The Hematology Podcast: Recent Episodes
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In The Hematology Podcast, we dig into the clinical, the theoretical, and the practical, as we discuss the past, present, and future of the hematological field. MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) March 2021
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Gaucher disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder that presents with varying prevalence and management approaches across Nordic countries. Despite geographical proximity, these countries show notable differences in disease presentation, diagnostic approaches, and patient care pathways. This episode explores these unique challenges and opportunities while identifying potential areas for collaborative improvement in patient care across Scandinavia. Tune in to discover how this rare condition shapes healthcare approaches in the Nordic region.
Featured Experts:
Professor Allan Lund: Board-certified specialist in paediatrics with expert training in rare paediatric metabolism. He currently works at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark where he is the leader of Center for Rare metabolic diseases for children and adults. He has spent several years researching, diagnosing, and treating patients with different rare metabolic disorders.
Dr. Per Ole Iversen: Medical doctor, specialist in internal medicine and hematology, senior consultant at the Department of Hematology at Oslo University Hospital (OUS), and professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Oslo. He has a particular interest in Gaucher disease and treats the majority of Norwegian Gaucher patients
Among the Nordic countries, Denmark stands out as the only nation without a current dedicated Gaucher Patient Advocacy Group (PAG). However, Danish Gaucher patients are represented through the national rare disease umbrella organization "Sjældne Diagnoser" (Rare Diseases Denmark). This organization serves as a collective voice for patients with rare conditions, including those affected by Gaucher disease. In contrast, the other Nordic countries - Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland - each have their own dedicated Gaucher PAGs. These organizations specifically focus on supporting Gaucher patients and their families, raising awareness, and advocating for their needs within their respective healthcare systems.
MAT-BE-2500772 (ver.1) Jul 2025
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Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a crucial part of the treatment of many hematological malignancies. One important effect is alteration of the immune system. To overcome this, vaccinations after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are a vital part of post-transplant care. The timing, and effectiveness of vaccines in this setting remain complex, as immune reconstitution varies widely. In this episode, we will explore current strategies and emerging insights into how best to safeguard allogenic transplanted patients against infections.
Our guest is Sigrun Einarsdottir, hematologist and researcher with a focus on immune responses in immunocompromised patients. She completed her hematology fellowship and PhD at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2022, with her thesis centered on vaccine responses post-transplant. Sigrun is now a postdoctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she continues her work on infections and vaccine responses, particularly after CAR T-cell therapy. Today, she’ll share her expertise on optimizing vaccination strategies in this vulnerable group.
MAT-BE-2501090 (ver.1) 09 2025
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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into routine clinical practice is poised to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases. AI-based models are already capable of automatically identifying cell populations including malignant cells, and facilitating early disease detection and prognosis. However, the efficacy of these tools depends on their correct application and interpretation, and hematologists need a basic understanding of machine learning to use AI effectively. In order to exploit the full potential of AI in hematologic diagnostics and to achieve a comprehensive integration of AI-based systems in routine clinical settings, there are challenges and limitations to be solved, including i.e. standardization of the methods, regulatory guidelines and training related questions. In this episode, we will dive into the current status and future directions of using AI in hematology. Oscar Brück, MD, PhD, is guest. He leads the Hematoscope Lab at the Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center & Center of Diagnostics and the University of Helsinki. His team combines high-resolution imaging, big data, and machine learning to revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of hematological diseases. With a multidisciplinary expertise and approach, the group aims to harness technology to tackle cancer heterogeneity.
MAT-BE-2500595 (ver.1) 05 2025
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Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising. In this episode, we will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical implications, and advancements in ITP.
Our guest today, Professor Waleed Ghanima, is a renowned hematologist at Østfold Hospital and the University of Oslo in Norway. Prof. Ghanima has extensive experience in the field of hematology and has contributed significantly to research on ITP. Today, he will share his insights on ITP, its clinical management, and future directions in research and management.
MAT-BE-2500387 03.2025
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A new genomic definition of high-risk multiple myeloma (HR-MM) has been recently proposed by IMS/IMWG. The associated peer-reviewed publication is planned to be released in Spring 2025.
Expert guest in this episode is Professor Monique Minnema, haematologist at the University Hospital in Utrecht in The Netherlands. She is an international expert with focus on diagnosis and treatment of malignant haematological diseases including Multiple Myeloma and Waldenström disease. She just recently accepted the vice-chair position of the HOVON Multiple Myeloma Working Group in the Netherlands.
MAT-BE-2500276 2/2025
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In this episode of The Hematology Podcast, we will delve into the complex world of thrombotic microangiopathy, or TMA. This condition encompasses a group of disorders characterized by small blood clots forming in the smallest blood vessels, leading to various complications. Diagnosing TMA can be particularly challenging due to its overlapping symptoms with other conditions and the need for specialized tests.
In today’s episode, we have the honor of welcoming Professor Riitta Lassila to the studio. Professor Lassila is a renowned expert in hematology with extensive experience in researching and treating TMA. She currently serves at the Helsinki University Hospital in Finland, where she leads the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Unit. Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of TMA and its management.
MAT-BE-2401005 (ver. 1) 11 2024
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of liquid biopsy-derived DNA as a revolutionary tool for comprehensive mutation profiling in multiple myeloma. This innovative approach offers a non-invasive way to analyse genetic alterations, potentially transforming how we diagnose and monitor this complex hematological cancer. Join us as we explore the promises and challenges of using liquid biopsies to decode the genetic landscape of multiple myeloma and its implications for personalized medicine.
We have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Wouter De Brouwer from Belgium to our studio. Dr. De Brouwer is a haematologist in training and PhD student at the hematology and immunology research group (HEIM) from the faculty of Brussels health campus, with a special interest in genomic profiling in haematological malignancies. Join us as Dr. De Brouwer sheds light on the potential of liquid biopsies to revolutionize personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes.
ASSET-24016322 (ver. 1.0) Oct 2024
In this episode, we focus on a severe form of Thalassemia known as Thalassemia major. In a previous episode, we discussed Thalassemia minor and intermedia with Professor Dr. Bart Biemond from Amsterdam UMC. Today, we’ll delve deeper into the challenges and treatments associated with Thalassemia major. Prof. Biemond is still with us to share his expertise.
ASSET-24016319 (ver. 2.0) Oct 2024
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic stem cell-derived myeloid malignancy characterized by manifold genetic aberrations and poor overall survival. Standard treatment for newly diagnosed fit AML patients is intensive chemotherapy. Relapse is, however, a challenge in more than 40% of AML patients. AML is also a disease with a large degree of individual heterogeneity, which creates challenges both for diagnostics and for developing targeted treatment options.
Our guest is Björn Gjertsen, professor of hematology at the University of Bergen, Norway. Björn is also part of Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, CCBIO, and founding member and chair of the Nordic AML group and member of HOVON AML International Steering Group. He has extensive experience in treating AML, in clinical and translational research of AML, including very exciting newly published data on how single cell signalling profiling may help to detect responders and non-responders early in the treatment.
MAT-BE-2400183 (ver. 1) Feb 2024
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an intermediate condition that lies between Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and active multiple myeloma along the spectrum of clonal plasma cell proliferative disorders. Smoldering multiple myeloma may take years to become active multiple myeloma. In some cases, people who have this condition never develop active multiple myeloma.
In this episode we have the pleasure of having the Norwegian haematologist Fredrik Schjesvold with us. Fredrik is the founder and leader of Oslo Myeloma Center at Oslo University Hospital. Fredrik is an international expert on Multiple Myeloma in charge of one of Europe’s largest centres for clinical research in this disease. He is also chairman of the Nordic Myeloma Study Group and leads the Norwegian Myeloma Group. Besides he is member of the International Myeloma Working Group, and board member of the European Myeloma network (EMN).
MAT-BE-2400119 (ver. 1) 02.2024
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder, in which the synthesis of hemoglobin chains is impaired. Consequently, people with thalassemia minor may have slight to severe anemia which usually does not cause any problems. Thalassemia major in contrast is a severe disorder with need of transfusion and complications with iron overload. In this episode we will mainly discuss thalassemia minor and intermedia.
Our guest today Professor Bart Biemond is a hematologist at the Amsterdam UMC in The Netherlands. Bart is head of the Hemoglobinopathy Expert Center and an active member of the medical advisory boards of the national patient associations. Today, Bart will tell us more about thalassemia, its clinical implications and developments in research which implicate patients today and in the future.
MAT-BE-2400104 (v.1.0)) February 2024
Today we will discuss a rare, inherited metabolic disorder known as ASMD, acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (or historically known as Niemann-Pick types A, A/B, and B). This genetic condition is very rare. It can be diagnosed, after suspicion, by different screening test. But symptoms may vary greatly, and has overlap with several other disorders, and the road to an accurate diagnosis can therefore be challenging.
In today’s episode we have the pleasure of welcoming Professor David Cassiman in the studio. He is a specialist in hepatology with profound knowledge of metabolic diseases. He currently works at the University Hospital of Leuven (Belgium) where he is the head of the Center for Heridatary Metabolic Diseases. He has spent several years of research, diagnosing, and treating patients with different rare metabolic disorders.
MAT-BE-2301084 (ver.1) 3 Nov 2023
Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a hemato-nephrological term referring to a heterogeneous group of kidney disorders characterized by direct or indirect kidney injury caused by a monoclonal immunoglobulin (MIg) produced by a B cell or plasma cell clone that does not meet current hematologic criteria for therapy. MGRS-associated kidney diseases are diverse and can result in the development of end stage kidney disease (ESKD).
In this episode we have the pleasure of having the Belgian Assistant professor Dr Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck with us in the studio. She is Assistant professor at UZ Leuven and specialises in kidney transplantation and kidney diseases.
MAT-BE-2301080 (ver.1) Oct 2023
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder, where red blood cells have the shape of a C or sickle - hence the name. Sickle cells have a shorter lifespan than normal red blood cells, which causes anemia. Additionally, sickle cells may block blood vessels, especially during infections, dehydration, stress or fatigue, causing complications for the patients.
Our guest today Professor Bart Biemond is a haematologist at the Amsterdam UMC in The Netherlands. Bart is head of the Hemoglobinopathy Expert Center and an active member of the medical advisory boards of the national patient associations. His efforts in research have led among others to greater understanding of biomarkers in SCD and complications associated with this disease. In this episode of our Haematology Podcast, Bart will tell us more about SCD, its clinical implications and developments in research which implicate patients today and in the future.
MAT-BE-2300066 (ver.1) July 2023
Extramedullary disease (EMD) represents an aggressive form of multiple myeloma, characterized by the ability of myeloma cells to form tumors outside the bone marrow independently. Scientific research is continuously evolving, leading to discoveries of new treatments and improvements to current options. However, EMD in myeloma remains challenging from a therapeutic and biological perspective, and today the prognosis for patients with the disease is generally poor. Experts call for a better understanding of how myeloma cells grow and thrive and the biology of extramedullary tumors in order to develop better treatment strategies for the future.
Guest in this episode is Dr. Elena Zamagni, an associate professor at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna and has been a principal investigator in several national and international clinical trials in Multiple Myeloma.
MAT-BE-2300720 (ver.1) Jul 2023
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, called MGUS, is a blood condition which indicates occurrence of clonal cells that secrete monoclonal immunoglobulins. MGUS as such, is not a harmful disease, and usually doesn’t require treatment. However, every year 1 percent of MGUS patients go on to develop myeloma or lymphoma.
In this episode we have the pleasure of having the Icelandic Professor Sigurdur Kristinsson with us. He specialises in internal medicine and hematology. He has led several large population-based myeloma studies in collaboration with major research centers and is a frequent speaker at international hematology conferences. Professor Kristinsson will bring us up to date on recent understandings of the MGUS condition, what symptoms we as health care professionals should be aware of and how to diagnose today – and what could be possible in the future.
MAT-BE-2300364 (Ver. 1.0) 04 2023
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting B-cells. Waldenström Macroglobulinemia is characterised by high levels of circulating antibodies, immunoglobulin M, which is made and secreted by the cells involved in the disease. It is usually an indolent disease with no or limited symptoms. Therefore, patients with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia are often follow closely in “Watchful Waiting” until the disease and symptoms require onset of treatment.
Our guest Ida Bruun Kristensen, haematologist at Odense University Hospital. Ida is an active member in both the Danish Lymphoma Group and Danish Myeloma Study Group as the active in the Nordic clinical societies and is responsible for several ongoing clinical studies. In this episode of our Haematology Podcast Ida enlighten us on Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, its clinical implications and treatment options for the patients today and in the future.
MAT-BE-2300296 04 2023
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. A physical illness can have a severe impact on mental health. As health care professionals we often focus primarily on treatment and how to handle side effects and complications. The mental aspect of a disease is taking the back seat. How is mental health affected by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. And what does mental health mean for the patient's ability to cope with treatment and for the final outcome of treatment? And how is mental health affected after treatment is completed?
In this episode we have the pleasure of having Professor Christoffer Johansen with us. He currently works at the Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet in Denmark. Besides doing research in Oncology, Epidemiology and Clinical Trials, he has scientific focus on mental health for many years.
MAT-BE-2200987 (ver. 1.0) 12 2022
In this episode we will discuss rare, inherited metabolic disorders in general, as well diseases such as Gaucher and other diseases. These genetic conditions are very rare. They can be diagnosed, after suspicion, by different screening test. But symptoms may vary greatly within these disorders and the road to an accurate diagnosis can therefore be challenging.
Guest in this episode is Professor Allan Lund. He is a board-certified specialist in pediatrics with expert training in rare pediatric metabolism. He currently works at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen Denmark where he is the leader of Center for Rare metabolic diseases for children and adults. He has spent several years of research, diagnosing, and treating patients with different rare metabolic disorders.
MAT-BE-2200986 (ver. 1.0) 12 2022
Hemoglobinopathies have previously been rare in the Nordic population but with increasing migration we now meet many patients with different types of thalassemias and hemoglobin variants. It is important to recognize these conditions and diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. In this episode we will meet an expert in hemoglobin disorders who will discuss classification and diagnostic procedures. Britta Landin is associate professor and senior consultant at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. Host for the podcast is the Swedish hematologist Mats Merup.
MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) January 2022
Minimal residual disease (MRD) can today be evaluated in individual patient after treatment using various methods with high sensitivity. MRD indicates remaining malignant cells that could be a source of relapse of the disease. Could MRD also be used as an efficient endpoint in the design of new clinical studies? With help from Professor Ola Landgren, we will look into the crystal ball and discover what the future may hold for MRD.
Host for the podcast is the Swedish hematologist Mats Merup. Special guest in this episode is Ola Landgren, Professor of Medicine, Chief of Myeloma Program & Experimental Therapeutics Program. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami
MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) November 2021
Detection of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) is becoming more important in different fields of hematology including Multiple Myeloma. Over the past decades we’ve been able to improve the sensitivity of detecting minimal levels of MRD through innovations in molecular biology. But should MRD always be treated? Will it give a better outcome for the patient? And do the benefits outweigh the costs?”
Host for the podcast is the Swedish hematologist Mats Merup. Special guest in this episode is Dr Fredrik Schjesvold, head of the Oslo Myeloma Center.
MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) March 2021
One drop of blood, two sheets of glass, 40x objective. Hematological diagnostics demands a keen eye and sound reasoning. At the same time, artificial intelligence is entering the field in a big way. We ask: are the days of Giemsa coloring past us? What will machines be able to do for us, and is there a new role for humans in hematological diagnostics?
Host for the podcast is the Swedish hematologist Mats Merup. Special guests in this episode are Birgitta Sander, basic researcher and pathologist, senior physician and professor at Karolinska Institute and Morten Goodwin, researcher and professor at the University of Agder in the field of artificial Intelligence.
MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) March 2021
We’re currently able to scan the entire human genome in a single day, and the application of genetic sequencing has the potential to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Ahead lies the opportunity to easily discover rare hematological diseases that might previously have gone unnoticed or would have been hard to diagnose. We look closer at genetic sequencing and discuss its applications.
Host for the podcast is the Swedish hematologist Mats Merup. Special guest in this episode is Professor Janna Saarela. Jaana is the director of the Norwegian Centre for molecular medicine, and a researcher working to improve our understanding of the disease pathogenesis and mechanisms of human immune disorder.
MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) March 2021
aTTP is a hematological disease so rare that all professionals struggle to identify it. In this episode, we talk to a hematologist who has diagnosed and treated a patient with aTTP, and we discover what actions a hematologist takes, when facing a deadly acute disease which has six incidents per million in a year.
Host for the podcast is the Swedish hematologist Mats Merup. Special guest in this episode is Henrik Frederiksen, Chief Physician, clinical associate professor, Phd, Department of Haematology X, Odense University Hospital and the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark.
MAT-DK-2100201(1.0) March 2021
In The Hematology Podcast, we dig into the clinical, the theoretical, and the practical, as we discuss the past, present, and future of the hematological field.