The Myeloma Minutes

029 Belantamab Returns: A New Combination for First Relapse Myeloma

This episode explains the new NICE-approved combination of belantamab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone for people whose myeloma has relapsed after first-line treatment, including benefits, side effects and how treatment decisions are made.
📌Key Takeaways:
This new combination can keep myeloma under control for nearly three years after first relapse.
Eye side effects are common but closely monitored, reversible and manageable with dose changes.
Patients now have real choice between tablet-based or injection-based combinations after relapse.
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.

028 Myeloma in 2026 - What's Coming Next and Why It Matters

This episode looks ahead to 2026, exploring upcoming myeloma treatments, major research advances, and the topics patients and carers most want to understand.
📌Key Takeaways:
Powerful new immunotherapy combinations could dramatically change how long treatments work.
CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies are moving closer to earlier use in myeloma care.
Living well with myeloma matters more than ever - from infection risk to quality of life.
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.

027 From Functional Cure to Satsuma sized devices : Myeloma Highlights of the Year (Part 2 of 2)

Dr Jam Katari and Dr Sally Moore are joined by leading myeloma experts to look back on 2025’s biggest breakthroughs; from functional cures and new treatments to patient-friendly innovations.
This is part 2 of a seasonal special, featuring Professor Karthik Ramasamy and Dr. Ceri Bygrave. To hear the first part, please follow this link: Part1
🌟 Three key take-away points from Part 2
Functional cure is no longer just a dream — it’s becoming part of everyday myeloma care.
New drugs and smarter treatment combinations are transforming survival and quality of life.
Innovation is making treatment easier — even down to a “Satsuma-sized” on-body injection device!
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.

026 From Smouldering to Sci-Fi : Myeloma Highlights of the Year (Part 1 of 2)

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.
🌟 Three key take-away points
Early action: Could treating smouldering myeloma stop the disease before it starts?
Sharper tools: New genetic tests are redefining what “high-risk” myeloma really means.
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.

025 An Additional New Hope - Understanding GPRC5D Treatment

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.

024 From Braces to Bone Regrowth: Modern Spine Care in Myeloma

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.

023 Numbness, Tingling and Treatment: Making Sense of Neuropathy

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.

022 Remission, Relapse and Reality Understanding the R-Words in Myeloma

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.

021 Understanding Risk in Myeloma: What Your Genetics Can Tell You

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.

020 Myeloma UK at the Heart: Advocacy, Research and Hope

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.