Speakers
Alison Whitelegg
Ross Sadler
Lauren Campbell
Parallel session
Chair: Alison Whitelegg
4.15 - 4.45 - Development of an MGUS monitoring algorithm - Ross Sadler
MGUS is a myeloma pre-cursor condition that has a 5% prevalence in over 50’s in the general population. Identification of monoclonal proteins via myeloma screening can create a burden to secondary care and primary care networks due to unnecessary referrals to haematology or overt monitoring. Conversely, a complete lack of screening and subsequent monitoring leads to more severe presentations of multiple myeloma, poorer patient outcomes and increased costs due to acute intervention. Trying to find the suitable middle ground between these two positions is not straightforward and the diagnostic laboratory involved in identifying the original monoclonal protein holds a unique position to contribute to this pathway via risk stratification and algorithmic development.
4.45 - 5.15 - Mass Spectrometry in the monoclonal gammopathy pathway - Lauren Campbell
Mass spectrometry is currently being investigated for its clinical utility at different points in the monoclonal gammopathy pathway, from screening to minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. This talk will discuss the Oxford Immunology Laboratory’s experience of using mass spectrometry in the MRD setting to improve patient experience. It will also outline our goals for evaluation of the use of mass spectrometry at other points in the patient pathway.
5.15 - 5.30 - The importance of early diagnosis in myeloma: The patient perspective - Mairi Whitson
Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer with one of the longest pathways from initial symptoms to diagnosis (median 163 days). This talk will explain why early diagnosis of myeloma is important for both patients and healthcare professionals. It will also showcase Myeloma UK’s multidisciplinary initiatives to tackle these delays and improve patients’ lives.
Dr Alison Whitelegg is a Consultant Clinical Scientist in Immunology at University Hospital Southampton and Immunology Clinical Lead at Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust. She has expertise in immunotyping haematological malignancy and in functional lymphocyte and neutrophil assays. Her research background is in T cell immune responses and vaccine specific immune responses as an assessment of immunocompetence in immunodeficient and transplant patients. After studying Immunology at the University of Glasgow Alison pursued a PhD at the Pirbright Institute before undertaking a postdoctoral position at the Anthony Nolan Research Institute. Following this she trained as a Clinical Scientist and has spent 20 years working for the NHS. Education and mentoring future Clinical Scientists is one of Alison's passions and as such prior to accepting the post as Chair of the Immunology Professional Committee she held the post of educational representative for Immunology Clinical Scientists in the UK.
Mairi qualified from St Andrews and Manchester medical schools in 2009 and 2012. She worked as a doctor for 5 years including time spent as a volunteer doctor in Thailand and Belize. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mairi qualified as a dentist and worked as a vaccinator. She now works in early diagnosis at the blood cancer charity, Myeloma UK, and is passionate about using her (somewhat niche!) skill set to tackle health inequalities.
