Hematology/Oncology in Arizona

Myeloma and Macroglobulinemia Treatment Group at Mayo Clinic in Arizona

The myeloma and macroglobulinemia treatment group provides diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies to patients with the following blood and marrow problems:

• Multiple myeloma
• Smoldering, Indolent and Stage 1 myeloma
• MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia
• Amyloidosis
• Monoclonal gammopathy-associated conditions including c1-esterase inhibitor deficiency, cryoglobulinemia, osteosclerotic myeloma, peripheral neuropathy, POEMS syndrome, and systemic capillary leak syndrome and other.

Although patients with abnormal elevation of the protein (immunoglobulin proteins or antibodies) are detected when they have no symptoms and have no active cancer form of the disease, it's important to have them evaluated promptly. When changes are detected early, more treatment options are usually available, increasing the likelihood preventing complications and establishing good long-term management strategies.

Doctors in the myeloma and macroglobulinemia treatment group include:

• P. Leif Bergsagel, M.D.
  
• Rafael Fonseca, M.D.
  
• Craig B. Reeder, M.D.
  
• A. Keith Stewart, M.D.

For a list of recent publications by members of our group please refer to the links above. The treatment group at Mayo Clinic in Arizona offers:

• State-of-the-art screening and diagnostic services, including serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation, serum free light-chain, and other laboratory tests.
• Sophisticated blood and marrow analysis for the evaluation and staging of the disease, including testing for rapidity of cell growth (plasma cell labeling index), cytogenetics, specialized genetic testing such as FISH testing for chromosome 13 abnormalities and translocations)
• Sophisticated imaging techniques to assess the extent or presence of bone disease and other organ assessment
• Comprehensive care provided by a team of dedicated professionals from a variety of specialty practices
• Innovative treatment strategies and support, making treatment as effective and comfortable as possible
• Expert counseling and decision making regarding the best treatment for these conditions
• Expert consultation and performance of bone marrow transplant for the treatment of these disorders
• Access to clinical trials using novel therapeutics for patients with a new diagnosis as well as those with recurrent disease
• Up-to-date educational programs for health care professionals, patients and families
• Social services to assist patients and families with emotional and physical needs

Many patients are referred to us for treatment counseling and for consideration of participation in clinical trials. The treatment group develops an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan, thoroughly reviewing the options available for each patient. The team of health care professionals in the myeloma and macroglobulinemia team includes:

• Hematologists with specific expertise in this area (myeloma and macoglobulinemia specialists)
• Blood and marrow transplant experts
• Clinical trials staff members
• Pathologists
• Clinical social workers
• Genetic counselors

This multidisciplinary approach helps to ensure each patient's needs are met and the most effective medical care is provided. Most services and treatments are provided in one facility for the convenience of the patient. Care is given in a supportive environment, and consultation rooms and imaging areas are comfortable.

Myeloma and Macroglobulinemia Research

The Mayo Clinic myeloma and macroglobulinemia treatment groups in Arizona and Rochester work closely with one another.

Our Arizona group offers participation in clinical trials that incorporate novel agents into the treatment of these conditions such as:

• Stem cell transplant studies for myeloma
• Use of proteasome inhibitors alone and in combination, for the upfront and subsequent treatment of the disease
• Use of thalidomide and analogues alone and in combination, for the upfront and subsequent treatment of the disease
• Agents targeting the bone disease associated with myeloma
• Use of monoclonal antibodies and other immune based treatment strategies
• Novel targeted therapies
• Treatments aimed at preventing progression form the benign and early stages of the disease

Our research activities also offers patients an opportunity to participate in research projects aimed at better understanding the causes and consequences of myeloma and macroglobulinemia:

• Studies of blood and marrow samples collected during the visit
• Genetic and gene expression profiling studies of the blood and marrow cells
• Studies of the peripheral blood
• Studies of patient populations

Our group has received research support from many sources including:

• National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute
• Mayo Clinic-sponsored research
• Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
• International Myeloma Foundation
• Fund to Cure Myeloma
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• International Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Foundation
• Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fund
• Donaldson charitable trust
• Private donations

If you have an interest in the philanthropic support of research related to myeloma and macroglobulinemia, please click here for more information about the Mayo Clinic Department of Development.

Mayo's clinical trials include experimental treatments, often unavailable elsewhere, which frequently lead to improved patient care for people worldwide. We work in collaboration with the following treatment groups in running our clinical trials:

• Mayo-sponsored clinical trials
• Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
• Other collaborations with academic partners

For a listing of clinical trials involving patients at Mayo Clinic, see the Clinical Trials Web page. It lists clinical trials by condition, treatment, specialty, and Mayo Clinic location. This list includes only trials about which Mayo researchers have chosen to publish information. There may be other trials under way which are not part of this listing. Ask your doctor about clinical trials appropriate for your situation.