UCLA Health and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) have partnered to generate awareness about emerging therapies for blood cancer. In 2018, more than 1.3 million people in the United States were living with a type of blood cancer.
Because there are no preventive strategies for blood cancer, the LLS works hard to ensure anyone who receives a blood cancer diagnosis gets accurate and timely information. UCLA and LLS want patients to feel confident in their treatment decisions and empowered to advocate for themselves or a loved one.
Closer to a Cure lecture series
Through the “Closer to a Cure” community lecture series, UCLA physicians are visiting communities across Southern California to educate participants. The lectures, moderated by Leila Evangelista from LLS, provide the most up-to-date information about blood cancers, cancer research and therapies. Types of blood cancers include:
- Multiple myeloma
The lectures are livestreamed and recorded for later viewing. To date, we’ve completed four lectures:
Blood Cancer 101: What you need to know
In , UCLA cancer doctors and joined social worker Rebecca Pittenger to discuss:
- The different types of blood cancers
- The causes and symptoms of blood cancers
- The latest diagnostic tests and tools
- Emerging treatments, including clinical trials
- The value of having the support of a cancer social worker
Advances in Treatments of Blood Cancers (including immunotherapy)
UCLA oncologist , talks about the latest immunotherapy advances for blood cancers in the second lecture in the series: . The lecture provides viewers with:
- A review of the services LLS offers, including patient and family education and support
- A broad overview of how blood cancers replicate and harm the body
- New therapies in the pipeline, including and
- How the treatments work to destroy blood cancer
Multiple myeloma
In the third lecture, UCLA oncologist , discusses . Treatment advances have increased survival rates significantly for the 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year. She provides viewers with:
- Disease background
- The phases of treatment, including medications, stem cell transplant and maintenance drugs to keep the disease in check
- How to test for minimal residual disease (how many myeloma cells remain after treatment)
- Emerging therapies including daratumumab, which stimulates the immune system to kill diseased cells, and
- Current research surrounding newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and disease that recurs
CAR T-cell therapy
UCLA oncologist , addressed the latest CAR T-cell advances for blood cancers. His lecture covered:
- What CAR T-cell therapy is and how it changes the cancer treatment landscape
- The science behind this advanced blood cancer treatment
- The process and experience for a patient
- What’s on the horizon when it comes to CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer
Upcoming Closer to a Cure lecture
UCLA and LLS have planned one additional lecture this year for the Southern California region:
DLBCL and follicular lymphomas
In her talk, UCLA oncologist Monica Mead, MD, will give a broad overview of the diseases and also cover emerging therapies including clinical trials. The event will be held November 6, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the WeSpark Cancer Support Center in Sherman Oaks, CA. You can and attend in person or online.
Learn more about the lecture series. If you need a provider, learn more about our services at the .
