Introduction to the Myeloma Service

The Myeloma Service at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) specialises in the management of myeloma and associated plasma cell disorders. We have been providing care for patients with these conditions for over thirty years, evolving to keep pace with improvements in diagnostics, treatments and supportive care. We currently treat 150-200 myeloma patients a year and have many more under regular follow-up with our dedicated clinics. This leaflet aims to give you, your family and carers information about the Myeloma Service.

The team

The myeloma team is mae up of consultants, specialist nurses and specialist registrars/ clinical fellows, all of whom have specialist knowledge of myeloma to support you on your journey.

Consultants

Dr Faisal Basheer

Dr Marquita Camilleri

Dr Michael Chapman

Dr Charles Crawley

Dr Andrew King

Dr Chi Wong

Prof. George Vassiliou

Clinical nurse specialists

Sarah Foody

Helen Goad

Megan Graham

Haematology consultant

Your designated Myeloma consultant will have overall responsibility for your care.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

Our clinical nurse specialists will be your myeloma key workers, supporting you through your diagnosis and ongoing management.

Specialist haematology registrar/ clinical fellow

Specialist registrars/ clinical fellows are experienced doctors who will work alongside other members of the team in the management of your condition.

Other team members

We work closely with the Acute Oncology and Haematology Day Unit teams to provide reviews and treatments. Other team members you may meet include healthcare assistants, pharmacists, clinical oncologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. The palliative care team provide a dedicated outpatient service for our local myeloma patients (Enhanced Supportive Care Clinic) as well as inpatient coverage. The Macmillan Cancer Navigator provides practical and emotional support to patients and their carers.

Your appointments

Clinic appointments will be sent via post, text or ‘MyChart’. Mychart is the CUH electronic patient portal that gives you online access to your clinic appointments, results and letters at CUH. It can be accessed on MyChart.

Clinic reviews mostly take place over the telephone although video or in person reviews are sometimes necessary. Face to face reviews take place in Clinic 1a on Level 4 accessed through Haematology/ Oncology Outpatients. There are three myeloma clinics: Tuesdays (consultant-led) and Fridays (nurse- or registrar-led). Your consultant will decide which clinic is most suitable for you.

At your appointment, you will be reviewed by your consultant or another member of the myeloma team. As CUH is a teaching hospital, trainee doctors and nurses may be present in clinic with your consent. We encourage you to bring a close relative or friend to clinic although this may be limited at various times by infection control measures. Please check the latest hospital guidance before attending.

Clinical trials

CUH is a busy research centre and is involved in clinical trials supported by the trials team. If eligible, your consultant will discuss any relevant trials in your clinic appointment.

Other services

Most myeloma treatment occurs as an outpatient although, sometimes admission is unavoidable. We have two Haematology inpatient teams who look after patients across several wards including C10, D9 and L5.

If you require a bone marrow biopsy, this will take place on the Haematology Day Unit and will be performed by an appropriately trained registrar or clinical fellow.This procedure is done under local anaesthetic, takes under an hour and you can go home immediately afterwards. Your clinician can give you more information on this if the procedure is required. Please let your doctor or nurse specialist know if you are on a blood thinner or antiplatelet agent.

Contact Numbers

To change a clinic appointment, call Oncology reception on 01223 216551

To change a Haematology Day Unit appointment for a bone marrow biopsy or chemotherapy, call 01223 217720

For urgent queries or if you are unwell (available 24/7), call 01223 274225

For non-urgent medical queries, leave a message for the CNS on 01223 596279 option 2

For non-medical or practical support, the Macmillan Cancer Navigator can be contacted on 01223 216876.

Other support/ information

Who?

Myeloma UK

Myeloma UK (opens in a new tab)

A charity committed to supporting patients with myeloma and similar disorders. They publish excellent information leaflets.

Blood cancer UK

Blood Cancer UK (opens in a new tab)

A charity with information about all types of blood cancer but with some specific to myeloma.

Macmillan UK

Macmillan UK (opens in a new tab)

A charity that provides helpful practical advice (including financial advice) for patients with cancer.

Cambridge Myeloma support group

Cambridge Myeloma Support Group (opens in a new tab).

A local support group for those who live in the area. Contact details are on the webpage listed.

Maggie’s Cambridge

Maggie's Cambridge (opens in a new tab)

A charity providing support for cancer patients and their carers before during and after treatment. They offer one-to-one support, host group activities and provide a calming space on the CUH campus where you can get away from it all.

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.