Donna Catamero, NP

About the interview

In this interview, Donna Catamero, NP, Associate Director at the Tish Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai, discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating multiple myeloma, the second most common hematological malignancy. Donna highlights the importance of early detection, typical presentation, populations at higher risk, and disparities in treatment among different demographic groups. She also notes the significant advancements in therapy that have improved patient outcomes over the years.

Key discussion points:

• Multiple myeloma is most common in older adults, particularly those over 65 years of age
• Symptoms can be nonspecific and include fatigue, back pain, and renal insufficiency
• Annual physical exams, complete blood count (CBC), and comprehensive metabolic panels are crucial for early detection
• Significant improvement in the five-year survival rate from the 1970s to 2024
• Black and Hispanic patients often present at a younger age and receive less optimal care