014 Stem cells : what they are, mobilisation and collection.
Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes. We've now moved to a fortnightly release schedule, so you can now hear us every-other Thursday.
During this episode, Jam & Sally give an in-depth, patient-friendly guide to stem cell mobilisation - the essential step before undergoing an autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma.
📌Key Takeaways:
Stem cells are collected from your blood - not your bone marrow - thanks to clever modern techniques.
Daily injections (GCSF) help ‘mobilise’ these vital parent cells for collection and storage.
Most people collect enough cells for transplant in just one or two days - with minimal discomfort.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance regarding your health concerns
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Jam Kothari
Dr Jam Kothari (@myeloma_medic) is an Oxford based blood cancer doctor, specialising in the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated conditions. He has been a consultant for a decade, and leads the provision of myeloma care for Oxford and neighbouring areas. He lectures regionally and nationally and leads clinical trials investigating the use of new treatments for myeloma. He is a strong believer in patient based, holistic care, delivered with warmth, clarity and integrity.
Dr. Sally Moore
Dr Sally Moore is a Bristol based consultant who specialises in treating patients living with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. She oversees the delivery of clinical research studies for myeloma patients and has academic interests in how to maximise quality of life for patients and improve outcomes in older, less fit patients. She frequently contributes to myeloma related educational events for fellow doctors and healthcare professionals at a local, regional and national level and is an active member of the UK Myeloma Research Alliance and an executive member of the UK Myeloma Society.
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27:41
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27:41
013 Trojan Horse Therapy for Myeloma: A First for the NHS
Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.
During this episode, Jam & Sally talk about a ground-breaking new combination therapy for multiple myeloma available on the NHS from this week. They highlight how it works, who it’s for, and what patients need to know.
📌Key Takeaways:
A new 'Trojan horse' drug is now approved on the NHS for first relapse myeloma.
Treatment is effective, flexible — and may only be needed every few months.
Watch out for eye side effects — they're common, but usually temporary and manageable.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance regarding your health concerns
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Jam Kothari
Dr Jam Kothari (@myeloma_medic) is an Oxford based blood cancer doctor, specialising in the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated conditions. He has been a consultant for a decade, and leads the provision of myeloma care for Oxford and neighbouring areas. He lectures regionally and nationally and leads clinical trials investigating the use of new treatments for myeloma. He is a strong believer in patient based, holistic care, delivered with warmth, clarity and integrity.
Dr. Sally Moore
Dr Sally Moore is a Bristol based consultant who specialises in treating patients living with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. She oversees the delivery of clinical research studies for myeloma patients and has academic interests in how to maximise quality of life for patients and improve outcomes in older, less fit patients. She frequently contributes to myeloma related educational events for fellow doctors and healthcare professionals at a local, regional and national level and is an active member of the UK Myeloma Research Alliance and an executive member of the UK Myeloma Society.
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32:11
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32:11
012 Treatment Without Transplant: What Older Myeloma Patients Need to Know
Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.
This episode explores the standard treatment for older or transplant-ineligible patients with myeloma, focusing on the DRD regimen, its side effects, and supportive care options.
📌Key points:
The DRD combo (Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone) can keep myeloma controlled for years—even in older patients.
Steroids are powerful but often reduced or stopped early to improve quality of life.
You may start with a dozen pills—but many are temporary and can be stopped as treatment progresses.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance regarding your health concerns
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Jam Kothari
Dr Jam Kothari (@myeloma_medic) is an Oxford based blood cancer doctor, specialising in the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated conditions. He has been a consultant for a decade, and leads the provision of myeloma care for Oxford and neighbouring areas. He lectures regionally and nationally and leads clinical trials investigating the use of new treatments for myeloma. He is a strong believer in patient based, holistic care, delivered with warmth, clarity and integrity.
Dr. Sally Moore
Dr Sally Moore is a Bristol based consultant who specialises in treating patients living with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. She oversees the delivery of clinical research studies for myeloma patients and has academic interests in how to maximise quality of life for patients and improve outcomes in older, less fit patients. She frequently contributes to myeloma related educational events for fellow doctors and healthcare professionals at a local, regional and national level and is an active member of the UK Myeloma Research Alliance and an executive member of the UK Myeloma Society.
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32:05
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32:05
011 Understanding Induction Therapy for Myeloma
Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.
This episode guides you as a patient or carer through induction therapy for myeloma, focusing on the DVTD regimen, its side effects, supportive treatments, and how to manage them.
💡You'll learn:
How four powerful drugs work together to fight myeloma — and why you don’t need to suffer through side effects.
That neuropathy is reasonably common, but catching it early can prevent long-term damage.
There’s a lot of medication, but most of it won’t last forever — and your team is there to help you through it.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance regarding your health concerns
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Jam Kothari
Dr Jam Kothari (@myeloma_medic) is an Oxford based blood cancer doctor, specialising in the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated conditions. He has been a consultant for a decade, and leads the provision of myeloma care for Oxford and neighbouring areas. He lectures regionally and nationally and leads clinical trials investigating the use of new treatments for myeloma. He is a strong believer in patient based, holistic care, delivered with warmth, clarity and integrity.
Dr. Sally Moore
Dr Sally Moore is a Bristol based consultant who specialises in treating patients living with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. She oversees the delivery of clinical research studies for myeloma patients and has academic interests in how to maximise quality of life for patients and improve outcomes in older, less fit patients. She frequently contributes to myeloma related educational events for fellow doctors and healthcare professionals at a local, regional and national level and is an active member of the UK Myeloma Research Alliance and an executive member of the UK Myeloma Society.
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34:42
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34:42
010 The First Steps in Myeloma Care: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.
During this episode, Drs Jam and Sally provide a clear and compassionate guide to first-line treatment for multiple myeloma.
💡You'll learn:
About 'induction', 'consolidation' and 'maintenance'—and why they matter.
Why pathways can often be dictated by age/health.
...And that the aim isn’t just survival—it’s living well with myeloma.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance regarding your health concerns
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Jam Kothari
Dr Jam Kothari (@myeloma_medic) is an Oxford based blood cancer doctor, specialising in the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated conditions. He has been a consultant for a decade, and leads the provision of myeloma care for Oxford and neighbouring areas. He lectures regionally and nationally and leads clinical trials investigating the use of new treatments for myeloma. He is a strong believer in patient based, holistic care, delivered with warmth, clarity and integrity.
Dr. Sally Moore
Dr Sally Moore is a Bristol based consultant who specialises in treating patients living with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. She oversees the delivery of clinical research studies for myeloma patients and has academic interests in how to maximise quality of life for patients and improve outcomes in older, less fit patients. She frequently contributes to myeloma related educational events for fellow doctors and healthcare professionals at a local, regional and national level and is an active member of the UK Myeloma Research Alliance and an executive member of the UK Myeloma Society.
UK