PeachJAM Video Series: Expert Panel Q & A on IgG4-related disease (RD)
Welcome back to the IgG4ward! PeachJAM Video Series.
The IgG4ward! Foundation’s PeachJAM brought together patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and advocates for a powerful weekend of learning, connection and clarity.
To close out the event, five IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) experts – Dr. Arezou Khosroshahi, Dr. John Stone, Dr. Alireza Meysami, Dr. Matthew Baker aand Dr. Gary Gilkeson – joined the PeachJAM community for a live Q & A session. Their answers reflected years of clinical experience, research leadership and deep commitment to improving patient lives.
Watch the full expert Q&A session:
What the PeachJAM Attendees Wanted to Know:
Attendees submitted thoughtful, insightful and practical questions – such as:
Why do some patients flare frequently while others stay in remission for years?
If IgG4 levels are always normal, how do clinicians track disease activity?
Can treatment intervals be spaced out over time?
Why do different patients respond differently to the same therapy?
Can IgG4-RD impact hearing, skin or seemingly unrelated symptoms?
Each response emphasized a core truth: no two patients experience IgG4-RD the same way and individualized care matters.
Individualized Treatment – Not One-Size-Fits-All
This personalized approach considers:
Organ involvement
Prior response to treatment
Laboratory and imaging trends
Patient-reported symptoms
Overall health and risk factors
Monitoring Disease Activity is Nuanced
Blood tests, imaging, physical exams and symptom changes all help determine whether IgG4-RD is active – but their usefulness varies by patient
For some, serum IgG4 levels or complement markers are helpful. For others, imaging or subtle clinical changes provide the clearest signal.
The panel reinforced the importance of communication – especially reporting new, returning or seemingly minor symptoms.
A Call for Awareness, Education & Advocacy
Experts acknowledged a challenge familiar to many patients: not all clinicians recognize or understand IgG4-RD. This can delay diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.
But momentum is building:
Increased research and clinical trials
An FDA-approved therapy
Expanding education efforts
Development of future care guidelines
Growing patient communities
Patients are not alone, and the medical field is moving 4ward.
Coming in January: Fireside Chat “Greatest Hits” and CanJAM Series
In January, the month’s Fireside Chat will feature the “Greatest Hits” from Breakout Sessions at the PeachJAM and CanJAM.
Also in January of 2026, the Foundation will continue the series with recorded videos from our most recent Patient JAMboree, the IgG4ward! CanJAM.
Stay Engaged
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for someone you love, or advancing the science - this Series is for you.
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Together, we’re paving the path 4ward - toward earlier diagnosis, better care and renewed hope for all affected by IgG4-RD.
This video and post are for educational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss your individual care plan with your healthcare team.
