BY ERIC HANSEN AND JENNY AHLSTROM One of the most heavily-attended sessions at ASH so far was the presentation on how high-risk patients’ disease should be managed. Angela Dispenzieri, MD of the Mayo Clinic presented the session where she summarized best practices:
First, assess the risk factors based on the condition of the patient (fitness, other diseases); genetics (translocations and deletions); and other factors such as abnormal free light chains or non-response to therapy.
If eligible for transplant, Dr. Dispensieri shared several studies that show best outcomes for high-risk patients. The recurring theme was that Velcade before and after transplant was key. She commented that:
If the patient is ineligible for transplant then the recommendation she suggested:
These approaches were based on trials and evidence from clinical practices. So while we wait impatiently for the cure to break through, physicians can tap into this knowledge knowing they don’t have cast about for something that may not be optimum.
BY ERIC HANSEN AND JENNY AHLSTROM One of the most heavily-attended sessions at ASH so far was the presentation on how high-risk patients’ disease should be managed. Angela Dispenzieri, MD of the Mayo Clinic presented the session where she summarized best practices:
First, assess the risk factors based on the condition of the patient (fitness, other diseases); genetics (translocations and deletions); and other factors such as abnormal free light chains or non-response to therapy.
If eligible for transplant, Dr. Dispensieri shared several studies that show best outcomes for high-risk patients. The recurring theme was that Velcade before and after transplant was key. She commented that:
If the patient is ineligible for transplant then the recommendation she suggested:
These approaches were based on trials and evidence from clinical practices. So while we wait impatiently for the cure to break through, physicians can tap into this knowledge knowing they don’t have cast about for something that may not be optimum.
about the author
Jennifer Ahlstrom
Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can contribute to cures by joining HealthTree Cure Hub and joining clinical research. Founder and CEO of HealthTree Foundation.
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