Newer approaches for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with Dr. Ravi Vij, MD, Washington University School of Medicine

Newer approaches for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with Dr. Ravi Vij, MD, Washington University School of Medicine
Event Description
Dr. Ravi Vij, MD Washington University School of Medicine Interview Date: January 29, 2015
Dr. Ravi Vij, MD, discusses newer options for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients. He shares that little is known about why some patients become drug resistant and says that drug resistance can't be predicted. He notes the complexities of myeloma, that there isn't a single clone of the disease in each patient, but rather sub-clones where one could be affected by treatment and other resistant to treatment. He shares the use of the new monoclonal antibodies elotuzumab and the two new anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies. He also shares that the newer drugs carfilzomib and pomalidomide are helping relapsed patients and may give better response rates. He mentions several other new inhibitors that may also be effective for relapsed patients including ARRY-520, KPT-330 and Ibrutinib. These are still in the early stages of study, but represent a growing number of newer options being tested. He notes that the field is maturing, with new genetic testing able to identify specific genes that are mutated in myeloma and other cancers. He describes the difference between the gene expression profile (GEP) and whole genome sequencing and tells us that the $1000 genome test is here today, but says the challenge is finding the people and systems to interpret that data. He describes "personalized medicine" and "precision medicine" and suggests that these new ways of looking at myeloma and cancer in general may require a different approach to clinical trials. The Myeloma Crowd Radio Show with Dr. Vij
Schedule & Agenda
Speakers & Moderators

Dr. Ravi Vij is Jeffrey S and Prue H Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he specializes in hematologic malignancies with an academic focus on Multiple Myeloma, transplant, and cellular therapies. He also serves as Director of the Multiple Myeloma Program and as Medical Director for Satellite Operations in the Division of Oncology. Dr. Vij pursued his medical education at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, before completing postgraduate training in the United Kingdom. He subsequently moved to the United States, where he undertook an internal medicine residency at Rush University in Chicago, followed by fellowships in medical oncology/hematology and bone marrow transplantation at Washington University. Since joining the faculty in 2000, he has advanced through the academic ranks to full Professor of Medicine. His career has been dedicated to advancing treatment for multiple myeloma and related blood cancers. He currently serves as Senior Editor for the journal Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukemia and has served on the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB/Alliance) Myeloma, Leukemia, and Transplant Committees, the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium Steering Committee, Clinical Trials Network Myeloma Committee, American Society of Clinical Oncology education and scientific committees, and as Chair of the ASH Scientific Committee on Plasma Cell Dyscrasias. Dr. Vij leads a programmatic effort to further research in multiple myeloma. As the Principal Investigator for the Multiple Myeloma Tissue Banking initiative, he has fostered several collaborative efforts with laboratory researchers at Washington University to study the mutational landscape and clonal heterogeneity of multiple myeloma and its microenvironment. An active clinical investigator, Dr. Vij has led and contributed to numerous pivotal clinical trials that have shaped the modern therapeutic landscape of multiple myeloma. His research includes early development of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, novel transplant approaches, immunotherapies including CAR-T cells, bispecific antibodies, and genomics-driven strategies. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Blood, Journal of Clinical Oncology and Leukemia. Dr. Vij has mentored more than 25 fellows in clinical research, nurturing the development of future leaders in hematology and oncology. His contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Innovator Award, the Center of Excellence Award, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Visionary of the Year Award (2023). He has also been repeatedly listed in Best Doctors in America and received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, underscoring his enduring commitment to education and mentorship.

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.
Have Any Questions?
Thank you for your interest in the event. If you have any questions, we would love to help!
Feel free to give us a call or send us a message below.
Get In Touch With Us
1-800-709-1113
Support@healthtree.org
Get the Latest Multiple Myeloma Updates, Delivered to You.
By subscribing to the HealthTree newsletter, you'll receive the latest research, treatment updates, and expert insights to help you navigate your health.
Together we care.
Together we cure.