Elisabet Manasanch, M.D.
Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot
About Dr. Manasanch
Dr. Manasanch specializes in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. Furthermore, she focuses on translational research of the precursor stages of myeloma and early disease management through groundbreaking immunotherapy-focused clinical trials.
Affiliations and Related Links
Fighting Cancer: It's Personal
What’s your Moon Shots focus?
I focus on describing the genomic and immune markers that characterize the early stages of multiple myeloma. Additionally, I evaluate new immunotherapies such as vaccines and antibodies for the treatment of these early stages.
What makes the Moon Shots Program stand out?
The MD Anderson Moon Shots Program funds studies and projects that would be otherwise very difficult to fund through a regular peer-review grant mechanism. For example, through the Moon Shots Program, our team is describing the immune markers that are important in the progression of asymptomatic to symptomatic myeloma. This creates an opportunity to target these markers with new therapies to prevent progression.
What motivates and excites you?
I am excited that we can recognize early stages of myeloma and offer therapy on clinical trials with groundbreaking immunotherapeutic strategies.
What makes your fight against cancer personal?
My father died of cancer when I was six. I’m happy that today a lot of patients with multiple myeloma can live long full lives in the company of their families.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope to prevent or delay progression to multiple myeloma in patients that have asymptomatic/precursor disease.
What else do you want people to know about you and your work?
None of these advances would be possible without our dedicated research and clinic team including nurses, physicians, scientists and coordinators. I am truly blessed to be able to work with such talented individuals that have the best interest of patients at heart.