The following is reprinted from the November 4 issue of the UI Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Holden Highlights newsletter. See other features from this series.

Christopher Strouse, MD, clinical assistant professor and leader of the Myeloma Multidisciplinary Oncology Group at the University of Iowa, is working tirelessly to increase access to cutting-edge clinical trials for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Through his outreach to community providers and dedication to improving care, Strouse is making significant strides in advancing cancer research and patient outcomes.

One of Strouse’s key initiatives is his regular outreach to local and regional healthcare providers. Recognizing that many multiple myeloma patients are initially diagnosed outside Iowa City, Strouse has developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure these patients still have access to the latest clinical trials. His efforts include creating a Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials Newsletter to keep providers informed of ongoing and upcoming studies. Additionally, he frequently sends personalized emails to highlight the availability of new trials and encourage referrals.

As noted by Erin Jacobsen, a Clinical Research Services coordinator, “Dr. Strouse’s direct, personalized approach has helped build strong relationships with local providers, leading to an increase in patient referrals at our site, especially for the newly diagnosed.” Strouse’s collaborative efforts ensure that patients across Iowa have timely access to advanced therapies like CAR T-cell treatments and clinical trials that have the potential to revolutionize care for multiple myeloma.

Strouse’s leadership in trial recruitment not only enhances UI Health Care’s research capabilities but also offers hope to multiple myeloma patients across the region. His efforts in outreach, provider collaboration, and patient advocacy underscore his commitment to improving access to the most advanced therapies available and have not gone unnoticed.