Dr. Philip McCarthy of Roswell Park Cancer Institute on transplants: best induction therapies, best approaches for high risk and how patients can recover faster

Dr. Philip McCarthy of Roswell Park Cancer Institute on transplants: best induction therapies, best approaches for high risk and how patients can recover faster
Event Description
Dr. Philip McCarthy, MD
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Interview date: February 21, 2014
Dr. Philip McCarthy shares his deep experience with transplantation in myeloma. He tells us that transplant eligibility depends on fitness, not age, and that older patients can successfully complete transplants. He notes that research is showing that the most effective induction therapies before transplants are triple combinations that include a proteasome inhibitor, an iMiD, and a steroid and tells us why this is better than either a two-combination or even four-combination approach. He shares a study recently closed with 750 patients that aims determine which approach is best for transplant - a single transplant, a tandem transplant, or a single transplant with maintenance therapy (we look forward to seeing this data). He describes a study that is looking at the timing for transplant, whether it's better to have it up-front or later and tells us that the up-front transplant may be better in younger patients. He tells us that the right approach for the right patient is based on a full set of diagnostic tests including testing for minimal residual disease which is tested through both flow cytometry and a new test called PCR. He also describes a new test to study the heavy chain from a company called Binding Site. He describes efforts to make these test more standardized so that when research is done for myeloma patients, they are comparing apples to apples. He shares studies that show best approaches for patients with del 17, del 13 and renal failure. He describes his research efforts to help minimize side effects like mucositis and assist patients' immune systems to recover at a faster pace after transplant. In the caller questions, he also answers an important question about lenalidomide and secondary cancers and how the benefits and risks are reviewed.
Schedule & Agenda
Speakers & Moderators

My research interests are devoted to developing novel intensive and reduced intensity allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) approaches for the treatment of hematologic disorders, leading to improved patient outcomes and decreased toxicity. I have over 20 years of experience treating HSCT patients and directing clinical and translational HSCT research studies. I have served as chair, or co-chair, of several clinical trials, including CALGB 100104, a phase III clinical trial evaluating lenalidomide maintenance after autologous HSCT for multiple myeloma (MM). This study demonstrated an improved progression-free and overall survival for MM patients receiving lenalidomide maintenance therapy after autologous HSCT. Our team has developed a systematic approach to the evaluation and treatment of HSCT patients with a specific focus on predicting and minimizing treatment-related mortality (TRM). We participate with a core group of basic science and clinical researchers who are committed to the investigation of the complications of autologous and allogeneic HSCT and to the developing novel approaches to improve outcomes.

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.
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