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Coping with a blood cancer diagnosis can be a profound emotional journey, encompassing a range of feelings from fear and anxiety to hopelessness. To support you in managing these emotions, an increasingly recognized therapeutic approach is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Originally developed for treating trauma, EMDR has shown promise in helping individuals confront a variety of stressful life experiences, including chronic illness management. This therapy technique may help you recover more quickly from traumatic emotions associated with living with blood cancer.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a psychotherapy technique designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, it's based on the premise that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, for instance, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.

EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain's information processing system naturally moves toward mental health unless it's blocked by the impact of a disturbing event.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy involves focusing simultaneously on (1) associations of difficult images, thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations and (2) bilateral stimulation, such as tapping your knees alternately with your hands. This dual attention stimulates the brain's information processing system, enabling it to process the difficult event.

Steps to Perform EMDR at Home

EMDR can be performed under the guidance of a trained therapist or adapted to use at home. EMDR steps include:

Set up a comfortable space: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax without interruption.
Identify a distressing memory or emotion: Think about a memory that is troubling you. This can be related or unrelated to your blood cancer diagnosis.
Start bilateral stimulation: You can do this by tapping your knees alternately with your hands or tapping each shoulder with the alternate hand. You can also choose to do the eye movement version of EMDR. Feel free to follow along with the self-guided video below, or hold your fingers about 18 inches in front of your face and move them slowly from side to side, following with your eyes only.
Focus on the distressing memory: As you engage in bilateral stimulation, allow your mind to focus on the distressing memory or emotion. Notice what thoughts, feelings, or bodily sensations arise.
Anchor in the present: After a few moments of focusing on the distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, bring your attention back to the present moment. Focus on your breathing or a physical object in your surroundings.
Reflect: Think about the experience. Did your feelings or thoughts about the memory change? Do you feel less distressed?

The duration of EMDR therapy varies depending on the individual's needs. Some may experience relief in just a few sessions, while others may require a longer period.

EMDR Benefits

EMDR therapy may offer several benefits for people with blood cancer, including:

Improved immune function: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. EMDR therapy helps reduce stress, which in turn can support your immune system.
Reduced stress and anxiety: By processing traumatic memories, EMDR can help lower stress and anxiety levels.
Improved coping strategies: EMDR can enhance coping mechanisms, enabling patients to better manage their emotional responses to the cancer.
Enhanced quality of life: Lower stress levels can significantly improve overall quality of life, allowing patients to enjoy more activities and maintain stronger relationships.

Conclusion

For people with blood cancer, navigating the emotional impact of the diagnosis is as important as managing the physical aspects. EMDR presents a promising therapeutic approach to address the psychological toll, offering support in emotional healing and resilience. As with any therapy technique, it is recommended to consult with a licensed mental health therapist to ensure it's an appropriate strategy for your specific situation.

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Sources:

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What Is APOL1 And How Does It Affect Kidney Disease?

APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) is a genetic disease that occurs when someone inherits certain variants of the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene. Mutations in the APOL1 gene have been linked to high blood pressure-related chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Certain APOL1 variants have been linked with a higher risk of kidney disease in people of Western and Central African descent.

How Does APOL1 Cause Kidney Disease?

Everyone has two APOL1 genes. They make protein in your immune system that fights infection. But some people are born with a mutation in one or both APOL1 genes. If you inherit these variant genes, you have a greater chance of developing kidney disease.

The APOL1 gene evolved in people who lived in Western and Central Africa. “The mutation that evolved is associated with protection against a certain type of parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. As a result, you are more likely to have APOL1 gene mutations if you are from Western or Central Africa or have an ancestor who came from these regions.” This includes people who identify as: Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean and Latina/Latino.

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What Are The Signs and Symptoms?

Many people who have AMKD do not have any symptoms until the kidney disease reaches advanced stages.

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Foamy urine or protein in your urine.
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The need to urinate more often.
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Itchy or dry skin.
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Fatigue and/or nausea.
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Loss of appetite, which can cause weight loss.
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Swelling in your legs or high blood pressure.
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What Are Treatment Options?

“It is estimated that if you test positive for mutations in both copies of the APOL1 gene, there is a 1 in 5 chance that you will go on to develop kidney disease.” Currently, there are no treatment options for AMKD. But there are ways to help manage this disease and live a healthy lifestyle. Work closely with your doctor to create a plan to prevent or delay your kidney disease.

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Effectively manage your high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
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Take all prescription medications as directed by your doctor.
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Have a healthy eating plan.
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Be active for at least 30 minutes each day.
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Quit smoking and tobacco products.
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Look for and participate (if possible) in clinical trials.
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Conclusion

“People with two copies of an APOL1 risk variant have about a 15-20% chance of developing kidney disease in their lifetime. About 80% of people with two copies of an APOL1 risk variant do not get kidney disease. Therefore, not everyone with two copies of an APOL1 risk variant will get kidney disease. Also, people without APOL1 risk variants can still get other types of kidney disease. Kidney disease can be a result of multiple physical, environmental, and social factors.”

To learn more about available clinical trials, click HERE.

Learn more about kidney disease HERE.

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People diagnosed with cancer can often face mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. This article explains how antidepressants can help reduce the mental health burden in cancer care. It also covers how these treatments interact with cancer therapies and the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical treatment.

Mental Health Challenges Are Common During Cancer

According to the NIH, up to 40% of people with cancer experience emotional distress. Around 25–30% are diagnosed with psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to the new lifestyle. Depression and anxiety are not just side effects of cancer; they can worsen quality of life or delay seeking treatment.

That’s why integrating mental health care into cancer treatment is essential. However, research shows that mental health is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in cancer patients.

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Antidepressants May Improve Psychological and Physical Symptoms

Several studies confirm that antidepressants can effectively manage moderate to severe depression in people with cancer. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are among the most used antidepressants due to their effectiveness and low side effects.

Beyond treating depression, antidepressants can help with symptoms that often come with cancer and its treatment:

Fatigue: Medications like bupropion (Wellbutrin) have stimulating effects and may improve energy and concentration.
Nerve pain: medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) can relieve nerve pain from chemotherapy.
Sleep issues and appetite loss: Mirtazapine (Remeron, Organon) may improve sleep, reduce nausea, and boost appetite.
Hot flashes: SSRIs and SNRIs have shown success in managing hot flashes, particularly for people on hormonal therapies.

These added benefits make antidepressants a useful option for people experiencing multiple symptoms related to cancer.

Avoiding Drug Interactions for Better Outcomes

People with cancer often take many medications. Some antidepressants can interact with chemotherapy or hormone treatments. For example, if an antidepressant interacts with the metabolism of a chemotherapy treatment, the effect could range from neither working to an unexpected side effect.

This is why doctors must evaluate each person’s full treatment plan when prescribing antidepressants. If a medication you are taking interacts with a new one, keep in mind there are always options, not only for medication for mental health, but also for cancer care.

SSRIs Might Offer Protective Effects Against Certain Cancers

Some large studies suggest SSRIs could reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. For example:

A 39% lower risk of oral cancer in people who used SSRIs
Reduced rates of liver cancer with fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) use.

These findings are still being researched, but they highlight the need to look at the broader effects of these treatments.

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Are Guidelines For Mental Health In Cancer Used?

While there are mental health guidelines for cancer care, these are not consistently used. Some doctors may not recognize when emotional symptoms go beyond expected distress, and some hospitals lack dedicated mental health services. This gap in care means many patients who could benefit from antidepressants or therapy never receive them. Training providers to identify mental health issues and creating better connections between oncology and mental health services could improve outcomes.

A Holistic Approach to Cancer Treatment

Combining antidepressant treatment with counseling or therapy offers the best results. Collaborative care, where psychological and medical support are integrated, can reduce symptoms and improve daily activities.

When using antidepressants, especially with anti-cancer treatment, it’s also important to:

Start at low doses to reduce side effects
Choose medications based on the symptoms (energy loss, insomnia, anxiety)
Monitor closely for drug interactions
Reevaluate regularly to adjust treatment

Remember that it may take 2–4 weeks to notice improvement and 4–6 weeks for the full effect. Always consult with your healthcare team about possible interactions with your current treatment, and if you notice discomfort or anything out of the ordinary, seek advice before discontinuing treatment on your own.

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Final Thoughts

Mental health care is a crucial but often overlooked part of cancer treatment. Antidepressants can relieve psychological symptoms and support overall well-being. When used carefully and with proper guidance, they can also help manage physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, and hot flashes. Ensuring these therapies are part of a personalized, integrated care plan can make a meaningful difference in patients’ quality of life.

Stay tuned for more articles at the HealthTree News site!

See Mental Health Resources

Sources:

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Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf, Blenrep, GSK) combinations were recently re-approved by the UK’s MHRA for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and the FDA is anticipated to make a decision by July 2025.

Beyond its use in relapsed or refractory cases, could a belamaf combination be safe and effective for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who aren’t able to receive an autologous stem cell transplant?

Continue reading to learn findings from the DREAMM-9 trial!

What is belamaf?

Belamaf is a type of targeted therapy known as an antibody-drug conjugate. It works by attaching to a protein called BCMA found on myeloma cells. Once attached, it delivers a cell-killing substance directly into the cancer cell. This approach is designed to reduce damage to healthy cells.

Learn More About Belamaf in HealthTree University

How is belamaf being evaluated for newly diagnosed myeloma patients?

The DREAMM-9 study looked at different doses and schedules of belamaf when added to the standard treatment for patients who could not receive a stem cell transplant. This standard therapy includes bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone, often called VRd. After eight 21-day treatment cycles, bortezomib was stopped, and maintenance therapy continued with belamaf and Rd (lenalidomide and dexamethasone).

The goal was to find a balance between effectiveness and tolerability, especially for those who could not handle high-intensity treatment. By lowering the dose and spacing out how often patients received it, researchers aimed to reduce side effects while keeping the therapy effective.

What do the results show so far?

At the data cut-off in March 2024, 108 patients were enrolled across 8 study groups. Each group received a different belamaf dose and treatment frequency. The average patient age was 74, 46% were women, and 15% had high-risk myeloma features.

At the check-in point (varied for each group from 7.8 to 37.6 months):

Overall response rate (ORR): Ranged from 71% to 100% depending on the group
Very good partial response (VGPR) or better: Reached 100% in 3 of the groups
Complete response (CR) or better: Seen in 30% to 92% of patients across groups
Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity: Ranged from 0% to 75% among groups and continued to increase during the maintenance phase

Certain treatment groups began at different times, so some had not been on therapy long enough to show a full response. As more time passes, researchers will better understand how effective the treatment is across all groups.

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How were side effects managed?

Belamaf-related side effects that required hospital care (grade 3/4) were reported in 33% of patients. These included low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), COVID-19 pneumonia, and eye irritation (keratopathy).

These decreased with lower belamaf doses, more space between treatment administrations, and during the maintenance phase. If you have questions about how treatment-related side effects are managed, please consult with your myeloma specialist.

Key takeaways

In the DREAMM-9 trial, belamaf plus VRd showed high response rates in people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were unable to receive a stem cell transplant. Side effects were manageable with lower and less frequent dosing.

The next step in evaluating belamaf for newly diagnosed myeloma patients takes place in the recruiting phase 3 DREAMM-10 trial. In the study, patients will receive either belamaf with Rd or daratumumab with Rd. The findings will help determine belamaf’s best use as a first-line myeloma treatment.

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Continue Reading Myeloma News

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Phase I Study of Belantamab Mafodotin in Combination with Standard of Care in Transplant-Ineligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: DREAMM-9 Updated Interim Analysis
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An FDA Advisory Panel voted 6-2 in favor of approving daratumumab as a treatment for high-risk smoldering myeloma (SMM) at this week's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) meeting. If the FDA follows the panel's recommendations and approves the therapy, it will be the very first treatment approved for high-risk smoldering myeloma. To date, the protocol for SMM has been to \"watch and wait,\" with close monitoring regardless of whether it is low, intermediate, or high-risk.

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Understanding High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

High-risk SMM is a precursor condition to multiple myeloma, meaning it is usually without symptoms but has an 80% chance of progressing to active myeloma within five years. Once a high-risk smoldering myeloma patient develops any of the CRAB criteria (high calcium, renal issues, anemia, or bone lesions), the diagnosis changes to active multiple myeloma.

What is an ODAC Meeting and Why Does This Matter?

When the FDA needs expert advice about the risks and benefits of a treatment, it holds an Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) meeting. At this meeting, doctors review data and vote on whether to recommend the treatment. The FDA considers this vote when making its final approval decision.

In a 6 to 2 vote in favor of the approval, ODAC decided that the AQUILA study provided enough evidence to support using subcutaneous daratumumab (Darzalex Faspro, Johnson & Johnson) in treating high-risk SMM.

AQUILA Study Results

The phase 3 AQUILA study compared three years of daratumumab therapy to active monitoring in patients with high-risk SMM. Key findings included:

Median progression-free survival (time without disease progression) was not reached in patients taking daratumumab versus 41.5 months for the monitoring group.
At five years, 63.1% of daratumumab-treated patients had not progressed compared to 40.8% of individuals under active monitoring.
Daratumumab reduced the risk of progressing to multiple myeloma or death by 51%.

These outcomes suggest that daratumumab could significantly delay or prevent progression to active myeloma.

Side effects were higher in patients treated with daratumumab (40.4%) compared to active monitoring (30.1%). Hypertension (high blood pressure) was the most common side effect, but it was generally manageable. Eleven patients stopped treatment due to side effects, and 90 required dose adjustments, though effectiveness was unaffected by these changes.

FDA Perspectives

The FDA's core concerns were the following:

The risk criteria are evolving, and the study included low, intermediate, and high-risk smoldering patients. The FDA cited the fact that at the time the study began (2017), the risk criteria for smoldering myeloma had not yet been updated. This update happened in 2018 (called the Mayo 20/2/20 model). The FDA noted that more than half of the AQUILA study participants would not be considered high-risk today by any of the updated risk models (from 2018 or 2020).
Not all patients may need treatment. Even for patients who progressed to active myeloma during the study (on either trial arm), 20% of them were not immediately treated. The main reason cited for no treatment in 58% of patients was \"controlled disease or no progression.\" Perhaps these patients were experiencing a rise in their monoclonal protein levels, but they were not at high enough levels for treatment or the development of CRAB criteria.
Does delaying progression have a meaningful benefit in the long-term? If a patient is treated early, do they live longer even after they progress to multiple myeloma?
Is this the right endpoint? The FDA prefers overall survival (OS) as an endpoint, but noted that if this trial had been powered for OS, it would have required 2,487 study participants, which they understood would be impossible.

Expert Perspectives

Vincent Rajkumar, MD, spoke at the ODAC meeting to provide a myeloma specialist's perspective. He noted that because high-risk smoldering myeloma patients are very likely to progress, they are the best patients to get treated and are not always closely and sufficiently monitored to watch for organ damage that can come when patients develop active disease.

He emphasized that many patients with high-risk smoldering myeloma want to understand and access treatment options if they know they are at high risk of progression and that receiving treatment may also reduce anxiety. Dr. Rajkumar stated:

The study showed a meaningful delay in disease progression
There was no negative impact on patients' quality of life
There were understandable side effects
Patients may want to be treated to take action or reduce anxiety
In the future, we may want to consider more than a single-agent therapy for the treatment of high-risk smoldering myeloma

Several myeloma specialists joined during the comments portion to advocate for the approval of daratumumab for smoldering myeloma, highlighting the fact that monitoring can be challenging, especially in the community oncology setting.

One commenter noted that although close follow-up is needed for high-risk smoldering myeloma, the time commitment to do that is deeply challenging for community and rural offices. While imaging is required for close monitoring, some rural clinics lack the equipment to do this, and sometimes, insurance companies reject imaging.

In the comments portion, Irene Ghobrial, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, stated, \"This is a true cancer. There is nothing pre-malignant in smoldering myeloma.\"

ODAC Committee Perspectives

ODAC committee members are typically not myeloma specialists—they are individuals who treat a variety of cancers and include both physicians and industry representatives. They debated what they heard from the company, the FDA, and the comments portion.

They wanted to be assured that smoldering myeloma is indeed a cancer and not just a pre-cancerous condition. Smoldering myeloma is a cancerous condition.
Some patients who will never progress may be overtreated.
Some patients who need to be treated may be undertreated if only a single therapy is used.
Is the goal to prevent myeloma from happening or delay myeloma from occurring?
We need a better identification of patients who are more likely to progress to active disease.
Patient anxiety isn't a reason for approval. Physicians should do an adequate job in patient monitoring and discussions to alleviate anxiety.
The trial was sufficiently long and met its primary endpoint.
Let patients decide with their doctors what is best.

Ultimately, the majority found the benefits sufficient for recommendation, with Daniel Sprett, MD, of the University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center, saying, \"All the endpoints effectively favor intervention.\"

Next Steps and The Importance of Shared Decision-Making for Patients

This study is breaking new ground in the debate about the treatment of smoldering myeloma. Following the ODAC recommendation, the FDA will now decide whether to officially approve daratumumab for high-risk SMM. Approval could offer a vital early treatment option to prevent or delay progression to multiple myeloma, potentially changing standard care practices.

This is clearly not a \"one size fits all\" situation, and there are pros and cons with early treatment, especially using a single drug. If you have high-risk smoldering myeloma, we strongly suggest that you have an educated discussion with your doctor that could include the following questions:

Do I have high-risk smoldering myeloma? What criteria are you using?
How are you monitoring my high-risk smoldering myeloma? (What frequency and using what tools)
If I have high-risk smoldering myeloma, should it be treated?
What is the treatment goal? Delay of progression or myeloma cell elimination?
What side effects can I anticipate?
If I should be treated for my high-risk smoldering myeloma, what is my best treatment choice? Should I receive daratumumab, join a clinical trial, or consider another option?
How will this affect my future care?

Conclusion

The ODAC's favorable decision on daratumumab represents a significant change in approach for high-risk SMM patients and may completely revolutionize the future of smoldering myeloma care. Patients should stay informed on the FDA's upcoming decision and participate in ongoing research opportunities to advance treatment understanding.

Continue Reading Myeloma News

Sources:

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Valarie Traynham, a multiple myeloma patient, support group leader, and HealthTree Coach, shared her story during an interview on PeerView with Dr. Brandon Blue. Her experiences as both a patient and advocate highlight the real-world impact of healthcare disparities.

Valarie has become a strong voice for the Black Myeloma Community, raising awareness about unequal access to care and support. Her story reinforces why listening to patients is essential when creating strategies to address these gaps.

VIEW VALARIE’S FULL INTERVIEW

Why Disparities in Multiple Myeloma Care Matter

African American individuals are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma compared to other racial groups. They are usually diagnosed at a younger age, but often at a more advanced stage. This delay in diagnosis is linked to reduced access to care that prevents early detection.

Understanding these disparities is important because early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Access to Care Is a Critical First Step

Many African American patients face barriers that often result in delays in diagnosis and treatment, such as:

Lack of insurance
High out-of-pocket costs
Fewer nearby specialists

Expanding insurance coverage, lowering treatment costs, and supporting community health programs that focus on screening and education can shorten or even close this gap.

Knowing that options exist can empower patients to seek care sooner.

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Addressing Bias and Building Trust

Implicit bias in healthcare delivery can affect treatment decisions. In PeerView's clinician survey:

70% of doctors overestimated the number of African American patients who received standard care like stem cell transplant
Only 34% reported involving patients in managing their own care
Less than 50% of clinicians knew how to address patients’ concerns over treatment options

These results show that training providers to recognize bias and follow clear treatment guidelines can help ensure African American patients receive the same care as others. Building relationships through trust is key. This includes working with community leaders and offering culturally sensitive care.

To learn more about how disparities can be addressed, click the button below to see HealthTree University’s new unit on multiple myeloma disparities.

VISIT MYELOMA DISPARITIES UNIT

Clinical Trials: Improving Representation

African American patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, limiting access to new treatments. This group is also often less informed about trial options due to historical mistrust and a lack of outreach.

PeerView found that only 33% of clinicians planned to start conversations about trial participation with African American patients. 91% of clinicians felt more confident discussing disparities, but less than half could recall the actual data on health outcomes for African American patients.

Valarie Traynham emphasizes the importance of transparent, respectful communication. Encouraging more inclusive conversations and providing logistical support, such as transportation, can improve participation and outcomes.

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Better education for patients and providers can reduce the disparities

Improving educational materials about multiple myeloma and treatment options can help providers communicate better. Patients are more likely to advocate for themselves and stay on treatment when they have access to educational resources.

Managing multiple myeloma is not just about treatment. African American patients often need more help navigating the healthcare system, managing financial burdens, and coping with emotional stress.

Support groups, patient navigators, and counseling services are critical tools to help patients maintain their well-being and stick with long-term treatment plans. Valarie’s role as a myeloma coach shows how peer support can guide patients through the complexities of care.

Join the HealthTree’s Black Myeloma Health Community

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Moving Forward: What Needs to Happen Next

According to PeerView, 73% of clinicians said they would make changes after participating in the educational activity, including improving cultural sensitivity and patient communication. However, some learning gaps remain, and ongoing efforts are needed to ensure those changes translate into real improvements.

For African American patients with multiple myeloma, equal access to care, early diagnosis, culturally competent communication, and peer support can make a significant difference. Valarie Traynham’s voice reminds us that patient perspectives must be at the center of any effort to improve care and outcomes

You can keep reading more articles written by Valarie here:

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People living with blood cancer may be overwhelmed by many difficult emotions related to the cancer diagnosis, treatment, or just everyday life. These emotions can often pull us out of the present moment, immersing us in past memories or future anxieties, and creating feelings of detachment and disconnection from our current environment.

To navigate these challenging emotions, the grounding technique offers an effective way to re-anchor oneself in the \"here and now.\" This helps pull us out of spirals of overwhelming emotion and return to the present.

The key to successfully implementing grounding is awareness. The first step is to recognize when we have mentally checked out. Once we identify that we are detached from the present, often as a defense mechanism against painful realities, we can choose to ground ourselves.

A Four-Step Grounding Technique

Visual Connection\n
- Begin by focusing on your surroundings. Take in the details - the color, shape, and position of objects around you. Spend about 5 minutes on this step. For example, one might observe, \"The white curtains in front of me are swaying gently with the breeze, revealing a blue sky outside. My drink cup to my left has steam floating from it.\"
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Mindful Breathing\n
- Shift your attention to your breathing. Feel the gentle ebb and flow of your breath. Aim to spend about five minutes on this, breathing deeply and slowly at first in through the nose and out through the mouth, then transitioning to your natural rhythm.
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Physical Awareness\n
- Turn your focus to your body's sensations. Feel the weight of your body on the chair, the touch of your feet on the floor, and any tension or relaxation in other areas of your body. Spend about five minutes on this step.
\n
Engage Other Senses\n
- Finally, tap into your other senses. What scents do you smell? What sounds, near or far, do you hear? Spend about five minutes on this step.
\n

Once patients practice the above grounding technique until it becomes a familiar habit, they will have a valuable emotional resilience tool to draw upon when depression or anxiety tries to pull them out of the present moment. Help stop emotional spirals and protect your mental well-being. You are welcome to shorten or lengthen the amount of time for each step as you see fit.

If you need further help supporting your emotional well-being, it is recommended that you contact a licensed mental health counselor who can provide you with more resources. We encourage you to take the needed steps to improve your mental health and quality of life.

Continue Reading Blood Cancer News

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DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy

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Can medications lower the risk of GvHD in stem cell transplant?

Patients undergoing an allogeneic stem cell transplant face the ongoing challenge of preventing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a potentially serious complication. This article explains a study of 159 adults who received a combination of tacrolimus, sirolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil to prevent GvHD after a reduced intensity conditioning transplant.

If you want to learn more about stem cell transplants, you can visit the HealthTree University unit on stem cell transplantation by clicking the button below. Create an account to save your progress, track lessons you like, and check your knowledge with optional quizzes after every unit.

VIEW HTU LESSONS

How Can GvHD be Prevented?

The study focused on a group of 159 patients at high risk of developing GvHD. Before the stem cell transplant, they received a reduced intensity conditioning chemotherapy and were given three medications to prevent GvHD:

Tacrolimus and sirolimus suppress the immune system, which weakens the negative effects of immune cells responding against donor stem cells.
Mycophenolate mofetil is also an immunosuppressant, which prevents the rejection of transplants.

This strategy was applied regardless of donor type; whether from a matched related donor, matched unrelated donor, or a mismatched unrelated donor.

Key Study Findings

The study showed encouraging outcomes in terms of both survival and GvHD rates.

At one year after transplant:

Progression-free survival (PFS) was 60%. After 3 years, PFS decreased to 49%.
Overall survival (OS) was 70.3%. After 3 years, it remained at 61%.
Non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 8.6%. After 3 years, it rose slightly to 10.4%.
GvHD-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 44%. After 3 years, it was 32%.

These outcomes suggest the three-medication strategy is effective at controlling GvHD without increasing the risk of death from causes unrelated to cancer relapse.

Chronic versus Acute GvHD Rate

Acute GvHD typically appears soon after transplant, while chronic GvHD can show up months later. Here’s what the study found:

Mild-severe acute GvHD (grades 2-4) affected 30.8% of patients by day 180.
Severe-acute GvHD (grades 3-4) occurred in 13.4% of patients.
Chronic GvHD developed in 41% of patients by year three, with 26.6% experiencing moderate to severe forms.

According to the NIH, acute GvHD occurs in 70% of cases and the chances for chronic GvHD ranges from 6% to 80%. This new combination offers a significant reduction in both presentations.

Watch the HealthTree University course on graft versus host disease by clicking the button below.

Managing GvHD

Donor Type Makes a Difference

Patients with matched donors had better outcomes than those with mismatched unrelated donors. If you have questions about how to select a stem cell transplant donor, please contact your blood cancer specialist.

Side Effects and Infection Risks

Aside from GvHD, researchers looked at other side effects:

Graft failure was rare (only 4 out of 159 patients). According to the NIH, the risk of transplant failure ranges from 5-60%. With this new combination, more people could benefit from transplant while reducing the risk of GvHD.
Mouth sores were the most common side effect (32% had severe cases).
Hemorrhagic cystitis (bladder bleeding) and other infections were infrequent and generally treatable.

The combination was generally well tolerated and did not lead to excessive side effects. Notably, rates of viral infections were low, possibly due to sirolimus’s antiviral activity and reduced use of steroids from fewer GvHD flare-ups.

Next Steps

This approach balanced effectiveness and safety. These study findings can help guide therapy discussions with care teams, especially around donor selection and managing expectations for post-transplant outcomes.

You can continue your learning with HealthTree’s Stem Cell Transplant Patient Guide, a compilation of tips and knowledge created from patients, for patients.

VISIT STEM CELL TRANSPLANT PATIENT GUIDE

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Source:

GvHD prophylaxis with tacrolimus, sirolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil after reduced intensity conditioning hematopoietic stem cell allogeneic transplantation

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HealthTree Research presented valuable insights from real-world results powered by patients who advocate for accelerating lifesaving research. At the Controversies in Multiple Myeloma conferences (COMy), HealthTree’s database analysis showed real-world results from 2006–2024 on early myeloma diagnosis.

This analysis shed light on the time it took for patients to be diagnosed, and the parameters used: SLiM criteria, CRAB criteria, and both SLiM and CRAB.

Learn how the inclusion of new biomarkers for earlier diagnosis of myeloma has affected real-world clinical practices, and why some patients still face delays in diagnosis.

Understanding the Diagnostic Shift

In 2014, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) expanded how myeloma could be diagnosed. Before this change, patients were diagnosed only after experiencing symptoms of organ damage, often identified using the CRAB features: Calcium elevation, Renal failure, Anemia, and Bone lesions.

The revision introduced three additional early warning signs known as SLiM biomarkers:

Sixty percent or more plasma cells in the bone marrow
Light chain ratio of 100 or more in blood tests
More than one area of bone damage found by MRI

These updates were meant to catch myeloma sooner. The purpose is to begin treatment earlier and preserve quality of life.

Is Myeloma Being Diagnosed Earlier?

Despite the intended benefits of earlier detection, the HealthTree Research team wanted to find out whether these changes translated into faster diagnoses in real-world settings. They analyzed data from 584 patients diagnosed with myeloma between 2006 and 2024 using the HealthTree Cure Hub Registry.

Researchers tracked when patients first showed either SLiM or CRAB features and how much time passed before they were officially diagnosed. This time period is called the diagnostic interval.

Patients were grouped into three categories based on how they first presented:

26.7% SLiM-only: showing one or more of the newer biomarkers, but no CRAB symptoms
33.6% CRAB-only: showing traditional signs of end-organ damage without SLiM features
39.7% SLiM+CRAB: showing a combination of both types

Key Findings: A Mixed Picture on Timing

SLiM+CRAB cases increased over time, from 23.5% in 2014 to 44.4% in 2024, suggesting greater awareness of early signs in clinical practice.

However, after the 2014 guideline update, the median diagnostic interval was 25 days before 2014 and increased slightly to 31 days after 2014. This difference was not statistically significant.

This means that, overall, diagnosis did not happen more quickly after introducing SLiM criteria. For patients, this suggests that earlier diagnosis may still depend heavily on how symptoms present and whether providers recognize early warning signs.

Why Some Patients Still Wait Longer

Patients who had only SLiM features without organ damage experienced longer delays before diagnosis. In comparison, patients with CRAB-only or SLiM+CRAB were diagnosed significantly faster:

CRAB-only patients were diagnosed 229.5 days sooner
SLiM+CRAB patients were diagnosed 157 days sooner

These findings underscore how myeloma can still be missed when symptoms are subtle or don’t fit traditional patterns. For patients, this is important because earlier diagnosis means earlier access to treatment, which may help slow disease progression.

There is Progress, But Gaps Remain

While more people are being diagnosed with myeloma based on the newer SLiM criteria, this has not yet translated into faster diagnosis. Patients who don’t show obvious symptoms of organ damage may still face delays.

This highlights the importance of regular follow-ups and thorough evaluations. Especially for individuals with known precursor conditions like MGUS or smoldering myeloma. It also reflects a need for ongoing education among healthcare providers to recognize early, SLiM-only signs.

You can too contribute to patient-centered research with HealthTree Cure Hub, where you can securely connect your medical records, keep track of your health and use all our free resources, all in one place.

Create your account to get started and become an active advocate in real-world research.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT

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The immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), lenalidomide (Revlimid) and several of its analogues (Pomalyst/pomalidomide and Thalomid/thalidomide) have been, and are, a mainstay of treatment in myeloma, combined with a range of standard and novel therapies, at all disease stages.

Besides these well-known treatments, there are a couple of newcomers: specifically, iberdomide and mezigdomide (both still in clinical development). These days, this drug group is also referred to as 'Cereblon modulators'. They work by targeting a protein called cereblon (CRBN), which causes the degradation of specific target proteins. Cereblon modulators work like other IMiDs and have various effects, including anti-myeloma effects and immunomodulatory activity.

Why Resistance to IMiDs Matters

Resistance to therapies like lenalidomide is a serious challenge. While researchers know that changes in cereblon or related genes can lead to resistance, these changes only explain about 20–30% of cases. In most patients, the reasons for resistance are still unknown.

Moreover, specific genetic abnormalities such as gain/amplification of 1q (gain/amp1q), deletion of 17p (del17p), and other complex genetic events (double-hit) may also contribute to therapeutic resistance. Pomalidomide, which is often used after lenalidomide stops working, helps 30–40% of patients. This means that 60–70% of people do not respond, leaving limited options for them.

New Clues from Singapore: The ADAR1 Gene

A press release by the National University of Singapore titled “1 Gene Is Key to Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma” caught my eye. This is a brand new development in understanding myeloma and why drugs work, not work, or may stop working for the patient. This press release is backed up by a recent article in the journal Blood, a peer-reviewed publication by the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

The paper presents in detail, an interesting research that has been going on for several years. Past research indicated that lenalidomide sensitivity was due to the CRBN-IKZF1/IKZF3 degradation pathway. The thinking is that lenalidomide interferes with how the cereblon proteins work in the body and damage the proteins called IKZF’s to inhibit and kill myeloma cells. The research from the Singapore team suggests that lenalidomide sensitivity occurs independently of the CRBN-IKZF1/IKZF3 degradation pathway and that ADAR1 may play a role in lenalidomide resistance.

One cannot do justice in trying to summarize the chain of scientific efforts to led to the key conclusions (and the new development of learning how IMiD’s drugs work), but here are some important statements of this groundbreaking findings:

\n
“We identified adenosine deaminase acting on RNA1 (ADAR1) as a novel driver of lenalidomide resistance in multiple myeloma.”
\n
\n
“Mechanistically, ADAR1 loss increased lenalidomide sensitivity through endogenous dsRNA accumulation … Conversely, ADAR1 overexpression reduced lenalidomide sensitivity … “
\n
\n
“Several promising anti-ADAR1 compounds, including ZYS-1 and Rebecsinib, are currently in preclinical development.”
\n

What Could This Mean for Future Treatment Options?

Understanding a gene responsible of becoming resistant to one medication helps identify a more precise and effective treatment plan. And for researchers, it opens the possibility of developing new treatment options that tailor to every patient's needs.

Rebecsinib is an experimental anticancer medication, under development by Aspera Biomedicines. It is derived from Pladienolide B natural product extracted from bacteria, which acts as an inhibitor of ADAR1.

ZYS-1 is a small molecule developed by a Chinese group of researchers, though a more recent publication raised concerns regarding the validation of ZYS-1 as an ADAR1 inhibitor. The primary concern relates to how well it actually works, pointing to issues with the testing method used.

Rebecsinib may have the head start in this race for a new myeloma (and Leukemia) treatment, but we are not even at the stage of human clinical trials. Ergo, we are still several years away from seeing the results of the first clinicals.

Why This Discovery Matters for Patients

Identifying a gene like ADAR1 that plays a role in resistance helps researchers understand why therapies stop working. This opens the door to developing more personalized and effective treatment plans. It may also lead to entirely new therapy options that address each patient’s specific biology.

By learning more about the underlying causes of resistance, both patients and doctors gain better tools for managing myeloma more effectively in the future.

Keep reading articles like this, and stay tuned for our upcoming coverage at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conferences. Click the button below to visit the HealthTree News site and explore more articles!

Sources:

Read more on mezigdomide here.
What are IMiDs and CELMoDs in Multiple Myeloma?
Small Molecule Drug Reverses ADAR1-induced Cancer Stem Cell Cloning Capacity

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Understanding High-Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

What is an ODAC Meeting and Why Does This Matter?

AQUILA Study Results

The phase 3 AQUILA study compared three years of daratumumab therapy to active monitoring in patients with high-risk SMM. Key findings included:

Median progression-free survival (time without disease progression) was not reached in patients taking daratumumab versus 41.5 months for the monitoring group.
At five years, 63.1% of daratumumab-treated patients had not progressed compared to 40.8% of individuals under active monitoring.
Daratumumab reduced the risk of progressing to multiple myeloma or death by 51%.

These outcomes suggest that daratumumab could significantly delay or prevent progression to active myeloma.

FDA Perspectives

The FDA's core concerns were the following:

The risk criteria are evolving, and the study included low, intermediate, and high-risk smoldering patients. The FDA cited the fact that at the time the study began (2017), the risk criteria for smoldering myeloma had not yet been updated. This update happened in 2018 (called the Mayo 20/2/20 model). The FDA noted that more than half of the AQUILA study participants would not be considered high-risk today by any of the updated risk models (from 2018 or 2020).
Not all patients may need treatment. Even for patients who progressed to active myeloma during the study (on either trial arm), 20% of them were not immediately treated. The main reason cited for no treatment in 58% of patients was \"controlled disease or no progression.\" Perhaps these patients were experiencing a rise in their monoclonal protein levels, but they were not at high enough levels for treatment or the development of CRAB criteria.
Does delaying progression have a meaningful benefit in the long-term? If a patient is treated early, do they live longer even after they progress to multiple myeloma?
Is this the right endpoint? The FDA prefers overall survival (OS) as an endpoint, but noted that if this trial had been powered for OS, it would have required 2,487 study participants, which they understood would be impossible.

Expert Perspectives

The study showed a meaningful delay in disease progression
There was no negative impact on patients' quality of life
There were understandable side effects
Patients may want to be treated to take action or reduce anxiety
In the future, we may want to consider more than a single-agent therapy for the treatment of high-risk smoldering myeloma

In the comments portion, Irene Ghobrial, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, stated, \"This is a true cancer. There is nothing pre-malignant in smoldering myeloma.\"

ODAC Committee Perspectives

They wanted to be assured that smoldering myeloma is indeed a cancer and not just a pre-cancerous condition. Smoldering myeloma is a cancerous condition.
Some patients who will never progress may be overtreated.
Some patients who need to be treated may be undertreated if only a single therapy is used.
Is the goal to prevent myeloma from happening or delay myeloma from occurring?
We need a better identification of patients who are more likely to progress to active disease.
Patient anxiety isn't a reason for approval. Physicians should do an adequate job in patient monitoring and discussions to alleviate anxiety.
The trial was sufficiently long and met its primary endpoint.
Let patients decide with their doctors what is best.

Next Steps and The Importance of Shared Decision-Making for Patients

Do I have high-risk smoldering myeloma? What criteria are you using?
How are you monitoring my high-risk smoldering myeloma? (What frequency and using what tools)
If I have high-risk smoldering myeloma, should it be treated?
What is the treatment goal? Delay of progression or myeloma cell elimination?
What side effects can I anticipate?
If I should be treated for my high-risk smoldering myeloma, what is my best treatment choice? Should I receive daratumumab, join a clinical trial, or consider another option?
How will this affect my future care?

Conclusion

Continue Reading Myeloma News

Sources:

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ISB 2001 is a new trispecific T-cell engager being tested in early clinical trials for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Based on phase 1 study results showing the treatment’s safety, the FDA has granted it Fast Track designation. This designation is given to promising new therapies that address unmet medical needs or serious diseases.

Targeting Multiple Myeloma in a New Way

ISB 2001 is designed to activate the immune system against multiple myeloma cells by engaging three targets at once: BCMA, CD38, which are proteins on the surface of myeloma cells, and CD3, a marker on T-cells.

Unlike older therapies that target only one or two of these proteins, ISB 2001 is engineered to bind even when the cancer cells have low levels of the target proteins. Its structure also helps reduce unwanted effects on healthy tissues. This design may reduce side effects and maintain strong anti-myeloma activity.

The Study That Was Granted FDA Fast Track

The phase 1 study tested ISB 2001 in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Participants had already received at least three types of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody.

Patients received ISB 2001 once a week through a subcutaneous injection, and gradually increased the dose. Among patients who received doses ranging from 50 to 1200 micrograms per kilogram, the overall response rate was 83%.

Long-Lasting Effect with Fewer Injections

One of the goals of the study was to understand how the body processes ISB 2001. The medication had a long half-life, which could allow for less frequent dosing in future treatment plans. Additionally, the time to first response was relatively short with a median of 36 days meaning patients began seeing benefits within the first month of treatment.

A key concern with newer immunotherapies is how well patients tolerate them. In this trial, no dose-limiting toxicities were observed, even at higher doses.

The most common side effects were:

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), occured in 75% of patients. This is an immune-related reaction that was mostly mild (grade 1), with only two cases reaching grade 2. It appeared around 3 days after treatment and lasted about 2 days, on average.
Injection site reactions were seen in 60% of patients.
Infection and blood-related side effects remained low, making the therapy potentially more manageable for patients with a weakened immune system.

Additionally, no cases of brain-related side effects were reported, which is often a concern with similar therapies.

What’s Next for ISB 2001?

FDA Fast Track designation is given to treatments that address unmet medical needs, potentially accelerating their development.. The dose-escalation part of the study has been completed, and full results will be shared at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The study is now in its dose-expansion phase, where more patients will be enrolled to further evaluate the treatment’s effects.

Stay tuned for updates from the ASCO conference on the HealthTree News site.

STAY TUNED

For people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, treatment options can become limited over time. In response to the need for more options for those who have tried many different treatments, ISB 2001 offers a different approach by targeting multiple markers on myeloma cells while diminishing side effects.

You can learn more about bispecific antibodies and clinical trial endpoints in HealthTree’s patient guides.

BISPECIFIC ANTIBODIES

CLINICAL TRIAL GUIDE

Sources:

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Why Resistance to IMiDs Matters

New Clues from Singapore: The ADAR1 Gene

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“We identified adenosine deaminase acting on RNA1 (ADAR1) as a novel driver of lenalidomide resistance in multiple myeloma.”
\n
\n
“Mechanistically, ADAR1 loss increased lenalidomide sensitivity through endogenous dsRNA accumulation … Conversely, ADAR1 overexpression reduced lenalidomide sensitivity … “
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\n
“Several promising anti-ADAR1 compounds, including ZYS-1 and Rebecsinib, are currently in preclinical development.”
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What Could This Mean for Future Treatment Options?

Why This Discovery Matters for Patients

By learning more about the underlying causes of resistance, both patients and doctors gain better tools for managing myeloma more effectively in the future.

Sources:

Read more on mezigdomide here.
What are IMiDs and CELMoDs in Multiple Myeloma?
Small Molecule Drug Reverses ADAR1-induced Cancer Stem Cell Cloning Capacity

Continue reading to learn findings from the DREAMM-9 trial!

What is belamaf?

Learn More About Belamaf in HealthTree University

How is belamaf being evaluated for newly diagnosed myeloma patients?

What do the results show so far?

At the check-in point (varied for each group from 7.8 to 37.6 months):

Overall response rate (ORR): Ranged from 71% to 100% depending on the group
Very good partial response (VGPR) or better: Reached 100% in 3 of the groups
Complete response (CR) or better: Seen in 30% to 92% of patients across groups
Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity: Ranged from 0% to 75% among groups and continued to increase during the maintenance phase

!AD!

How were side effects managed?

Key takeaways

!AD!

Continue Reading Myeloma News

Source:

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Phase I Study of Belantamab Mafodotin in Combination with Standard of Care in Transplant-Ineligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: DREAMM-9 Updated Interim Analysis
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Mental Health Challenges Are Common During Cancer

That’s why integrating mental health care into cancer treatment is essential. However, research shows that mental health is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in cancer patients.

!AD!

Antidepressants May Improve Psychological and Physical Symptoms

Beyond treating depression, antidepressants can help with symptoms that often come with cancer and its treatment:

Fatigue: Medications like bupropion (Wellbutrin) have stimulating effects and may improve energy and concentration.
Nerve pain: medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) can relieve nerve pain from chemotherapy.
Sleep issues and appetite loss: Mirtazapine (Remeron, Organon) may improve sleep, reduce nausea, and boost appetite.
Hot flashes: SSRIs and SNRIs have shown success in managing hot flashes, particularly for people on hormonal therapies.

These added benefits make antidepressants a useful option for people experiencing multiple symptoms related to cancer.

Avoiding Drug Interactions for Better Outcomes

SSRIs Might Offer Protective Effects Against Certain Cancers

Some large studies suggest SSRIs could reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. For example:

A 39% lower risk of oral cancer in people who used SSRIs
Reduced rates of liver cancer with fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) use.

These findings are still being researched, but they highlight the need to look at the broader effects of these treatments.

!AD!

Are Guidelines For Mental Health In Cancer Used?

A Holistic Approach to Cancer Treatment

When using antidepressants, especially with anti-cancer treatment, it’s also important to:

Start at low doses to reduce side effects
Choose medications based on the symptoms (energy loss, insomnia, anxiety)
Monitor closely for drug interactions
Reevaluate regularly to adjust treatment

!AD!

Final Thoughts

Stay tuned for more articles at the HealthTree News site!

See Mental Health Resources

Sources:

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📢 Exciting News! 📢

HealthTree and Roswell Park IMF Support Group are teaming up for a special event on May 28, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:30 EST!

If you live in Buffalo or the surrounding area, join us virtually to discover all the incredible ways HealthTree empowers patients, drives research, and accelerates cures. This is your chance to learn, connect, and take action!

If you don't live in the Buffalo area, this is part of a nationwide series happening throughout the year, so stay tuned for events in your area!

📝 Don’t miss out—register now and be part of the movement!

Questions? Contact Group Leader Morgan Tyczynski

📩 E-mail: RoswellPark@imfsupport.org

📞 716-845-1300 x6788

Let’s team up! Have your computer, tablet, or phone ready, and we’ll create accounts, connect medical records, and work together to help speed up the search for a cure.

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Engage in a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A with academic and community oncologists.

Patients share their personal experiences with treatment, clinical trials, doctor communication, and navigating their cancer journey.

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Discover impactful ways to contribute and help accelerate a cure.

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Explore essential support and community resources at the HealthTree Fair.

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Breakout sessions by disease type: connect with local patients who share your diagnosis.

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Join us for HealthTree Connect to Cures in Macon, GA, on Saturday, May 31st, and connect with other blood cancer patients and caregivers in your community.

This free, in-person event offers a meaningful opportunity to:

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Connect with others facing similar challenges to learn, share, and support one another.
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Learn from doctors and patients through interactive panels\n
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  - Featuring Dr. Craig Hofmeister (Emory Winship) and Dr. Leslie Popplewell (City of Hope Atlanta)
  \n
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Discover helpful resources at the HealthTree Fair, including support programs, tools, and local services

Lunch will be provided, and you’ll leave with practical tools—and stronger community connections—to support your care journey.

Please note: This is an in-person event and will not be recorded.

Thanks to our sponsors

$\"\"$

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Cynthia introduces the agenda of the event and featured speaker Diahanna Vallentine.

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Diahanna answers your financial questions!

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In this session, our Financial Advocacy Program Manager, Diahanna Vallentine covered essential topics related to managing the costs of blood cancer treatment, understanding insurance coverage, and accessing financial resources. Diahanna answered presubmitted questions along with live questions asked by members of the audience. Whether addressing specific concerns or providing general tips, Diahanna offered valuable guidance to help patients navigate the financial challenges of care.

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(3:10) My husband is on long term lenalidomide maintenance treatment. Since retirement, we have qualified for income based grants which have completely covered any co-payments. Last year we sold our home of 39 years and realized a large capital gain which will put us over the income limit to qualify for these grants. How will this be handled by the grant issuers?
(7:04) Are there any grants or other financial resources available to assist with the $2,000.00 co-pay for patients with Multiple Myeloma for 2025?
(23:07) I have MGUS and have lab work and see a Dr every six months. Do I need to do something now in regards to insurance in case I transition to MM later?
(29:45) Can you explain balance billing and if it is common for myeloma patients?

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Join us for our next bi-monthly financial Q&A in February! Watch for an announcement to sign up and submit your questions in advance, or keep an eye on our events page. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and get your financial questions answered.

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Join us for our bi-monthly financial Q&A featuring, our amazing in-house financial expert, Diahanna Vallentine! This engaging session is your opportunity to get answers to your pressing questions about blood cancer treatment costs, insurance coverage, and financial resources available to you. Whether you have specific concerns or just want to learn more about managing your finances during treatment, Diahanna is here to provide valuable insights and guidance. Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with the information you need to navigate the financial aspects of your care!

Please submit your questions in advance here.

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