https://meditropics.com/s-vincent-rajkumar/
*Nilayan Sarkar
*Post Graduate Resident, Department Of Medicine, LHMC, New Delhi
To all the haematologists and avid haematology enthusiasts, Dr.S.Vincent Rajkumar requires no introduction. Born in Madras to a modest family, Dr. Rajkumar’s early years were shaped by his passion for music, a hobby he continues to cherish alongside his illustrious medical career. To the uninitiated, the Dr S.V. Rajkumar, particularly renowned for his seminal contributions to the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, is a modern-day legend to whom every patient of Multiple Myeloma owes a silent gratitude.
His journey into medicine was inspired by his uncle, a respected surgeon, and he pursued his MBBS at CMC Vellore, India. There, he recounts being mesmerized by the brilliance of Dr. Mammen Chandy, the father of haematology In India. It was because of him that Dr. Vincent decided to explore his interests further in United States. Dr. Rajkumar’s pivotal shift to the United States saw him trained under Dr. Robert A. Kyle, the discoverer of MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance).
Under Dr. Kyle’s mentorship, Dr. Rajkumar revolutionized Multiple Myeloma treatment by demonstrating the efficacy of Thalidomide as a standalone therapy for refractory and relapsed cases. He was one of the first ones to establish Thalidomide as a successful single agent effective against refractory and relapsed Multiple Myeloma. This pivotal trial not only altered treatment paradigms but also underscored his commitment to patient-centric care.
This was followed by another ground breaking trial that replaced the agent of choice: high dose steroids to low dose steroids along with Bortezomib and Lenalidomide. This regimen for treating Multiple Myeloma still stands to date!!! It is interesting to delve deeper on how this change transpired. As he himself admits, the inspiration behind the trial came from a patient advocate who complained about the devastating effect of steroids on the patients and the lack of options thereof.
This led Dr Vincent to develop a trial comparing high and low doses of steroids. To the astonishment of everyone, not only was dose steroid associated with lower morbidity, there was also an absolute reduction in mortality rate from 13 to 4% over 1 yr. This trial led to a worldwide change in treatment standards of Multiple Myeloma.
Since then, he has been part of multiple further trials on Multiple myeloma, smouldering Myeloma and MGUS Currently, Dr. Rajkumar holds pivotal roles on several prestigious boards, including the International Myeloma Foundation, ECOG-Myeloma arm, and the Myeloma Steering Committee of the National Cancer Institute, US.
He is a prolific author and his seminal work “The Present of Myeloma” remains a cornerstone in the field, reflecting his ongoing contributions to advancing treatment protocols, including the integration of CAR-T cell therapy and molecular targeted therapies.
His unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for Multiple Myeloma patients continues to shape the future of haematology, ensuring that his legacy as a transformative leader endures in the annals of medical history.
References:
- Indian-origin doctor is new chairman of International Myeloma Foundation – The Hindu [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 13]. Available from: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/indian-origin-doctor-is-new-chairman-of-international-myeloma-foundation/article67104854.ece
- Pulling Back the Curtain: S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD | ASH Clinical News | American Society of Hematology [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 13]. Available from: https://ashpublications.org/ashclinicalnews/news/7235/Pulling-Back-the-Curtain-S-Vincent-Rajkumar-MD
- Vincent Rajkumar, M.D. – Mayo Clinic Faculty Profiles – Mayo Clinic Research [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 13]. Available from: https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/rajkumar-s-vincent-m-d/bio-00085953
- Vincent Rajkumar, MD | International Myeloma Foundation [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 13]. Available from: https://www.myeloma.org/people/s-vincent-rajkumar-md