Ensuring Access to Myeloma Research, with Dr. Gurbakhash Kaur

Gurbakhash Kaur, MD, from the UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, is a myeloma and amyloidosis specialist. She and her colleagues have created a comprehensive myeloma program based on translation and clinical research. Their clinical research portfolio includes non-immunotherapy-based as well as immunotherapy-based treatments (such as CAR-T, bispecifics, and targeted therapy).

What Is Non-Immunotherapy vs. Immunotherapy?

Non-immunotherapy treatments aim to directly target and destroy cancer cells or disrupt their growth. This can include chemotherapy (drugs that target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells) or targeted therapy (drugs that target specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival).

Immunotherapy harnesses the power of your body's own immune system to fight cancer. It works by stimulating or manipulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Different types of immunotherapy can cause different side effects: the most common are skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and weight changes. 

Myeloma and Amyloidosis Research Program at UT Southwestern

"At UT Southwestern, one of the pillars of our research program is that we want to reach underrepresented communities in multiple myeloma, and Dallas being such a diverse hub (...) we are making an active effort to get them enrolled onto clinical trials"

They also work with a sister hospital, Parkland Health. Over the last three years, they have developed a comprehensive relationship through which patients can qualify for trials at either hospital.

With so much ongoing research and promising new therapies emerging, the future of myeloma treatment is bright. If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials or exploring if one might be right for you, talk to your doctor. Remember, by participating in clinical trials, you not only gain access to potentially groundbreaking treatments but also contribute to advancements that could benefit countless others with myeloma. HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma is here to help you on your journey.

To learn more about HealthTree's commitment to multiple myeloma patients, start HERE at HealthTree CureHub.