A Focus on Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a relapsing disease for many patients with multiple myeloma. At relapse, patients have many options for treatment once disease has progressed. Advanced practitioners are well suited to set expectations for ongoing therapy and underscore the importance of continued disease monitoring. Criteria for relapsed myeloma rely on biomarker and radiologic imaging, as well as physical exam and awareness of new bone pain or changes in physiologic function. The treatment of patients with relapsed MM requires a personalized approach and considers patient desires in regard to aggressiveness of therapy and willingness to participate in a clinical trial. The prognosis of patients with relapsed MM depends upon disease characteristics at baseline or throughout, as patients may acquire adverse cytogenetic abnormalities through various lines of treatment. Empowering patients to understand their diagnosis, interpret labs, and take an active role in treatment selection through shared decision-making can improve patients' quality of life and enhance adherence.