENCE meta-analysis on individual-level and trial-level correlation between MRD and PFS/OS in multiple myeloma: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38768337/3. Predictors of un-sustained MRD-negativity in multiple myeloma: a) Secondary analysis of FORTE trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38048557/b) Secondary analysis of GEM2012MENOS65 and GEM2014MAIN trials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38048552/4. Kinetics of MRD resurgence and subsequent relapse in multiple myeloma: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34807986/5. MRD2STOP trial (MRD-guided maintenance discontinuation): https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.16_suppl.1066. MRD-guided maintenance discontinuation in myeloma (Secondary analysis of GEM2012MENOS65 trial): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37506339/