MD Anderson Experts Review Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma Progress

Andrew Schorr is a pioneer in health communications and patient education and, along the way, became a patient himself. Andrew was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in 1996 and participated in a Phase II clinical trial at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Andrew's mission is to help patients and family members learn more about their health concerns so they can make informed decisions and feel in control. His Patient Power web series is a reflection of his passion.

Andrew interviewed four MD Anderson physicians at the 2011 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting held December 10-13 in San Diego. Interviews have been posted online periodically through Feb. 7.

Robert Orlowski, M.D., head of the myeloma section in MD Anderson's Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, details a number of updates from the meeting. He explains data presented regarding newer drugs carfilzomib and bortezomib and a range of studies looking at consolidation and maintenance therapy following a stem cell transplant. [youtube id="W41ycYqLZLw" align="center" mode="normal"] Dr. Robert Orlowski also talks about MEK Inhibitors for Multiple Myeloma

Update on Kinase Inhibitors for CLL: Where Are We Now? Kinase inhibitors, a newer approach to fighting blood cancers, have been making major strides throughout 2011 for the treatment of CLL. Susan O'Brien, M.D., professor in MD Anderson's Department of Leukemia and an investigator of this approach, gives an update on the ongoing trials for CAL-101 and PCI-32765.

She explains how they are not only very effective at fighting the CLL and can be taken orally, but how kinase inhibitors carry lower toxicity which allows them to be better tolerated, especially by older patients. [youtube id="BZwuhfE9hJE" align="center" mode="normal"] Living with CML Long-Term: Side-Effects, Treatment Cessation and Better Testing Jorge Cortes, M.D., deputy chair of the Leukemia Department, is encouraged that oncologists can focus on the long-term health and wellbeing of their patients, fully expecting most to live a normal life-span with CML. [youtube id="0muLE9q1OOA" align="center" mode="normal"] Also in Spanish - CML actualizaciÉn de ASH 2011 YouTube Video

Full coverage available at: www.PatientPower.info/ASH