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The Utility of MRD Testing for Myeloma Patient Treatment and Outcomes with Benjamin Derman, MD image

The Utility of MRD Testing for Myeloma Patient Treatment and Outcomes with Benjamin Derman, MD

Posted on: Jul 07, 2023
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Description

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Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing is a more sensitive way to test for remaining disease following myeloma treatment. Its use could change the way experts treat multiple myeloma now and in the future. MRD testing may help determine which patients should stay on treament or which patients are able to stop if they stay MRD negative for a long period of time. It may help prevent over or under treating patients. 

In this show Benjamin Derman, MD of the University of Chicago shares what MRD testing is, how it's being used in clinical trials as a new clinical trial end point, what the FDA wants to see in clinical trial data, how it could be used to determine if treatment can stop based on a patient's status, why it's needed and when it should be used. He shares his MRD2STOP study and the results to date. 

Patients can take advantage of the progress in MRD testing to truly personalize and optimize their care. 

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Overview

MRD testing is coming of age in both clinical trials and in the myeloma clinic. Ben Derman, MD of the University of Chicago shares MRD basics, how MRD testing is being evaluated by the FDA as a new clinical trial end point, and clinical trials that are using MRD testing.  It is too soon to tell, but over time, perhaps in the future MRD testing can inform patients about how well they may do on treatment, and when to start or stop therapy based on the results. 

Thanks to our episode sponsor: 

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On this episode
Healthtree contact Jennifer Ahlstrom

Jennifer Ahlstrom

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.
Healthtree contact Benjamin Derman, MD

Benjamin Derman, MD

Benjamin Derman, MD, specializes in hematology and oncology. Dr. Derman is an expert in multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders, such as monoclonal gammopathy, amyloidosis, plasmacytoma, and POEMS syndrome. He also diagnoses and treats cancerous conditions and uses the most innovative techniques, including CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell transplantation to deliver long-term success for his patients. Along with his clinical practice, Dr. Derman remains committed to research. Currently, he is focused on identifying strategies that can lead to a possible cure for multiple myeloma, including using very sensitive tests that measure small amounts of residual cancer cells in the body called ‘minimal residual disease’ (MRD) to guide decision making. Dr. Derman is also investigating new methods and therapies designed to improve outcomes and quality of life for his patients. Additionally, he is interested in evaluating reasons for racial disparities in multiple myeloma outcomes to better understand and care for those patients. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancer, Blood, Blood Advances, Blood Cancer Journal, Leukemia and Lymphoma and British Journal of Haematology.
Transcript

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