Developments in the treatment of multiple myeloma: overview and nursing implications

Multiple myeloma is a haematological cancer where plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow. In the past there were few therapeutic options beyond autologous stem cell transplant. However, systemic treatments have dramatically improved over the past two decades, transforming multiple myeloma from an incurable disease with poor prognosis to a relapsing-remitting long-term condition with greatly improved survival. As a consequence, patients live longer, undergo protracted and burdensome treatments, and experience long-term effects of the disease and its treatment that negatively affect their quality of life. This article provides an overview of multiple myeloma and its diagnosis, treatment and burden, and describes the role of nurses in assessing patients and managing the consequences of the disease and its treatment.