The Myeloma Minutes

032 What Do My Blood Results Mean? - A Myeloma Guide

This episode breaks down common blood test results in myeloma, helping patients and carers understand what the numbers mean, what matters most, and when to worry (and when not to).
📌Key Takeaways:
Not all ‘red’ results are bad - trends over time matter more than a single number.
Three key numbers to watch: haemoglobin, neutrophils and platelets.
Blood tests are your roadmap - guiding treatment, safety and how you’re really doing.
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.

031 Living Young with Myeloma: Treatment, Relapse and a Breakthrough with CAR-T

Meera shares her powerful 15-year journey with multiple myeloma — from diagnosis during pregnancy to stem cell transplant, maintenance therapy and ultimately CAR-T treatment leading to remission.
 
📌Key Takeaways:
CAR-T can work fast! Mira’s light chains became undetectable within weeks.
Relapse doesn’t mean the end of options: new treatments are changing what’s possible.
You are not alone: sharing real patient stories helps break the isolation of myeloma.
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.

030 CAR-T Therapy Explained: A Personalised Treatment for Myeloma

In this episode Doctors Jam & Sally explain CAR-T cell therapy for myeloma - how it works, what the treatment journey looks like, the potential side effects, and why it offers hope for longer treatment-free time.
📌Key Takeaways:
Your own immune cells can be re-engineered to find and destroy myeloma - a truly personalised treatment.
After CAR-T, many patients can have months or years off regular therapy.
It’s powerful and promising - but not everyone can access it yet, and it doesn’t work for all patients.
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.

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.