Experts to present latest information on multiple myeloma at Patient Symposium

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, member of the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), will host the MMRF Clinical Insights in Multiple Myeloma Patient Symposium on Saturday, April 2 in Short Hills, NJ from 9:00am-3:30pm. This free educational program is for patients and caregivers who want to learn more about treatment options for multiple myeloma.

"As a result of the tremendous progress we have made accelerating the development of multiple myeloma treatments, patients are living longer and have more treatment options," said Anne Quinn Young, MPH, Vice President of Communications at the MMRF. "MMRF Clinical Insights programs aim to empower patients and their caregivers by arming them with the knowledge they need to optimally manage their disease. We are proud to join our partners at the John Theurer Cancer Center and other renowned institutions to host this important program."

Leading multiple myeloma experts will highlight the latest information in multiple myeloma diagnosis, treatment options, clinical trials and research. Topics to be discussed include treatment options for newly diagnosed patients, stem cell transplantation, relapsed/refractory disease, clinical trials, supportive care options, and managing bone disease.

"For nearly five years, we have worked closely with the MMRF through the MMRC, a unique research model critical to bringing new treatments to our patients faster," said David S. Siegel, M.D., Ph.D., Chief, Multiple Myeloma. "We are excited to take our collaboration with the MMRF outside of the clinic by developing content for this educational symposium, which will be a valuable resource for our patients and their loved ones."

Dr. Siegel and David H. Vesole, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Chief, Multiple Myeloma, John Theurer Cancer Center are serving as the official program co-chairs for this patient symposium. Additional presenters include:

• Jonathan Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine
• Ann McNeill, RN, MSN, APN, Advanced Practice Nurse, Multiple Myeloma, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
• Nikhil C. Munshi, M.D., Associate Director, Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Dana- Farber Cancer Institute
• G. David Roodman, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Following the symposium, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in special workshop sessions with Dr. Siegel, Dr. Vesole and Ms. McNeill of the John Theurer Cancer Center. Workshop session topics include Multiple Myeloma 101, Maintenance Therapy and Interpreting Test Results.

"With so much exciting research and treatment options emerging, multiple myeloma patients and caregivers often feel overwhelmed," said Dr. Vesole. "It is our responsibility to keep the multiple myeloma community informed of our progress and how it will impact the management of their disease."