Abstract
In the UK, approximately 5820 new cases of multiple myeloma (MM) are diagnosed each year. This number has increased by a third since the early 1990s. Considerable progress has been achieved in our ability to treat MM as a result of the development of new chemotherapeutic agents. MM is a disease more commonly seen in elderly individuals who frequently have pre-existing co-morbidities and are subject to social pressures that impact adversely on their quality of life (QOL). As their lives are extended by more effective treatment of MM, there is a greater need to address such issues. This review will focus on the holistic needs of a patient with MM, and how all members of the multidisciplinary team have a role. The aim is to advocate for centres to support MM patients to live well with their condition.
Highlights
Approach to the Treatment of Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease characterised by the proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells that produce abnormal immunological proteins (The M-protein/paraprotein, or serum free light chains)
This review focuses on the holistic needs of a patient with MM by describing how each individual within the multidisciplinary team (MDT) has a role to play in supporting the patient through their diagnosis, treatment, and beyond
This abstract focuses a spotlight on the crucial roles of each individual member in the MDT, and how an effective MM service needs to recruit the diverse expertise of each to ensure that MM patients are assessed thoroughly, and holistically, during their diagnosis, treatment and beyond
Summary
Approach to the Treatment of Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease characterised by the proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells that produce abnormal immunological proteins (The M-protein/paraprotein, or serum free light chains). The treatment of MM has dramatically changed over the last few decades as significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition have led to the development of novel therapeutic agents with a high efficacy This has resulted in both improved progressionfree and overall survival rates for patients with MM. The Holistic needs assessment (HNA) was developed as a tool to comprehensively assess physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social concerns to help formulate an individual care plan for each patient. The aim of this paper is to assist and encourage centres to develop systems and pathways to allow time for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient to be identified and addressed, enabling patients with MM to live better lives
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