HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma

Dr. Paul Richardson of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute shares a mid-year myeloma review of ASCO, EHA and upcoming International Myeloma Society findings of the fast-moving research being performed in myeloma. Updates will include the expanding world of bispecific antibodies that include one FDA-approved drug and anticipated approvals for two new bispecific antibodies. He will also discuss exciting results from CAR T cinical trials,  CAR T newcomers, sequencing preferences, BCMA targeted therapies, new therapy targets in myeloma, MRD advances, blood-based testing, clinical trials end points and more.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Karyopharm.

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

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

Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing is a more sensitive way to test for remaining disease following myeloma treatment. Its use could change the way experts treat multiple myeloma now and in the future. MRD testing may help determine which patients should stay on treament or which patients are able to stop if they stay MRD negative for a long period of time. It may help prevent over or under treating patients.  In this show Benjamin Derman, MD of the University of Chicago shares what MRD testing is, how it's being used in clinical trials as a new clinical trial end point, what the FDA wants to see in clinical trial data, how it could be used to determine if treatment can stop baesd on a patient's status, why it's needed and when it should be used. Patients can take advantage of the progress in testing to truly personalize and optimize their care.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Menarini Silicon Biosystems

A wave of blood-based tests are being researched for myeloma care, and for good reason. Patients love the idea of replacing the painful bone marrow biopsy with a blood-based test, especially if it is equally effective. In addition to being less time consuming and painful, blood-based testing could be performed more regularly to provide more information to patients and their doctors.  The types of test vary. They include mass spectometry testing, blood-based MRD testing and circulating tumor cell testing. Many of these tools are still only used in research, but they are getting closer to being used in the myeloma clinic. Each of the tests have unique ways of providing a less invasive way of testing for myeloma at diagnosis and after treatment.  Ola Landgren, MD, PhD of the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center joins HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to review the different types of tests, how they function, what they measure, pros and cons of each and how they are and could be used in regular myeloma practice. As we continue to see these tests advance, it's a great idea to start becoming more familiar with the test types, test names and reasons for their use. Thanks to our episode sponsor, GSK

Dr. Noa Biran of Hackensack University joins HealthTree Podcast for Multiple Myeloma to discuss a completely new approach targeting CD38, which is found on most myeloma cells. The drug called modafakusp alpha (formerly known as TAK-573) uses a new method of targeting CD38 by combining a monoclonal antibody with interferon. Early trial results are showing that this treatment option could also work for patients who relapsed after anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies like daratumumab and isatuximab.  Inteferon is a human hormone that has been previously used in myeloma care because it can both kill the myeloma cells directly and engage the immune system to fight the myeloma, but it had many intolerable side effects. In this new form combined with modafakusp alpha, the side effects are significantly reduced. This new drug is now in clinical trials being tested with common myeloma therapies like dexamethasone, daratumumab, proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators. Learn about this new treatment option in this informative show.  Having new treatment options, especially after patients have relapsed after the three most common drug classes (proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies) is a blessing for relapsed or refractory patients.

There are significant advances being made in multiple myeloma and more so than in any other cancer. Join us for this annual show with Robert Orlowski, MD, PhD as we discuss the recent findings from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, key innovations being developed in myeloma and what patients can expect to see in 2023. The show will review immunotherapy options, optimal combination therapies, targeted treatments and key learnings from top myeloma investigators.   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