As a member of the International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day Committee, The Australian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS) is pleased to share a new expert interview series developed as part of last year’s Awareness Day sponsorship activities.
These interviews bring together leading international specialists to share clear, practical insights into mast cell activation disorders (MCADs). They are designed to support understanding, improve awareness and help patients, families and communities navigate complex and often misunderstood conditions.
The full interviews are hosted on the International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day website. We encourage our community to view and share these resources.
The Awareness Day committee brought together three MCAD leading specialists to share clear, practical insights into mastocytosis, idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and symptomatic hereditary alpha tryptasemia (HaT).
These interviews are designed to support understanding, improve awareness and help patients, families and communities navigate complex and often misunderstood conditions.
Mastocytosis
With more than 16 years of experience, Dr Deepti Radia, Consultant Haematologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, reflects on how understanding of mastocytosis has evolved.
In this interview, she explains why getting the diagnosis right matters and how accurate classification can influence care and quality of life.
Watch Dr Deepti Radia’s interview
Idiopathic Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Idiopathic MCAS occurs when mast cells release too many mediators, causing symptoms, but no underlying cause can be identified.
In an insightful interview, Dr Mariana Castells (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston) offers insight into care for people living with idiopathic MCAS.
Watch Dr Mariana Castells’ interview
Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (HaT)
Hereditary alpha tryptasemia (HaT) is a genetic trait linked to extra copies of the tryptase gene. For many people it causes no symptoms, but for others it can contribute to a wide range of issues, such as rashes, itching and flushing; food or chemical sensitivities; gastrointestinal symptoms; musculoskeletal and joint pain; and, in some cases, an increased risk of anaphylaxis.
Dr Sarah Glover (Tulane University School of Medicine) explains what symptomatic HaT is, how it can show up and why it can feel like a long road – “a marathon, not a sprint”.
Watch Dr Sarah Glover’s interview
A shared global awareness initiative
We hope these expert insights help raise awareness and encourage greater understanding of the challenges faced by those living with MCADs around the world.
TAMS is proud to support and amplify this Awareness Day initiative and encourages our community to explore and share these trusted educational resources.
