Identification of Needs of Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Questionnaire-Based Study in Israeli Patients

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is an incurable chronic malignant disease. The disease itself and its treatment impair quality-of-life (QoL), yet there is no data regarding the biopsychosocial needs of patients in the era of new treatments. In the current study, we aimed to identify the biopsychosocial needs of patients with multiple myeloma.

This is a descriptive study on patients with multiple myeloma in Israel in 2024. The information was based on a questionnaire examining physical, psychological, and social needs filled out by myeloma patients. We analyzed the main impairments of QoL and what affected them, the main supporter in dealing with the disease, psychosocial needs reported by the patients and the difficulties in dealing with such difficulties.

The main symptom reported by multiple myeloma patients was fatigue. The number of treatment lines worsened QoL (unstandardized coefficient: 0.987, 95% CI: 0.284; 1.691, p = 0.006). The patient's partner mostly helped in dealing with the disease (72.7%). The most desired type of support was assistance in accessing rights (median 5, interquartile range 3-5); however, one-third did not use the support services offered to them. A total of 48% the patients talked to their doctor about the struggle and the accompanying difficulties.

Myeloma patients report various impairments in the biopsychosocial components of QoL. Although supportive services are offered, adjustments must be made to optimally meet patients' needs. Further studies should test the effectiveness of different interventions on the biopsychosocial components of the QoL of these patients in the era of new drugs.