#73: What to Know About Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis

Have you ever searched for information on mast cell disease only to be overwhelmed by alarming topics like cancer and stem cell transplants? Then this episode is for you!

Our guest, Dr. Marina Kremyanskaya, joins hosts Dr. G and Kortney to provide insight into the progression of systemic mastocytosis and the available treatment options to improve quality of life and extend lifespan.

Dr. Kremyanskaya distinguishes between indolent and aggressive systemic mastocytosis, shedding light on warning signs indicating disease progression. She offers a detailed exploration of treatment approaches for aggressive mastocytosis, highlighting the evolving treatment plan and differing prognosis from indolent cases. Additionally, Dr. Kremyanskayaa delves into the concept of myeloid malignancy, providing insight into the more challenging aspects of advanced systemic mastocytosis progression.

We also dive into stem cell transplants as a potential cure for advanced systemic mastocytosis. Dr.  Kremyanskaya explains why this option is not immediately pursued due to the complexity of the procedure and the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a potential complication associated with stem cell transplants.

What we cover in this episode about advanced systemic mastocytosis:

• Understanding indolent systemic mastocytosis
• Signs indicating progression to advanced mastocytosis.
• Treatment strategies for aggressive mastocytosis and associated prognosis.
• Explanation of advanced systemic mastocytosis with or without hematologic malignancy.
• Definition of myeloid malignancy.
• Understanding the impact of advanced systemic mastocytosis on organs.
• The effectiveness of early treatment in slowing down the progression.
• The role of stem cell transplant in treating mastocytosis.
• Stem cell transplant and associated risks
  • Role of chemotherapy in stem cell transplant.
  • Overview of graft-versus-host disease.
  • Addressing whether stem cell transplant serves as a cure for mast cell disease.

Resources about mast cell disease:

• Mast Cell Disease Overview: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/mast-cell-diseases/
• What is Anaphylaxis? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/
• What is Epinephrine? https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/anaphylaxis/what-is-epinephrine/
• The Mast Cell Disease Society: https://tmsforacure.org/