Blood not bone marrow? Blood testing could improve multiple myeloma diagnosis and therapy: ACBD CARE
Monash University’s Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD) Community and Researcher Engagement (CARE) Committee hosted a webinar: “Blood not bone marrow? The potential role for blood testing to improve Multiple Myeloma diagnosis and therapy”
https://www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/blood-disease/community-engagement/upcoming-events
Understanding the genetic lesions in Multiple Myeloma can transform diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. However, this has traditionally relied on single-site bone marrow biopsy that is inadequate for capturing the complexity of this cancer. The panel discusses a new innovative alternative approach called liquid biopsy, which can transform therapeutic options for patients with Multiple Myeloma.
Researchers from the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases in the Central Clinical School at Monash University and a community advocate living with the disease, Mr Henry Blatman, presented. Time points of presenters and Q&A below. See detail of speakers in the program:
https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/2706096/2021-MMwebinar-booklet_final.pdf
0:03 Dr Catherine Carmichael introduces the webinar & the first speaker, Prof Andrew Spencer
5:02 Professor Andrew Spencer (Clinician-Scientist, Laboratory Head)
6:32 Dr Nicholas Bingham (Clinician-Scientist, PhD student)
23:34 Dr Sridurga Mithraprabhu (PhD, Senior Research Fellow)
37:55 Mr Henry Blatman (Myeloma Australia member, patient advocate)
53:07 Ms Hayley Beer (Myeloma Australia nurse representative)
59:41 Dr Karen Alt introducing the Q&A session
1:01:44 Q to Henry Blatman: “What is the biggest learning you have taken away from living with MM for the last six years?”
1:05:05 When can people hope to have more targeted therapies available to them?
1:06:47 Are large doses of Vitamin C effective in supporting MM treatments?
1:08:04 Is there a genetic component to MM?
1:09:45 What does ‘70% success’ for Bone Marrow Tests mean?
1:10:47 Will the PCR method be available for all MM patients? If so when and will it be covered by Medicare?
1:12:23 How is the research shared with other hospitals?
1:14:03 Is there any research to predict myeloma relapse using microarrays?
1:15:14 Q to Dr Durga Mithraprabhu: What inspired you to research myeloma vs other diseases?
1:16:24 What is the biggest hurdle to speed of research – is it data, time, funding?
1:19:07 Could blood based markers or liquid biopsy be used to identify all types of pre-cancer or just MM?
1:19:50 Are there any trials of liquid biopsy in Sydney?
1:20:48 Q to Henry Blatman: How is engaging with researchers from the patient point-of-view?
1:22:10 Why is it valuable for patients to be involved in research? What does the patient perspective add to research?
1:23:17 Q to Hayley Beer: What are the main reasons patients call the nurse helpline?
1:24:23 Do we know why some patients survive longer than others?
1:27:16 Are there any trials available for those diagnosed with MM but in remission? Is there any way to delay or prevent relapse?