The changing landscape of multiple myeloma: implications for oncology nurses

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Clinical Therapeutics

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex blood cancer with significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment over the last decade.
• Despite progress, MM remains largely incurable, necessitating ongoing research and clinical trials for improved therapeutic strategies.
• Current MM management involves a multidisciplinary team approach, with a majority of care delivered in outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the current landscape of multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.
• To summarize key articles within a supplement focused on improving MM patient and caregiver outcomes.
• To highlight the importance of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the MM treatment paradigm.

Main Methods:

• This work is a review and summary of current knowledge and practices in multiple myeloma (MM) care.
• It synthesizes information from experts on the International Myeloma Foundation Nurse Leadership Board.
• Focuses on diagnostic evaluation, risk-adapted treatment selection, supportive care, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Main Results:

• Significant scientific progress has been made in diagnostic evaluation, risk-adapted treatment selection, and supportive care for multiple myeloma (MM).
• Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a vital component of the MM treatment strategy.
• Effective MM management relies on a coordinated team approach and active patient/caregiver participation.

Conclusions:

• While multiple myeloma (MM) care has improved, the disease is not yet curable for most patients.
• Continued clinical trials are essential to refine existing therapies and develop novel treatment approaches for MM.
• Optimizing MM patient outcomes requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers.