ASH started out with a bang Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. E.T when PeerView Institute for Medical Education in collaboration with the HealthTree Foundation presented, “A  is for Antibody in Multiple Myeloma.” This free event featured real-world cases in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory disease to illustrate the practicalities and clinical uses of novel antibody platforms in myeloma.  

Three amazing doctors, Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch, Dr. Noa Brian, and Dr. Ajay Nooka  presented high-level myeloma information for a large audience of physicians, researchers, and patient advocates. During the presentation several polls were presented in which participants demonstrated their knowledge of the subject matter.  It was clear from the polls that many hematologist attending were fairly unfamiliar with myeloma and antibody treatments   Many expressed a lack of acknowledge in a preliminary poll and later had gained significant insights into how and under what circumstances antibodies can be used to treat myeloma.

The presenters concentrated on antibodies targeting CD-38 as well as BCMA and discussed the advantages of triplet therapies as well as upfront use of antibodies and the importance of clinical trials.

This was the first HealthTree Foundation involvement with an ASH presentation at the Friday symposia.  Paired with Peer View Institute (a medical education provider), HealthTree was highly touted in the symposium for its involvement in providing education and support for myeloma patients! (For more information about our co-host, PeerView, read Greg Brozeit’s article in which he interviews PeerView President Ted Singer and Chief Medical Officer Carmine DeLuca here).

A very exciting feature of this program was the inclusion of videos featuring three Myeloma Coaches at strategic points in the presentation. These three Coaches shared their experience and perspective of receiving antibody treatment for their myeloma. As one of the three Coaches involved in this project, I considered it a huge honor to participate . Each of us can be seen in a short vignette talking about our personal myeloma journeys, our experience with CD38 and BCMA targeting antibody therapies and sharing our experience and the impact of being Myeloma Coaches.  

All in all, HealthTree Foundation made itself known as having a significant impact on myeloma patients everywhere.  I could not be more proud to be affiliated with this amazing organization. 

An uncut version of today's session will be available December 11th.  Additionally PeerView will launch their onDemand access of this presentation in mid to late January.