Minimal Residual Disease Testing and Why It Matters to Myeloma Patients with Dr. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, MSKCC

C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, is Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Myeloma Program, and Leader of the Experimental Program at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center. Read more about his move to Miami here. Dr. Landgren is a pioneer in the drug development and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in myeloma. In collaboration with colleagues throughout the world, he develops new strategies (including cell-based, molecular-based, and imaging-based) and continues to be a leader of using advanced MRD testing in clinical trials. He is involved in the service’s rational treatment program (small molecule, monoclonal antibody, immune-based) for newly diagnosed, relapsed and refractory myeloma and amyloidosis patients. His research focuses on early drug development, advanced disease monitoring by new minimal residual disease (MRD) assays and biomarkers, and immune-PET to monitor treatment. He also studies mechanism and markers of progression from MGUS/smoldering myeloma to symptomatic multiple myeloma, and the identification of high-risk precursor patients who may be candidates for early treatment. Prior to joining Miami, Dr. Landgren was the Chief Attending Physician of the Myeloma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Professor of Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City and Chief of the Multiple Myeloma Section of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Landgren received his MD at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden; and he has had fellowships at Karolinska University Hospital and the National Cancer Institute. He is a frequent speaker at national and international meetings, and has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers.

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.