WATCH: Oncologist & Patient Talk About Their 16-Year Multiple Myeloma Journey

Duke Cancer Institute multiple myeloma specialist Cristina Gasparetto, MD, and her patient Thomas Goode, have a candid conversation, in four parts, about the physician-patient journey — from Thomas’ multiple myeloma diagnosis 16 years ago to the present. The journey includes building a strong relationship to support struggles and successes and a path to the future.

This "Mye Journey" series (below) is presented by Duke Cancer Institute and is funded by Multiple Myeloma Research Fund donations.

Ep. 1: How the Journey Began

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Ep. 2: The Journey to Building a Strong Relationship

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Ep. 3: The Value of a Strong Physician-Patient Relationship

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Ep. 4: The Importance of Patient Support Systems and Advocacy

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About Dr. Gasparetto

Cristina Gasparetto, MDCristina Gasparetto, MD, performs both laboratory and clinical research in the field of multiple myeloma. Her primary research interests are in developing immunotherapy approaches to treating multiple myeloma particularly in conjunction with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

You're Why Duke Health ad campaign poster with Dr. Gasparetto at the microscope and Thomas Goode on a bicycleOngoing laboratory research projects include the development of dendritic cell vaccines and antibody therapies. Clinical studies include a recently approved trial involving vaccination with autologous dendritic cells pulsed with idiotypic protein following high dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cells transplant.

Upcoming trials include novel antibody therapies for multiple myeloma. Gasparetto is also an investigator on several other clinical trials for myeloma including non-myeloablative allogeneic transplantation, high dose sequential chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and transplantation of partially HLA matched unrelated cord blood.