Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Multiple Myeloma, cancer of the plasma cell, can be a devastating diagnosis. While not curable, the disease is treatable. Joining Patient Power host, Andrew Schorr, is Dr. Dan Vogl from the University of Pennsylvania, broadcasting live from the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Francisco. This meeting joins renowned experts in blood cancers and blood diseases from around the world to collaborate on the latest research.

Dr. Vogl is instructor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. He begins the program by talking about the multitude of treatments currently available to treat myeloma. Dr. Vogl talks about using these treatments effectively alone and in combination, and also touches on the notion of transplant as a treatment. Dr. Vogl goes on to discuss the importance of partnering with your physician and creating an individualized treatment plan for your myeloma.

The presentations at the ASH meeting are the result of clinical trials being conducted around the world. Dr. Vogl speaks at length about the necessity of clinical trials, along with the importance of coordinating with a specialist in your condition when seeking care. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, hear why Dr. Vogl is hopeful for the future. In his own words, “I think there is always room for hope in treating a disease like this where we have so many drugs that clearly work.”

Source: Patient Power | Aired: December 8, 2008

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

New developments in research for cancer is always highly anticipated by patients, and this year’s 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) did not disappoint, particularly for patients affected by chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). CML is quite often referred to as the “monster mutation” and is often resistant to numerous therapies. Unraveling the mystery of these mutations and understanding the biology of patients with these mutations is one of the focal points of this discussion. As Patient Power host Andrew Schorr broadcasts live from the ASH meeting, Dr. Alison Loren joins to shed light on breakthroughs in CML. Dr. Loren is a hematologist/oncologist in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Loren starts off by unveiling research on the notourisly resistant T315I and how progress is being made for CML patients who once resisted such therapies. She explains how scientists are closer to understanding mutations and how they relate to each patient. Dr. Loren also talks about targeting CML stem cells and a number of really exciting steps towards identifying and targeting that particular cell, which ultimately will identify a cure for CML.

Hear more from Dr. Loren in this unique webcast, as she breaks down what she thinks are two different types of CML patients in a discussion designed to bring you the latest from the source of research for hematological diseases. You’ll hear Dr. Loren talk about the importance of prescription compliance for CML patients and numerous therapies and clinical trials being looked at. Learn about the most recent advances for the treatment of CML – a bright future for patients indeed.

Source: Patient Power | Aired: December 8, 2008

Lymphoma Research

Each year the American Society of Hematology (ASH) brings together experts on blood-related cancers and other conditions. On this episode of Patient Power, host Andrew Schorr broadcasts from the 50th annual ASH meeting in San Francisco. Andrew is joined by Dr. Stephen Schuster, director the lymphoma program at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Schuster shares information about the newest lymphoma treatments and research.

Dr. Schuster says each year of the ASH conference is increasingly exciting. Dr. Schuster discusses the history of lymphoma research and how we got to where we are today, when many lymphoma patients can actually be cured. He also talks about new antibodies that are being made available, the importance of immunotherapy, and the new cellular therapy out there. Finally, he answers Andrew’s questions about oral therapies and what they mean for the future of lymphoma treatment.

Listen to this webcast to hear why Dr. Schuster is so excited about the near future in lymphoma research. If you don’t know much about these therapies, host Andrew Schorr puts them into layman's terms that anyone can understand. Listen now for an expert’s opinion on why he thinks lymphoma treatments will soon have a very high probability of success.

Source: Patient Power | Aired: December 6, 2008