New discoveries in multiple myeloma are made possible through a deep understanding of the disease. Many researchers contribute significantly to these breakthroughs by performing essential lab work, often without ever treating patients directly. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Van Ness, a PhD researcher from the University of Minnesota who has dedicated decades to studying the biology and genetics of multiple myeloma. Dr. Van Ness shares how his lab research has laid the foundation for new insights into this complex disease and how his unwavering love for patients has driven his work during his extensive career. Tune in to learn how cutting-edge research translates into better outcomes for the myeloma community and how researchers like Dr. Van Ness are shaping the future of care.  

Learn about the latest in multiple myeloma advances with Paul Richardson, MD who will cover the recent American Society of Hematology and European Hematology Association meeting findings.

Dr. Morie Gertz joins the HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to share the challenges, treatments and futures of AL amyloidosis and invites amyloidosis patients to join this survey about their diagnosis experience.

Dr. Ola Landgren shares a clinical trial about smoldering myeloma. Join the REVIVE trial study for high-risk smoldering myeloma study here.  He also share about his research partnership with HealthTree on a personalized medicine study that creates a computerized model of risk prediction and treatment recommendations for newly diagnosed patients.  This is a study that is open to all myeloma patients regardless of where they are being treated. The only involvement by patients is to sign a consent form and connect their medical records which requires less than 5 minutes of participation. 

Dr. Clifton Mo of Dana Farber Cancer Institue shares a multitude of tools available in the myeloma toolbox. This includes all of the "standard of care" drugs that we are familiar with such as immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors, steroids, monoclonal antibodies as well as tools in development.  He reviews triplet combo treatment options at first relapse and his preference to use Kyprolis in the mix, especially when given a more aggressive myeloma.  Dr. Mo explains how antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) work and how the first ADC, BLENREP, may be making a comeback. He shares how dexamethasone can be reduced or stopped under certain conditions. He explains BCL-2 inhibitors like venetoclax and how they are making their way through clinical trials.  Dr. Mo describes celmods and how they work and are a promising new class of drugs. He also described how an XPO1 inhibitor called selinexor is being used both with the celmods  and alone as an agent that works well for higher risk myeloma.  This shows myeloma patients how fortunate we are to have these tools available and speaks to the importance of having a myeloma specialist on your team who can help you make treatment decisions. This can be done alone or in partnership with your local oncologist. There is data that shows that having a specialist on year team leads to longer life. 

Learn how bispecific antibodies are being used in multiple myeloma care and how physicians are helping patients manage side effects using new approaches like fixed-duration therapy.

Dr. Robert Orlowski from MD Anderson discusses the 2024 myeloma landscape, including advancements in CAR-T therapies, bispecific antibodies, and targeted therapies. Topics include risk determination, smoldering myeloma strategies, optimal treatments for newly diagnosed patients, considerations at first relapse, and upcoming clinical trials.

Dr. Luciano Costa discusses CAR T therapy in multiple myeloma, including availability improvements, testing in earlier lines of therapy, side effects, new targets, combo CAR Ts, maintenance therapy, open clinical trials, and new CAR T variants. The podcast delves into the significance of CAR-T therapy, advancements in FDA-approved drugs, ongoing clinical trials, maintenance therapy debates, and the importance of early access to CAR-T clinical trials in myeloma treatment.

Dr. Paul Richardson from Dana Farber discusses fast-moving myeloma research, including bispecific antibodies, CAR T trials, sequencing preferences, BCMA therapies, MRD advances, and blood-based testing. Updates on new therapy targets, clinical trial endpoints, and more exciting findings in the field.

Stem cell transplant remains a useful and widely used treatment for multiple myeloma. John DiPersio, MD, PhD of the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University joins HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to discuss stem cell transplant in myeloma, a new and better way to collect stem cells as part of the process and the utility of stem cell transplant in the age of immunotherapies.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, GSK