The development of a home-based therapeutic platform for multiple myeloma

Abstract

Background Multiple Myeloma (MM) accounts for 1-2% of all malignancies but is the second commonest haematological malignancy. It is characterized by a proliferation of malignant plasma cells. The treatment paradigm of MM in Australia is traditionally hospital-based, complex and costly. While MM comprises 1-2% of cancer diagnoses, it appears in the top ten cancer diagnoses requiring hospital admission. The cumulative time spent receiving treatment is a significant burden for patients. The ability to receive treatment at home and maximize time away from hospital-based settings is a key preference for patients receiving anticancer therapies over a prolonged period of time. Methods The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital’s combined Clinical Hematology Unit has collaborated with their Hospital in the Home departments to develop several innovative programs to address this. Results We describe our current active programs and potential developments in home-based MM therapy. Conclusion We have enabled large numbers of patients to receive complex therapies in their own home and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the pace of the roll out without any compromise in safety. We anticipate that the next raft of immunotherapies will be able to transition into the @Home treatment setting in the coming years.