Miami Myeloma Roundtable

C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, is Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Myeloma Program, and Leader of the Experimental Program at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center. Read more about his move to Miami here. Dr. Landgren is a pioneer in the drug development and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in myeloma. In collaboration with colleagues throughout the world, he develops new strategies (including cell-based, molecular-based, and imaging-based) and continues to be a leader of using advanced MRD testing in clinical trials. He is involved in the service’s rational treatment program (small molecule, monoclonal antibody, immune-based) for newly diagnosed, relapsed and refractory myeloma and amyloidosis patients. His research focuses on early drug development, advanced disease monitoring by new minimal residual disease (MRD) assays and biomarkers, and immune-PET to monitor treatment. He also studies mechanism and markers of progression from MGUS/smoldering myeloma to symptomatic multiple myeloma, and the identification of high-risk precursor patients who may be candidates for early treatment. Prior to joining Miami, Dr. Landgren was the Chief Attending Physician of the Myeloma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Professor of Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City and Chief of the Multiple Myeloma Section of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Landgren received his MD at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden; and he has had fellowships at Karolinska University Hospital and the National Cancer Institute. He is a frequent speaker at national and international meetings, and has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers.

Dr. Diamond is a hematologist/oncologist who specializes in the treatment of plasma cell disorders including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smoldering myeloma, and multiple myeloma. His research interests include utilization of minimal residual disease (MRD)-guided approaches to clinical decision-making, maintenance therapy, and the genomics of multiple myeloma and secondary malignancies that occur in patients treated for multiple myeloma. He completed fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, spending a year as chief fellow, and is a member of the Myeloma Genomics Laboratory at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Rafat Abonour is a physician-scientist dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders. Over the past three decades, He has built comprehensive clinical and research programs that integrate cutting-edge therapies, clinical trials, and precision health approaches. His work bridges translational research and real-world data to better understand disease biology and guide personalized treatment strategies. He established one of the nation’s largest myeloma registries, linking clinical and biological data to accelerate discovery and innovation. This initiative has supported numerous NIH- and industry-funded studies and fostered collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Throughout his career, He has been committed to mentoring young investigators and expanding access to advanced care for patients everywhere.

David Coffey, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Myeloma at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is a computational oncologist focused on precision medicine approaches for multiple myeloma. His research examines how myeloma cells interact with the immune system using advanced single-cell and genomic analyses to understand treatment resistance and identify strategies to strengthen immune-based therapies.

Katie Thoren, PhD, is a clinical chemist specializing in translating advanced diagnostic technologies into routine clinical laboratory use. Her work focuses on improving the detection and measurement of proteins and antibodies, including monoclonal immunoglobulins, using mass spectrometry and novel immunoassays. Dr. Thoren’s research aims to enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in conditions such as multiple myeloma, helping bridge the gap between research innovation and patient care.

Abhishek Pandey, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Myeloma at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He specializes in multiple myeloma care and research, with a focus on how the gut microbiome and immune responses influence disease progression and treatment. Dr. Pandey collaborates on genomic and translational studies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with myeloma and its precursor conditions

Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can help accelerate a cure by weighing in and participating in clinical research. Founder of the HealthTree Foundation.