Amyloidosis & Other Plasma Cell Disorders

At Winship, we provide exceptional expertise in the management of a variety of plasma cell disorders, and diseases related to plasma cell abnormalities. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-1900.

Our specialists in the plasma cell dyscrasia program at Winship are ready to provide you with the most advanced treatment options available today.

We have a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, in other words you benefit from Winship's vast resources in hematology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology and bone marrow transplantation, to provide you with the newest, most effective practices and treatments for plasma cell disorders. Our clinicians develop groundbreaking treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading medical programs.

The benefits of having your plasma cell disorder treated here include:

  • Access to award-winning physicians who rank among the top hematology experts in the world.
  • Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
  • Access to Winship's Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program, the largest and oldest program in Georgia.
  • Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

Our plasma cell dyscrasia program is located at Winship Cancer Institute (Clifton campus).

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with AL amyloidosis or any other plasma cell disorder, we are ready to help you. Call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 to make an appointment. Winship experts are also available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

There are several differing types of plasma cell disorders, or diseases related to plasma cell abnormalities.

In our clinic, we treat patients with any one of the following:

  • amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis: Proteins produced by cancerous plasma cells take a particular form that allows them to be deposited into various body organs, such as kidney, heart or others, causing damage.
  • monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS)
  • POEMS syndrome (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, & Skin changes)
  • cryoglobulinemia

Due to the differing types of plasma cell disorders, a variety of tests are used to diagnose specific ones. A complete staging workup may include a physical exam, 24-hour urine test, blood work, imaging tests and bone marrow biopsy.

Other plasma cell disorders such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering myeloma and high risk myeloma are precancerous conditions and can become multiple myeloma. Visit our multiple myeloma page to learn about treatment options and meet our world-renowned team of specialists.

Innovative research and clinical trials at Winship and elsewhere, are coming up with better, more targeted drugs and individualized therapies.

Your treatment options will be tailored to your diagnosis of your specific type of plasma cell disorder and may vary, but in most cases one or a combination of the following methods will be used:

Targeted drugs and combination therapies: Various drugs are used to treat your condition by directly targeting the abnormal cells in your body. At Winship, we have pioneered the use of these drugs in combination with front-line therapies.

Immunotherapy: A therapy option that uses your own immune system to treat your condition.

Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation: This treatment consists of destroying diseased bone marrow cells by using higher doses of chemotherapy and in some cases, radiotherapy, and then replacing them with healthy bone marrow or stem cells to help patients regain a new and healthy immune system. Winship has pioneered many advances in bone marrow transplant procedures and drugs.

Clinical Trials

Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments that are not widely available.

For smoldering myeloma and MGUS patients, Sparkcures.com provides information on clinical trials tailored to you. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of dealing with your treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.

Cascade Link

Jonathan L. Kaufman MD

  • Hematologist
Photo of 
                                 Jonathan L. Kaufman MD
Jonathan L. Kaufman MD

Jonathan L. Kaufman MD

  • Dr. Kaufman's practice includes treating multiple myeloma and amyloidosis patients at Emory University Hospital.
  • Medical Director and Section Chief, Ambulatory Infusion Centers, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH

  • Hematologist
Photo of 
                                 Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH
Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH

Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH

  • Dr. Hofmeister's practice focuses on plasma cell cancers, including plasmacytomas, multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, smoldering myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathies of renal significance.
  • Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP

  • Hematologist
Photo of 
                                 Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP
Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP

Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP

  • Dr. Nooka provides strategic oversight for all clinical research conducted at Winship, with a focus on supporting high-quality, safe and ethical research and ensuring that patients have equitable access to Winship’s innovative clinical trials.
  • Associate Director of Clinical Research, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Kunal Bhatt MD

  • Cardiologist
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                                 Kunal Bhatt MD
Kunal Bhatt MD

Kunal Bhatt MD

  • Dr. Bhatt specializes in advanced heart failure therapies, and has expertise in the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-5544

Nisha Joseph MD

  • Hematologist
Photo of 
                                 Nisha Joseph MD
Nisha Joseph MD

Nisha Joseph MD

  • A board certified hematologist, Dr. Joseph specializes in plasma cell disorders and bone marrow transplantation.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Ali Kashkouli MD

  • Nephrologist
Photo of 
                                 Ali Kashkouli MD
Ali Kashkouli MD

Ali Kashkouli MD

  • A nephrologist, Dr. Kashkouli collaborates with the Winship physician team to treat patients with renal complications due to amyloidosis.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-5380
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