The Straight and Marrow

The Straight and Marrow

A show that discusses all things Allogeneic bone marrow transplant. From pre transplant considerations to survivorship using experiences of health care professionals patients & carers with current evidence to keep it straight. The Straight and Marrow podcast is sponsored by ARROW, the Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation.

Episodes

June 25, 2025 24 mins

 In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Chantelle, a patient who underwent CAR T-cell therapy after exhausting other treatment options. They share the highs and lows of the experience — from the decision to proceed, through the infusion and side effects, to the long and uncertain road of recovery. With honesty and clarity, this story sheds light on what it’s really like to live through one of the most cutting-edge cancer...

Mark as Played

Dr Katherine Cummins (Haematologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital with a focus on clinical translation of CAR T-cells and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation)  joins Alex and Hannah to discuss the long term complications post CAR T, focusing on infections. Katherine discusses the impact of lymphodepleting chemotherapy and what that means for low blood counts, infection risks and how we can t...

Mark as Played

Nicole O'Leary - an experienced CAR-T nurse practitioner - discusses the importance of the role of the carer. CAR T therapy is not a solo journey and in this episode, we shine a light on the unsung heroes: the carers. From managing medications and monitoring for side effects to providing emotional support through the highs and lows, carers play a critical role in the success and safety of CAR T treatment. 

Mark as Played

 Dr Valeriya Kuznetsova, a neuropsychologist, joins the Straight and Marrow team to discuss the neurological side effects of CAR T cell therapy, including ICANS (immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome). From confusion and seizures to subtle cognitive changes, we explore how these toxicities manifest, why they occur, and what can be done to monitor and manage them. Tune in as we navigate the intersection of cutting-e...

Mark as Played

CAR T-cell therapy is revolutionising cancer treatment, but it comes with unique side effects that every patient and caregiver should understand. In this episode, Dr Hamish Scott joins Alex and Hannah to  break down the most common side effects, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities, explaining how they present, how they’re monitored, and what can be done to manage them.  Whether you're a patien...

Mark as Played

Have you ever wondered how CAR T Cells are made? Join us for a look behind the curtain of CAR T manufacturing with esteemed scientist Associate Professor Dominic Wall, an acknowledged expert in the field and Chief Scientific Officer of Cell Therapies Pty Ltd. 

Mark as Played

Shae Disney - an expert Apheresis nurse - talks to Hannah and Alex about what to expect when your cells are being collected, from vein assessments to buffy coat and citrate toxicity as she maps out the journey of the cells from collection to infusion. 

Mark as Played
January 29, 2025 26 mins

Harnessing Immunity: The CAR T Story is your guide to one of the most ground breaking cancer treatments of our time. This podcast season unpacks how CAR-T therapy is revolutionizing immunotherapy, giving T-cells the power to seek and destroy cancer like never before. From the science behind it to real patient experiences, expert insights, and the latest research; Hannah, Alex and Yvonne break down what you need to know about this c...

Mark as Played

When it comes to skin/cutaneous GVHD, it takes more than thick skin to face the challenges. In this episode, we uncover the layers of this condition—its causes, treatments, and the impact on daily life. With insights from medical experts with a wealth of experience, we peel back the complexities to help you navigate life with skin GVHD, one step at a time. 

Mark as Played

 In this episode, we take a deep dive into pulmonary graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a complex and potentially life-altering complication of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Discover how GVHD impacts the lungs, leading to symptoms like chronic cough, breathlessness, and reduced lung function. Featuring expert interviews with pulmonologists and transplant specialists,  we explore the latest diagnostic tools, treatment strateg...

Mark as Played

 Join us as we explore the intimate and often overlooked topic of vaginal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This episode delves into the physical, emotional, and medical challenges faced by individuals experiencing this condition after a stem cell transplant. With insights from Dr Jennifer Bradford (Gynaecologist), we’ll discuss the symptoms, treatment options, and strategies for improving quality of life. Whether you're a pat...

Mark as Played

Join us for an insightful episode as we welcome Professor Stephanie Lee, a leading expert in chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). With years of experience as a researcher and clinician, Dr. Lee sheds light on the challenges and breakthroughs in managing chronic GVHD, a complex condition affecting many organs. Stephanie provides an overview on chronic GVHD, the latest treatment advancements, and practical strategies for improvi...

Mark as Played
April 21, 2024 31 mins

The decision and planning about when and how to return to work or study after an allogeneic BMT can be really stressful. Sometimes you really want to get back into it but you wonder what to tell your employer and colleagues. Then there's the decision about how many hours a day you can manage and how to juggle work, study, medical appointments and how you are feeling physically and emotionally. In this podcast episode Jacinta s...

Mark as Played
January 14, 2024 36 mins

Be Alert- Not Alarmed.  In this episode, Yvonne and Alex talk you through a head to toe chronic Graft vs Host Disease Self Assessment. From prayer pose to fingernails to the digestive system we walk you through possible signs of GvHD and when to escalate to your transplant team. 

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/How-I-conduct-a-comprehensive-chronic-disease-Carpenter/ad3ab95cc54e7156fa840b6a89d0453783482c18/figure/3

Mark as Played

Josh and his mum Hazel talk with the Straight and Marrow team about Josh’s bone marrow transplant for lymphoma. They discuss tips, hope, count recovery and post transplant complications to help other people no matter what their role is. 
From the tricky and rewarding patient and carer relationship to the differences between a CAR T transplant and an allogeneic stem cell transplant,  Josh and Hazel discuss it all

Mark as Played

We go straight to the expert on what to eat and why post transplant.  Danika Carty, an experienced haematology dietician,  dispels the myths of a neutropenic diet and shares strategies on how to manage taste changes, high protein diets and food supplementation. 

Mark as Played
August 17, 2023 21 mins

Our most popular guest returns to discuss the nuts and bolts of the post transplant course after discharge from hospital. Dr Ashvind Prabahran talks about CMV/EBV, GVHD –every acronym in BMT including the risk of infections and medication management. 

Mark as Played
August 2, 2023 19 mins

Our most popular guest returns to discuss the nuts and bolts of the post transplant course after discharge from hospital. Dr Ashvind Prabahran talks about CMV/EBV, GVHD –every acronym in BMT including the risk of infections and medication management. 

Mark as Played
July 12, 2023 29 mins

Dr Shaza Abo talks to the Straight and Marrow team to discuss the benefits of exercise pre, during and post AlloBMT. From ensuring safety to recommended guidelines, Shaza has a wealth of knowledge, resources and experience as a clinical and research physiotherapist. 

Mark as Played

Richelle and Chris from Arrow the Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation join the Straight and Marrow team to discuss what the charity offers, from financial support, information booklets to  scholarships for healthcare professionals – they are here to support all people affected by bone marrow transplants 

https://arrow.org.au/ 

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2

    Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.