Podcast Summary
The Importance of Understanding Blood and Blood Diseases: Exploring the crucial role of blood in our health, a hematologist and oncologist share insights on treating related diseases, emphasizing the importance of research and charity events.
Blood, a vital component of our bodies, plays a crucial role in our health. Allie Ward, the host of Ologies podcast, shares her conversation with a hematologist and oncologist about the importance of blood and the work they do in understanding and treating related diseases. The discussion was inspired by Allie's father's diagnosis with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. The episode also highlights the significance of research and the impact of charity events, like the comedy benefit for multiple myeloma, in raising awareness and funding for medical advancements. The episode's relatability and the importance of understanding and supporting medical research were emphasized, with an invitation for those interested in the unedited version to contact Allie directly.
From microscope to cancer expert: Dr. Brian Dury's fascination with blood and its diseases: Dr. Brian Dury's passion for understanding blood and its role in cancer began during medical school and was fueled by his mentor, leading him to become a renowned hematologist and oncologist. His expertise at the Mayo Clinic paved the way for significant advancements in the field, leaving hope for cancer treatments and the importance of self-care.
Dr. Brian Dury, a hematologist and oncologist, shared his fascination with the study of blood and its diseases, particularly cancer. He became interested in the field during medical school while using a microscope to examine blood samples. His mentor, Dr. Robert Kyle, who was also a renowned multiple myeloma expert, further fueled his interest in the blood cancer area. Through his training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, Dr. Dury gained expertise in both hematology and oncology. His passion for understanding blood and its role in cancer led him to make significant strides in the field. This conversation left the interviewer feeling hopeful about cancer treatments and empowered to prioritize self-care.
The Complexity of Blood: A Tomato Soup-Like Substance: Blood is a vital fluid carrying oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to different parts of the body, produced from stem cells in bone marrow, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
Blood is a complex tomato soup-like substance made up of water, nutrients, electrolytes, gases, proteins, and hormones, which carries oxygen to different parts of the body through red blood cells. These red blood cells are produced from stem cells in the bone marrow and contain hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are part of the immune system and protect the body against infections. Platelets, or thrombocytes, help in clotting and stopping bleeding. Leukemia and lymphoma are types of blood cancers that affect the production of white blood cells, while myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. The causes of myeloma, like those of other types of cancer, are not fully understood but may involve exposure to certain chemicals. In essence, blood is a vital fluid that carries essential components to different parts of the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
Environmental Factors and Cancer: Identifying Risks: Exposure to certain chemicals, like Benzene, and other environmental factors can cause DNA damage leading to cancer. Thousands of untested chemicals introduce potential risks.
Our environment plays a significant role in the development of cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals, like Benzene, has been linked to the disease, and there are many other environmental factors that can cause DNA damage leading to cancer. For instance, alcohol, tanning beds, sawdust, and even Cantonese salted fish have been identified as potential cancer risks. The concern is that there are thousands of chemicals introduced since the industrial revolution that have not been thoroughly studied, and we may discover many more cancer-causing agents in the future. One example is the high incidence of cancer among people exposed to chemicals released during the 9/11 attacks in New York. As a scientist, I am intrigued by the data and the patterns that emerge from research, but I also recognize the importance of the care aspect of being a doctor. It's crucial to identify correlations between exposure and disease, and to provide guidance and support to those affected. And yes, the debate over whether to say "data" or "datum" continues, with regional dialects playing a role in the pronunciation. Ultimately, it's essential to keep learning and staying informed about the environmental factors that can impact our health.
Exploring genetic predispositions to myeloma using CRISPR technology: Myeloma specialist Dr. Brian Dury's research project, the Black Swan Research Initiative, uses CRISPR technology to identify genetic predispositions to myeloma, contributing to potential cancer treatments like CAR T cell therapy.
Dr. Brian Dury, a myeloma specialist and researcher, has spent his career both treating patients and conducting lab research. He is currently working on the Black Swan Research Initiative, a project focused on identifying genetic predispositions to myeloma. CRISPR technology, a tool for editing genes, is a part of this research. The use of gene editing in oncology, specifically through CAR T cell therapy, is already happening and offers promising possibilities for cancer treatment. The Black Swan Research Initiative reflects the importance of keeping an open mind and looking for solutions in unexpected places.
Gene editing and CAR T cells show promise in cancer treatment: China leads clinical trials for lung cancer treatment using edited t cells. Intense competition drives advancements, but high costs of pharmaceuticals, like Revlimid, remain a challenge.
The field of gene editing and genetic therapies, specifically CAR T cells, is rapidly advancing with promising results for treating and potentially preventing cancer. China is already leading the way with clinical trials for lung cancer treatment using edited t cells. The competition between countries to develop these therapies is intense, but the goal is to provide new and effective treatments for patients. However, a significant challenge is the high cost of pharmaceuticals, such as Revlimid, which can cost over $16,000 per month. The main reason for the high cost is the research and development expenses, but the price continues to rise even after the drug has been on the market for years. The political debate surrounding reasonable drug costs and the extension of patents by pharmaceutical companies and generic manufacturers remains a complex issue.
The high cost of life-saving drugs in the US leads to difficult choices for patients: Explore universal healthcare and genetic research in countries like Iceland for more accessible and affordable treatments. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to maximize therapy effectiveness and learn from Blue Zones about diet and lifestyle habits for longevity. Address drug affordability and focus on preventative measures for better health outcomes.
The high cost of life-saving drugs in the US is unsustainable and leads to difficult decisions for patients. For instance, the price of a monthly prescription for some drugs could buy luxury items or experiences instead. However, there are examples of countries, like Iceland, where universal healthcare and genetic research offer opportunities for more accessible and affordable treatments. Another key point is the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to maximize the effectiveness of therapies. Additionally, exploring areas where people live longer, like the Blue Zones, can provide insights into diet and lifestyle habits that contribute to longevity. Overall, addressing the issue of drug affordability and focusing on preventative measures can lead to better health outcomes for individuals and populations.
Blue Zones: Lifestyle Factors of Centenarians: Blue zones, areas with high centenarian populations, share common lifestyle factors: family focus, reduced stress, semi-vegetarian diets, moderate activity, social engagement, legume consumption, and avoiding unhealthy habits.
The communities identified as blue zones, which are areas with high concentrations of centenarians, share common lifestyle factors contributing to their longevity. These include prioritizing family, reduced stress, less smoking, semi-vegetarian diets with a focus on plant-based foods, moderate physical activity, social engagement, and regular consumption of legumes. Additionally, avoiding unhealthy habits like diet drinks and excessive consumption of processed foods is essential. As a doctor, it's important to practice what we preach and be aware of our own health, but not become overly concerned or a hypochondriac. Overall, adopting these healthy habits and lifestyle choices can significantly contribute to a longer, healthier life.
The loss of personal touch in healthcare: Doctor Dury laments the decline of individualized attention in healthcare, expresses concern over patients' ability to afford treatments, but remains optimistic about medical advancements and encourages prioritizing health.
The personal touch in healthcare is becoming increasingly rare due to the business side of medicine. Doctor Dury shared his experience of how patient care has evolved over the years, and the sadness he feels about the loss of individualized attention. He also highlighted the challenge of ensuring patients can afford necessary treatments, which is a common issue both in the US and globally. However, he remains hopeful and excited about the progress being made in medicine, which allows him to offer patients longer life expectancies and improved treatments. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when needed.
Discovering Myeloma: A Journey of Curiosity and Perseverance: Stay curious, ask questions, and support medical research for potential cures. Live a healthy lifestyle and avoid unhealthy habits. Learn from experts and work together to make a difference.
Staying healthy and curious are important values to uphold. Dr. Ally Hill's conversation with Dr. Dury about myeloma research was both informative and emotional, reminding us of the importance of supporting medical research and taking care of ourselves. The journey started with a simple observation under a microscope, leading to significant advancements and the potential for a cure. It's crucial to stay motivated, ask questions, and seek knowledge, just like Dr. Ally did throughout her career. Additionally, living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding unhealthy habits, such as eating garbage, can contribute to longevity and overall well-being. We should all strive to learn from each other and work together to make a difference, as demonstrated by the Peter Boyle family, Lorraine Boyle, and the International Myeloma Foundation. Lastly, curiosity is never not cool, and asking smart people dumb questions can lead to fascinating discoveries and connections. So, remember to ask, learn, and grow, and don't hesitate to reach out to experts in various fields. A big thank you to Dr. Dury, Stephen Ray Morris, Shannon Feltes, Bonnie Dutch, and everyone who supports the Ologies podcast. Stay curious, and we'll see you next time!