The Myeloma Minutes

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.

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.

009 Bone Disease, Bisphosphonates & Myeloma: What You Need to Know

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  
This episode explores how bone disease affects people with multiple myeloma and how bisphosphonates like zolendronic acid can help manage pain, prevent fractures, and support treatment.
📌 Three Big Takeaways
Bone disease isn’t inevitable in myeloma—but needs fast action when it strikes!
Zolendronic acid can protect your bones and support myeloma treatment—learn how and when it’s used.
Confused about calcium, kidneys, and dental checks? We break down the practical steps for safer treatment.
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.

008 Scans and Myeloma : What you need to know, with Dr Shaheel Bhuva

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  
Dr Shaheel Bhuva, a radiologist (and long term colleague of Jam)  joins Drs Jam and Sally to demystify scans in myeloma—explaining what they show, when they're used, and he'll dispel some myths around harmful amounts of radiation! 
3 Key Teakaways:
Not all bone damage shows up on X-rays—some scans reveal disease before symptoms begin.
MRI and PET-CT scans can detect myeloma earlier and help track how well treatment is working.
If you’ve ever wondered why you need another scan, this episode will make it all clear.
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.

007 Smouldering Myeloma : Risks and monitoring - A Patient's guide

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  
During this episode Jam and Sally deep dive into Smouldering Myeloma—explaining what it is, how it’s monitored, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and what patients and carers can expect from evolving research and care approaches.  Conversation points include: 
Smouldering myeloma is a precancerous condition and it needs careful monitoring to catch changes early.
Understanding your risk level helps guide decisions about early treatment or active observation.
Living with the 'watch and wait' phase can be emotionally tough—support and information are essential.
 
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.

006 Steroids for Myeloma : Katy's Patient Story of Strength and Side Effects

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  
During this chat with Jam and Sally you'll hear a candid patient perspective on coping with a myeloma diagnosis and the emotional, physical, and practical realities of steroid treatment.
Hit ▶️ and you will learn:
That “Dexy's Midnight Runners” isn't just a band—it's a nickname for the steroids that turned myeloma treatment into a rollercoaster.
About Katy's unexpected side effects: From insomnia to "gerbil-face" —and how her family adapted.
Real talk on what to say (and not say) to someone with cancer—and how homemade soup can make all the difference!
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.

005 Taking Part in Research: Clinical Trials for Myeloma Explained

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  
In this episode Jam & Sally explore the role, process, benefits, and realities of clinical trials in myeloma care—what they are, how they work, and what patients and carers need to know.
Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available.
Taking part is always your choice—fully informed, and never pressured.
You’re not a guinea pig—trials are strictly regulated to keep you safe.
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.

004 Steroids for Myeloma : The good, the bad and the ugly

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  
In this episode Jam & Sally explore the role of steroids in myeloma.
A cornerstone of myeloma therapy for decades, these powerful drugs have impacted every patient treated for myeloma.
They talk about their benefits, common side effects, and whether newer treatments could reduce the need for them in the future.
You'll hear about the following:
The important role of steroids as a treatment for myeloma. (the good !)
The side effects (The bad , and sometimes the ugly !)
Practical tips for dealing with some of these side effects
Could newer treatments make steroids something we use much less in the future
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.
 

003 Meet Your Myeloma Team: Who’s Who and How They Help

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  This is a living library of credible information for patients of multiple myeloma and their caregivers.
During this episode, Drs Jam and Sally talk about the roles of different healthcare professionals involved in a multiple myeloma care team within the NHS, helping patients and carers understand who does what and when.
As patients, we hear of Multidisciplinary Teams and MDT meetings, but today you'll hear how these work in practice and understand how as a patient you get top class VIP treatment throughout your journey.  Plus you'll hear more about the following:
Not just one doctor—your care involves a whole team of experts.
Discover why a specialist haematologist is central to your treatment.
Learn how nurses, pharmacists, and even dietitians play vital roles in your journey.
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.

002 What is Myeloma? : Patient questions answered

Welcome to The Myeloma Minutes.  This is a living library of credible information for patients of multiple myeloma and their caregivers.
Doctors Jam and Sally treat and speak with patients and caregivers daily.  During this episode they talk about the most common and biggest questions they are asked, including:
What is Myeloma? Is Multiple Myeloma different?
Where does this type of cancer start?
How could is possibly be best NOT to treat my 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.