By Dr. Maria Clariza Santos

Nagoya, Japan – October 15 to 19, 2025. The Philippines was strongly represented during the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) 9th Annual Summit, held in Nagoya, Japan. The five-day event brought together experts, researchers, and patient advocates from across the region to advance collaborative efforts in improving myeloma care. 

The event opened with the AMN 5th Annual Patient Forum, where patient support groups from AMN member countries convened to share their milestones, best practices, and future plans. The Myeloma Support for Patient Empowerment, Access and Knowledge or MyeSPEAK, the Philippine support group for myeloma patients, was represented by Founder Ms. Karen Alparce-Villanueva, Ms. Cynthia Potian, Ms. Milagros Nava, and Mr. George Arguelles. Ms. Alparce-Villanueva presented the group’s 2025 accomplishment report, highlighting significant achievements and upcoming initiatives for the coming year.

L to R: Dr. Rosalio Torres; Dr. Priscilla Caguioa; MyeSPEAK’s Karen Alparce-Villanueva, Cynthia Potian, and George Arguelles

Ms. Karen Alparce-Villanueva presenting the MyeSPEAK 2025 accomplishment report

The Summit proper commenced with a Welcome Dinner for delegates on October 16, followed by scientific lectures and panel discussions from October 17 to 19. Key topics included optimal frontline treatment strategies for transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible myeloma, advances in mass spectrometry, immune therapies such as CAR T cell and bispecific antibodies, novel treatments, and updates on other plasma cell disorders. 

The Philippine delegation was composed of AMN Executive Committee members Dr. Rosalio Torres and Dr. Priscilla Caguioa, PCHTM Immediate Past President Dr. Flordeluna Mesina, President Dr. Maria Clariza Santos, Vice President Dr. Marjorie Rose Bravo, Secretary Dr. Teresita Dumagay, Treasurer Dr. Lynn Bonifacio, Dr. Hiede Abdurahman, Dr. Jay Datukan, Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, and Young AMN delegates Dr. Joy Ann De Castro and Dr. Deonne Thaddeus Gauiran. Drs. Caguioa, Torres, Mesina, and Tiangco served as panelists during the scientific sessions, contributing to discussions on regional best practices and challenges. 

Philippine delegates: Dr. Teresita Dumagay, Dr. Deonne Gauiran, Dr. Maria Clariza Santos, Dr. Lynn Bonifacio, Dr. Marjorie Rose Bravo, Dr. Hiede Abdurahman, Dr. Jay Datukan, Dr. Priscilla Caguioa, Dr. Rosalio Torres, and Dr. Joy Ann De Castro

Clockwise from top left: Panelists Dr. Rosalio Torres, Dr. Priscilla Caguioa, Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, and Dr. Flordeluna Mesina

On Day 2, the AMN members divided into four working groups - Infection and Side Effects, Immunotherapy, New AMN Research, and Resource-Stratified Treatment Guidelines. The outputs and plans of the working groups were presented on the following day, alongside updates on ongoing clinical trials and discussions on the future direction of AMN. 

The Summit served as an important platform for knowledge exchange and regional collaboration. Member countries shared experiences, and committed to advancing joint projects such as the resource-stratified treatment guidelines for myeloma, the AMN Virtual Tissue Bank, and new research initiatives addressing both clinical and administrative aspects of myeloma care. 

This year’s Summit further strengthened the collective resolve of myeloma experts to pursue excellence and innovation in improving outcomes for patients across Asia. 

The 10th AMN Summit is scheduled to take place on October 15 to 18, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The Philippine representatives look forward to continuing their active participation in the AMN initiatives and contributing to the advancement of myeloma care in the region.