A Shining Star Through the Darkness of Multiple Myeloma

Article

Although there is no cure for myeloma, the prognosis can be good if doctors catch it early.

Multiple myeloma is an uncommon type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in bone marrow. Although there is no cure for this potentially deadly disease, the prognosis can be good if doctors catch it early.

Here at The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation, we are grateful to have a genuinely extraordinary specialist who focuses on this rare disease: Dr. Amitabha Mazumder. Dr. Mazumder initially pursued medicine because he loves helping people, but experiencing cancer in his own family motivated him to specialize in oncology.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, he completed his residency and internship at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center before a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute, where he also researched immunology.

With over 35 years of experience as a medical oncologist, Dr. Mazumder, medical director of stem cell transplant and transfusions, is an authority on multiple myeloma within The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation. His vast expertise includes contributing to over 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals, along with various patents, grants, abstracts, chapters and presentations to his credit.

He also held prestigious academic roles, including assistant professor of medicine, microbiology, and immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and professor of medicine (specializing in bone marrow transplantation and blood stem cell transplantation) at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, to name just a couple. 

His extensive academic experience and focus on finding new ways to intelligently treat multiple myeloma have led to his participation in over 50 immunotherapy and drug clinical trials over the past15 years. His involvement was instrumental in gaining approval for drugs such as Velcade (bortezomib), Revlimid (lenalidomide), Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and Darzalex (daratumumab).

In addition, he regularly meets with other oncologists to discuss the latest advances in multiple myeloma.Dr. Mazumder is wellrespected by his colleagues both inside and outside The Oncology Institute,who contact him to ask him for second opinions on their patients’ cases.

Dr. Mazumder has treated over 1,000 patients with multiple myeloma during his career. Dr. Mazumder helps patients understand, navigate and effectively treat the disease’s debilitating symptoms, such as anemia and bone pain. However, what patients highlight the most about him in surveys is his compassion and empathy. As a result, Dr. Mazumder earns an average of five over five patient satisfaction score on patient surveys. 

Dr. Mazumder is an active member of several national groups, including the American Association forCancer Research, the American Federation for Clinical Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. His professionalism is also recognized nationwide, with some of his honors including Who’s Who in Medicine, Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America and three Top Doctor awards, including Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors, 14th Edition.

In the United States, cancer.org estimates that 34,470 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in 2022. Unfortunately, a less-common disease such as this can make it challenging to find a specialist.We are blessed to have a decorated professional like Dr. Amitabha Mazumder working for The Oncology Institute. His experience, dedication and innate ability to bring comfort to his patients make him a true superhero in oncology.

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