The Straight and Marrow

Forget Day 100......In this episode of the straight and marrow, Lisa, Kerrin and Jon take over the microphone and discuss their transplant experience over 30 years ago and their lives since BMT. Together they make up over 100 years of BMT and share with honesty and humour what life is like after BMT 

The topic of fertility and reproduction before and after BMT can be emotional and complex. In this episode of the straight and marrow podcast, Alex and Yvonne have a conversation with A/Prof Antoinette Anazodo, a Paediatric and Adolescent Oncologist. Antoinette discusses the impact of treatment on fertility, options for fertility preservation and planned parenting. Reproductive options for people...

 In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Chantelle, a patient who underwent CAR T-cell therapy after exhausting other treatment options. They share the highs and lows of the experience — from the decision to proceed, through the infusion and side effects, to the long and uncertain road of recovery. With honesty and clarity, this story sheds light on what it’s really like to live through...

Dr Katherine Cummins (Haematologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital with a focus on clinical translation of CAR T-cells and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation)  joins Alex and Hannah to discuss the long term complications post CAR T, focusing on infections. Katherine discusses the impact of lymphodepleting chemotherapy and what that means for low blood count...

Nicole O'Leary - an experienced CAR-T nurse practitioner - discusses the importance of the role of the carer. CAR T therapy is not a solo journey and in this episode, we shine a light on the unsung heroes: the carers. From managing medications and monitoring for side effects to providing emotional support through the highs and lows, carers play a critical role in the success and safety of CAR...

 Dr Valeriya Kuznetsova, a neuropsychologist, joins the Straight and Marrow team to discuss the neurological side effects of CAR T cell therapy, including ICANS (immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome). From confusion and seizures to subtle cognitive changes, we explore how these toxicities manifest, why they occur, and what can be done to monitor and manage them. Tune in as we nav...

CAR T-cell therapy is revolutionising cancer treatment, but it comes with unique side effects that every patient and caregiver should understand. In this episode, Dr Hamish Scott joins Alex and Hannah to  break down the most common side effects, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities, explaining how they present, how they’re monitored, and what can be done to manage...

Have you ever wondered how CAR T Cells are made? Join us for a look behind the curtain of CAR T manufacturing with esteemed scientist Associate Professor Dominic Wall, an acknowledged expert in the field and Chief Scientific Officer of Cell Therapies Pty Ltd. 

Shae Disney - an expert Apheresis nurse - talks to Hannah and Alex about what to expect when your cells are being collected, from vein assessments to buffy coat and citrate toxicity as she maps out the journey of the cells from collection to infusion. 

Harnessing Immunity: The CAR T Story is your guide to one of the most ground breaking cancer treatments of our time. This podcast season unpacks how CAR-T therapy is revolutionizing immunotherapy, giving T-cells the power to seek and destroy cancer like never before. From the science behind it to real patient experiences, expert insights, and the latest research; Hannah, Alex and Yvonne break down...

When it comes to skin/cutaneous GVHD, it takes more than thick skin to face the challenges. In this episode, we uncover the layers of this condition—its causes, treatments, and the impact on daily life. With insights from medical experts with a wealth of experience, we peel back the complexities to help you navigate life with skin GVHD, one step at a time. 

 In this episode, we take a deep dive into pulmonary graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a complex and potentially life-altering complication of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Discover how GVHD impacts the lungs, leading to symptoms like chronic cough, breathlessness, and reduced lung function. Featuring expert interviews with pulmonologists and transplant specialists,  we explore the latest...

 Join us as we explore the intimate and often overlooked topic of vaginal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This episode delves into the physical, emotional, and medical challenges faced by individuals experiencing this condition after a stem cell transplant. With insights from Dr Jennifer Bradford (Gynaecologist), we’ll discuss the symptoms, treatment options, and strategies for improving quality...

Join us for an insightful episode as we welcome Professor Stephanie Lee, a leading expert in chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). With years of experience as a researcher and clinician, Dr. Lee sheds light on the challenges and breakthroughs in managing chronic GVHD, a complex condition affecting many organs. Stephanie provides an overview on chronic GVHD, the latest treatment advancements, a...

The decision and planning about when and how to return to work or study after an allogeneic BMT can be really stressful. Sometimes you really want to get back into it but you wonder what to tell your employer and colleagues. Then there's the decision about how many hours a day you can manage and how to juggle work, study, medical appointments and how you are feeling physically and emotionally...

Be Alert- Not Alarmed.  In this episode, Yvonne and Alex talk you through a head to toe chronic Graft vs Host Disease Self Assessment. From prayer pose to fingernails to the digestive system we walk you through possible signs of GvHD and when to escalate to your transplant team.  https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/How-I-conduct-a-comprehensive-chronic-disease-Carpenter/ad3ab95cc54e7156fa840b6a8...

Josh and his mum Hazel talk with the Straight and Marrow team about Josh’s bone marrow transplant for lymphoma. They discuss tips, hope, count recovery and post transplant complications to help other people no matter what their role is.  From the tricky and rewarding patient and carer relationship to the differences between a CAR T transplant and an allogeneic stem cell transplant,  Josh and Hazel...

We go straight to the expert on what to eat and why post transplant.  Danika Carty, an experienced haematology dietician,  dispels the myths of a neutropenic diet and shares strategies on how to manage taste changes, high protein diets and food supplementation. 

Our most popular guest returns to discuss the nuts and bolts of the post transplant course after discharge from hospital. Dr Ashvind Prabahran talks about CMV/EBV, GVHD –every acronym in BMT including the risk of infections and medication management. 

Our most popular guest returns to discuss the nuts and bolts of the post transplant course after discharge from hospital. Dr Ashvind Prabahran talks about CMV/EBV, GVHD –every acronym in BMT including the risk of infections and medication management. 

Dr Shaza Abo talks to the Straight and Marrow team to discuss the benefits of exercise pre, during and post AlloBMT. From ensuring safety to recommended guidelines, Shaza has a wealth of knowledge, resources and experience as a clinical and research physiotherapist. 

Richelle and Chris from Arrow the Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation join the Straight and Marrow team to discuss what the charity offers, from financial support, information booklets to  scholarships for healthcare professionals – they are here to support all people affected by bone marrow transplants  https://arrow.org.au/  

Why aren’t all siblings a match for transplant? What do we mean by double organ transplant? How does the unrelated donor search work? What does this have to do with online dating? What happens if my chimerism is mixed? What is a donor lymphocyte infusion….   We take these questions to the head of transplant at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to help us understand these t...

Ever been asked or wanted to ask a question about alternative medicine? Gail Rowan is a senior pharmacist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, she talks to the Straight and Marrow team about complementary therapies and their place in cancer treatment, provides tips on how to evaluate the evidence and where to go if you have questions. The language is confusing - we break it down and we delve into the...

Dr Priscilla Gates (Post Doctoral researcher) talks to the Straight and Marrow team about a challenging symptom that most people will tackle throughout their diagnosis and journey. We discuss potential causes, the impacts and what to do about it.    Recommended Links:  https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects/changes-in-thinking-and-memory https://insighttimer.com/en-au htt...