Management of Frail Older Adults with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma — Moving Toward a Personalized Approach

Abstract

Case vignetteA 75-year-old male undergoes an evaluation for progressively worsening fatigue with associated shortness of breath. He also reports back pain worse at night, which does not resolve with acetaminophen. He is retired, but over the past 2 months he is unable to garden or perform household chores. Due to his pain and fatigue, he has limited his activity. He currently takes 9 prescription medications for chronic medical conditions, which include diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and COPD. Initial evaluation reveals anemia (Hgb 9.0 g/dl last known normal was 2 years ago, Hgb 13.5 g/dl), renal impairment (serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL), hypercalcemia (11.5 g/dl). Plain X-rays reveal compression fractures involving T3 and T4. Multiple myeloma is suspected, further labs confirm the diagnosis of IgG kappa multiple myeloma. LDH is elevated, beta-2-microglobulin is elevated at 6.1 mg/L and albumin < 3.5 mg/dl. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy reveal plasmacytosis of 55% and on fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, del 17p/TP53 mutation in 85% of cells is detected. PET/CT confirms diffuse bone disease involving the axial and appendicular skeleton. His Karnofsky performance status (KPS) is 70%. He is widowed and lives alone but has 2 adult children who currently live out of state.This abstract will discuss how assessments of fitness/frailty may be used to develop personalized care tailored to the unique needs of older frail adults with multiple myeloma.