#USA #San Diego #ASH Meeting #Blood Cancer #HealthTree Foundation

HealthTree Foundation Honors Groundbreaking Research with 2024 Real-World Data Awards

On January 29, 2025, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in San Diego, the HealthTree Foundation unveiled the esteemed recipients of the 2024 Real-World Data Awards. This annual event serves as a platform to recognize innovative research that utilizes the HealthTree Cure Hub Registry, a pioneering initiative aimed at unraveling the complexities of blood cancers and significantly enhancing patient care.

HealthTree Foundation, a global nonprofit organization, bridges the gap between patients and researchers to accelerate the journey towards cures for blood cancers. According to Jenny Ahlstrom, the CEO and Founder of the HealthTree Foundation, “The work of these dedicated researchers demonstrates the incredible potential of real-world data to transform the field of multiple myeloma and other blood cancers. We are honored to support and recognize groundbreaking projects that bring us closer to achieving our shared mission of cures.”

Inaugural HealthTree Innovation Award

Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural HealthTree Innovation Award to Dr. Rahul Banerjee from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional contributions that employ the HealthTree Cure Hub Registry to foster tangible advancements in blood cancer research and patient care. Dr. Banerjee’s remarkable project, which explored the connection between dexamethasone usage and cataract severity, stands out as an exemplary model of collaboration and innovation. As noted by Jay Hydren, the Senior Director of Research at HealthTree, “Dr. Banerjee's work exemplifies the best of innovation and collaboration, underscoring the vital role of real-world data in advancing treatment standards and enhancing the quality of life for patients.”

HealthTree Research Impact Awards

In addition to the Innovation Award, the HealthTree Research Impact Awards were bestowed upon numerous researchers whose impactful projects were completed throughout 2024. These awards intend to spotlight the innovative application of the HealthTree Cure Hub Registry, which has been crucial in advancing both understanding and treatment options for blood cancers. Notable recipients include:

• - Urvi Shah, MD from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, recognized for her in-depth studies on diet in blood cancer patients compared to the general population and the psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis.
• - Morie Gertz, MD, and Nadine Abdallah, MD from Mayo Clinic, honored for their investigation into delays in diagnosing AL amyloidosis.
• - Malek Ehasan, MD, from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, celebrated for his innovative use of machine learning to predict M-Spike levels and expedite myeloma care.
• - Sikander Ailawadhi, MD, from Mayo Clinic, recognized for validating online platforms for conducting patient surveys about awareness regarding clinical trials amongst myeloma patients.
• - Craig Hofmeister, MD, from Emory University, and Karen Sweiss, PharmD, from the University of Illinois Cancer Center, acknowledged for their research on pain and opioid use patterns in multiple myeloma patients, including the patient-reported efficacy and safety of cannabis use.

The Real-World Data Awards

The essence of the 2024 Real-World Data Awards lies in highlighting the researchers whose significant contributions utilizing real-world data were accepted for abstracts, posters, or oral presentations at this year's ASH gathering. Honorees, such as Malek Ehasan, MD, Morie Gertz, MD, Rahul Banerjee, MD, and others, emphasized the importance of real-world data in promoting scientific advancements and enhancing patient outcomes across the blood cancer spectrum.

About HealthTree Foundation

Established as a leader in digital health advocacy, the HealthTree Foundation is committed to improving treatment outcomes and discovering cures for blood cancers through innovative technology, patient education, and collaborative research. Their HealthTree Cure Hub Registry allows over 10,000 patients to contribute invaluable real-world data, driving significant medical discoveries in the field. By uniting patients with researchers, HealthTree is redefining cancer care and propelling forward the quest for cures. For more information, visit healthtree.org.