Multiple Myeloma: Enhancing Treatment Tolerability, Adherence, and Patient-Centered Care

STATEMENT OF NEED

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell neoplasm characterized by aberrant expansion of plasma cells within the bone marrow and extramedullary sites (eg, cortical bone). Approximately 32,270 new cases of MM are diagnosed in the United States annually and 12,830 people die of the disease. Although the tumor cells remain primarily within the bone marrow, they can cause a number of complications, including localized bone destruction, anemia, decreased immunity to infection, and kidney damage. MM is primarily considered a disease of older adults, with a median age at diagnosis of 69 years. From 1975 to 2007, the incidence increased by 11.4%, and is expected to continue to rise in conjunction with the aging population. Early diagnosis is difficult because symptoms often do not appear until the malignancy is in advanced stages. The 5-year survival rate remains only 52.2%.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with MM.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1.) Identify predictive and prognostic markers that can tailor treatment selection and goals to individual patients with MM
2.) Evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of novel therapeutic strategies for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM
3.) Assess strategies to manage treatment-related adverse events, promote adherence to therapy, and ensure patient-centered MM care