Three myeloma themes with Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski of MD Anderson Cancer Center:Immunotherapy, making transplant better and using new small molecules for more convenient myeloma care

Three myeloma themes with Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski of MD Anderson Cancer Center:Immunotherapy, making transplant better and using new small molecules for more convenient myeloma care
Event Description
Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski, MD, PhD MD Anderson Cancer Center Interview date: March 21, 2014
Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski shares a three-themed approach at MD Anderson to combat myeloma: Using immonotherapy in many new and exciting ways, better therapies to make stem cell transplants more effective, and new small molecules. He describes options for both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory myeloma patients using monoclonal antibodies to allow a patient's own immune system to target the myeloma. For high-risk newly diagnosed patients, elotuzumab (that targets the CS1 protein) is being used. For relapsed/refractory patients, daratumumab (that targets the CD38 protein) is being used. He shares the very exciting use of vaccines and how they target myeloma and strengthen the immune system at the same time. These newer vaccine approaches are being used with and without transplant and possibly as maintenance therapy (!). He also discusses an upcoming PD-1 study that takes the brakes off the immune system. These powerful approaches may be what the future holds for myeloma therapies - less chemotherapy and a combination of immunotherapies that will strengthen, support and take the breaks off the immune system to target myeloma but boost the immune system at the same time. With 38 active open trials in myeloma (an exceptionally large number at one center), he shares the benefits of having a large myeloma team. With the complexity of myeloma and a wide variety of newer approaches, it is simply not possible for one expert to cover it all. Dr. Orlowski also describes the work to improve quality of life by using small molecules (like proteasome inhibitors) in oral versions so patients can spend less time in the clinic. The live mPatient Myeloma Radio podcast with Dr. Robert Z. Orlowski
Schedule & Agenda
Speakers & Moderators

Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., is Director of Myeloma, and Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Lymphoma/Myeloma and Experimental Therapeutics, where he is board-certified in medical oncology. Dr. Orlowski earned his doctoral degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University and his medical degree from the Yale University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes Hospital at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. After his fellowships in Hematology and Medical Oncology at John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, he joined the faculty at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Following that, Dr. Orlowski accepted a position at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2007 to lead the Myeloma Section in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma. His research interests include pathobiology of, novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms of drug resistance in myeloma which are documented in hundreds of scientific articles, book chapters, and presentations at conferences. Dr. Orlowski is an investigator on numerous clinical trials, and appointed Myeloma Committee Chair for SWOG.

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.