The Myeloma Minutes – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode explores why people with myeloma are more vulnerable to infection, how treatments affect immunity, and the practical steps patients and carers can take to stay well.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Myeloma and its treatments can weaken the immune system - but the risk changes over time. 
• Fever, coughs or feeling “not quite right” should never be ignored - early treatment matters.
• From vaccines to exercise and preventative antibiotics, small steps can make a big difference. 

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

We are proudly partnered with Myeloma UK for this episode. For more credible myeloma advice, please visit: https://www.myeloma.org.uk/

The Myeloma UK InfoLine is: 0800 980 3332

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 (@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 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.

This episode explains why people with myeloma are at higher risk of blood clots, how blood thinners help, and the warning signs patients and carers should never ignore.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Myeloma and some myeloma treatments can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots.
• Simple steps like staying hydrated, keeping mobile and taking blood thinners correctly really matter.
• Leg swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness should never be ignored : Fast treatment saves lives.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

We are proudly partnered with Myeloma UK for this episode. For more credible myeloma advice, please visit: https://www.myeloma.org.uk/

The Myeloma UK InfoLine is: 0800 980 3332

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.

Dr Jam Katari and Dr Sally Moore are joined by leading myeloma experts to look back on 2025’s biggest breakthroughs; from early treatment for smouldering myeloma to cutting-edge CAR-T therapy made inside the body.

This is part 1 of a seasonal special, featuring Professor Karthik Ramasamy and Dr. Ceri Bygrave. Please ensure you listen to our second part next week.

1. Early action: Could treating smouldering myeloma stop the disease before it starts?

2. Sharper tools: New genetic tests are redefining what “high-risk” myeloma really means.

3. Future now: “In vivo” CAR-T therapy turns your own body into the treatment factory—real-life medical sci-fi!

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

We are proudly partnered with Myeloma UK for this episode. For more credible myeloma advice, please visit: https://www.myeloma.org.uk/

The Myeloma UK InfoLine is: 0800 980 3332

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.

This episode introduces Talquetamab - a newly approved bispecific antibody for relapsed myeloma - explaining how it works, who it’s for, and what side effects patients should expect and prepare for.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Talquetamab is a brand-new treatment targeting GPRC5D - offering another effective option after several previous therapies.
• Early side effects like fever, blood pressure changes or confusion are monitored closely and are almost always reversible.
• Taste changes, mouth soreness, skin issues and nail changes are common - but they can usually be managed so patients can stay on the treatment.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

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.

Sean Molloy, renown spinal surgeon at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) NHS Trust in Stanmore explains how tailored bracing, breakthrough bone healing in myeloma, physiotherapy and minimally invasive vertebroplasty can transform pain, mobility and long-term spinal stability.

📌Key Takeaways:

• A brace can act like “nature’s own surgery”, guiding powerful myeloma-driven bone regrowth to prevent long-term spinal collapse.
• The first 12 weeks after diagnosis are critical — the right brace and mobility plan can stop irreversible forward bending (kyphosis).
• For selected patients, vertebroplasty can provide rapid pain relief, restoring function when a single fracture refuses to settle.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

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.

Dr Jam & Sally unpack what neuropathy is, why it happens in myeloma treatment, and how patients can recognise, prevent and manage it to protect their quality of life.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Know the signs early – tingling, numbness or pain shouldn’t be ignored; speak up before symptoms worsen.
• Treatment can be adjusted – modern dosing and combinations make neuropathy less common and more manageable.
• You don’t have to live with it – there are effective ways to ease nerve pain and protect your long-term wellbeing.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

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.

Dr Jam & Sally unpack what remission, relapse and refractory disease truly mean for people living with myeloma — and explore how close we are to talking about cure.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Remission ≠ cure – myeloma can be controlled for years, even if it never fully disappears.
• Monitoring matters – blood tests, bone marrow checks and scans together tell the full story.
• Hope is growing – deeper remissions and new tests mean “functional cure” is now within reach.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

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.

This episode unpacks the complex world of myeloma genetics - what high and standard risk really mean, how these tests guide treatment, and how future advances could lead to truly personalised care with Sarah Gooding.

Sarah is a colleague, and an Honorary Consultant Haematologist, based in Oxford.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Your myeloma is unique - genetic tests help doctors understand how it may behave and respond to treatment.
• High-risk myeloma can still respond well to newer, more powerful therapies now being developed.
• The future lies in personalised treatment - matching the right drug to each patient’s myeloma for the best outcomes.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

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.

This episode features Dr Sophie Castell, CEO of Myeloma UK, sharing insights into the charity’s vital work in research, advocacy, patient support, and tackling inequalities in myeloma care.

📌Key Takeaways:

• Survival rates for myeloma have quadrupled — and living well is now as important as living longer.

• Myeloma UK drives progress from early diagnosis to survivorship, always keeping patients’ voices central.

• The new “Knowledge is Power” campaign tackles inequalities, raising awareness in communities most affected.

For extra content and more resources, please visit our website: https://www.themyelomaminutes.com/

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.

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  We've now moved to a fortnightly release schedule, so you can now hear us every-other Thursday.

This episode explains the newly approved four-drug treatment (Isatuximab, Velcade, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone) for older people with myeloma who are not eligible for a stem cell transplant.

📌Key Takeaways:

• This four-drug ‘quadruplet’ can keep myeloma under control for many years — even in older patients.
• Each drug works differently, combining to give stronger and longer remissions.
• Side effects like infection, neuropathy or diarrhoea are real — but doses can be tailored to keep patients well.

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.