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Melbourne Haematology is a collective of clinical and laboratory trained specialist haematologists based in Melbourne, dedicated to providing comprehensive management of patients with haematological disorders.
What's new in haematology: clinical and research updates from our haematologists, explained in plain language, plus practice news.
Myeloma is one of the most common blood cancers, and it has long been described as treatable but not curable. That may now be changing. At the International Myeloma Society (IMS) annual meeting in Glasgow in September 2026, the IMS and the International Myeloma Working Group presented the first consensus definition of what “cure” means in myeloma.
Under the definition, a patient may be considered cured after five years in complete remission without any myeloma treatment. The five years are counted from the day treatment stops, not from when remission began. Over that period, the patient must have:
Most patients will not meet this bar yet. With older treatments, an estimated 5% to 30% of patients may have been cured, depending on the regimen, age and disease risk. Late relapse can still occur, even after a long remission.
The definition matters now because a new generation of immune therapies is producing deeper and more durable remissions than ever before:
In Australia, these therapies are currently funded only after several earlier treatments have failed. Elranatamab (a bispecific antibody) is PBS-listed from the fourth line of therapy, and cilta-cel (CAR-T) is publicly funded from the fifth line. Clinical trials have already tested these therapies earlier in the disease course and shown deep, durable remissions, but in Australia that earlier use is currently available only through clinical trials.
When referring a patient with confirmed or suspected myeloma, whether at diagnosis or at relapse, consider a haematologist with sub-specialty experience in myeloma who is across the current clinical trial landscape. For many patients, a trial is the only way to access these therapies earlier.
Dr Katherine Cummins is now also consulting at Eastern Haematology and Oncology Group, 9 Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna. Katherine sees patients with a wide range of blood conditions, including abnormal blood counts and disorders of bleeding and clotting. Appointments can be made by phoning 03 9459 5333.
Enlarged lymph nodes (“swollen glands”), especially in the neck, are one of the most common reasons children are brought to the GP. They are usually the body’s normal response to a recent infection such as a cold or sore throat. The Royal Children’s Hospital guideline notes that palpable neck nodes are found in more than a third of otherwise healthy children, and that a well child usually needs only observation and reassurance, not tests.
A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics in late 2025 looked at 500 children referred to a specialist paediatric haematology and oncology clinic with enlarged nodes. Even in this referred group, nearly nine in ten had simple reactive nodes and a further 7% had an infection. About 6% had a cancer such as lymphoma or leukaemia. Interestingly, node size and location alone did a poor job of separating the serious cases from the rest. The appearance of the node on ultrasound was a far better guide.
In a well child with typical reactive nodes, a planned review in 4 to 6 weeks is usually all that is needed. If nodes persist or any red flags are present, a full blood count with blood film is a sensible first step, and ultrasound can help decide who needs referral. Children with red flags should be discussed with a paediatric team promptly.
This is general information only. If you are worried about your child, please see your GP.
Melbourne Haematology is a collective of clinical and laboratory trained specialist haematologists based in Melbourne, dedicated to providing comprehensive management of patients with haematological disorders.