ASH 2021: Meet Kyle Colvin - A Physician and Myeloma Patient

Kyle Colvin was used to treating patients in his Spokane, Washington practice, not being one himself.  Seven and a half years after his diagnosis, he realized the Hippocratic Oath he took as a young doctor had new meaning now that he was a patient too; it was a duty of sorts.

“As a physician, I figured I may have a unique perspective on the disease, as well as a knowledge base and the time to help patients understand the disease course and treatment options,” Kyle reasoned, “I figure that I should give back to those in need since my life has been incredibly fortunate, even with this disease.”

After being treated with Revlimid/Velcade/dex (RVd) followed by a transplant, during maintenance, he’s focused more on oral therapies because they fit into his lifestyle.  But along the way he’s experienced Kyprolis, Darzalex, the dreaded dexamethasone and selinexor.  “I only lasted for one dose of selinexor.”

All patients can understand his “selfish, but true” attitude going into ASH, “I’m most interested in relapsed/refractory treatment options as this is what I’m facing” but he’s also “interested in novel agents being moved to first line treatment."

“Physicians generally do not have the luxury of time when meeting with patients and, consequently, patients may not have their questions answered or even feel heard.  I figure that I should give back to those in need since my life has been incredibly fortunate, even with this disease.”

The obligation imposed by a Hippocratic Oath never ends for those who take it.