The Philippines joins the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) which is an important connection to the Asia Pacific region doctors who take care of MM patients. The AMN was established by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) at a meeting in Singapore in 2011. Since its inception, it has taken the lead in projects to assist the IMF in providing physician education and patient support throughout Asia. The 3-day event consisted of a masterclass that highlighted updates in MM treatment and case-sharing seeking expert opinions from the gurus of multiple myeloma.

This was followed by the 7th AMN summit where the critical issues of cure vs control of the disease, immunotherapies, cell therapies, and MRD monitoring were discussed.The Philippine MM patient group called MYSPEAK (Myeloma Support forEmpowerment Access and Knowledge) headed by Ms Karen Villanueva, created through the efforts of Dr Rosalio Torres and Dr. Priscilla Caguioa, also had its debut introduction through the AMN patient forum. True to its name, the group aims to provide support and empowerment to MM patients and their families throughout their journey in this diseases. 

By: Flordeluna Z. Mesina, MD