Icon Writers
As a cornerstone of Icon’s mission to delivering the best care possible, research and innovation play a critical role in advancing cancer care, which is driven by our global network of clinicians who look beyond what’s possible.
Icon Cancer Centre Australia’s Deputy Director of Cellular Therapy and Clinical Haematologist at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane, Dr Karthik Nath is passionate about both research and clinical practice, providing the latest advancements in haematology to ensure the best outcomes for his patients.
Joining Icon midway through 2024, Dr Nath brings a wealth of international expertise in clinical practice, having worked at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He has a strong focus on research, specialising in the emerging field of cellular therapy treatments, and is a Principal Investigator for a new multi-centre study for patients with multiple myeloma at Icon South Brisbane and Icon Wesley.
Advancing cancer treatment
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. It starts in white blood cells called plasma cells. They’re found in the bone marrow, the spongy part of bones that make blood cells. Plasma cells are part of the immune system and make proteins (antibodies) called immunoglobulins to fight viruses and bacteria during an infection. Plasma cells can become a myeloma cell due to changes in the bone marrow and genetic changes.
Symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain or fractures, regular infections, weight loss, low blood counts, fatigue and kidney problems. Multiple myeloma cannot be cured but can be well managed with the right care.
This trial assesses the extent to which an investigational drug can safely and effectively treat multiple myeloma. It uses a bispecific antibody that helps boost the immune system to attack myeloma cells. Participants in this study may be newly diagnosed with the disease, have myeloma that has returned or continued to grow even after treatment.
Expanding access
The multiple myeloma study lies within Icon’s growing haematology trials portfolio managed across Icon Cancer Centres in Southeast Queensland.
As Principal Investigator, Dr Nath has been responsible in overseeing the study at Icon. He is working together with Icon haematologists and the research team to recruit eligible patients to the study and helping them to access bispecific antibodies early in their treatment journey. This class of drugs is not yet widely available in Australia as a standard treatment for myeloma. To date, recruitment for the trial has been highly successful with numerous eligible patients enrolled at both Icon South Brisbane and Icon Wesley.
“None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Icon research team, who have done a fantastic job co-ordinating the logistics of this trial,” says Dr Nath.
“I am extremely grateful to my colleagues in Icon haematology for enrolling their patients onto this trial. I would also like to sincerely thank our patients. Their dedication, courage and unwavering commitment is truly inspirational.”
By supporting patients to access newer therapies locally, Dr Nath is helping to provide continuity of care for patients, working alongside their treating clinician and keeping them close to home instead of having to travel to access clinical trials.
Dr Nath’s leadership in the trial demonstrates not only his clinical proficiency, but also his ability to manage a large-scale study across various sites, engaging with both patients and their clinicians.
Consistent care
Icon’s outpatient-based trial model is minimising hospital admission requirements and helping more patients access clinical trials. Under this model, patients also remain with their usual Icon haematologist, which enhances patient-clinician relationships, ensures continuity of care and ultimately improves the patient’s treatment journey.
Dr Nath’s and his research team’s collaborative approach for the multisite trial not only advances access to innovative and impactful therapies, but also strengthens the support network for the patient, as they receive the best care possible, as close to home as possible.