Should Patients Consult with a Myeloma Specialist? 

This week's "Ask Dr. Durie" is a recurring question from a patient who asks: "Should I see a myeloma expert?"  

And obviously, this is something that is constantly coming up as a possibility, and the answer is a definite yes. If it is feasible to do, see an expert and get that extra input in reaching good decisions. This is particularly important at the time of initial diagnosis. 

It can be good to confirm the diagnosis and make sure that active myeloma has occurred, and then to have good input in selecting the best first treatment.  

As the journey in managing myeloma is beginning, it's important to look at both the test results as well as the whole range of treatment options, note if the situation is at a point of relapse—this can be particularly important to get expert input to confirm number one, that relapse is occurring, but also to review what are many, many options at the point of relapse, including immune therapies, which may be in clinical trials as well as some already approved by the FDA. 

And so, the BOTTOM LINE is that seeing an expert is a good idea, if feasible. And I recommend to patients, please call the IMF InfoLine who can assist you and give guidance about help with your doctor and who can maybe arrange a consultation—or a virtual consultation. This must be coordinated through your doctor who can be part of that whole decision process.