Bone Health, Pain, and Mobility: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Patients With Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND: About 85% of patients with multiple myeloma develop bone disease. In these patients, lytic bone lesions can cause fractures, poor circulation, blood clots, pain, poor mobility, and decreased quality of life.
. OBJECTIVES: This article presents consensus statements to guide nurses in the assessment and management of bone disease, pain, and mobility in patients with multiple myeloma at varying points in their disease trajectory.
. METHODS: Members of the International Myeloma Foundation Nurse Leadership Board reviewed previously provided recommendations, current recommendations based on literature review, and evidence-based grading.
. FINDINGS: Oncology nurses play a key role in maximizing bone health, minimizing skeletal injury, maximizing pain control, and improving quality of life in patients by enhancing patient mobility and safety. Clinician assessment accompanied by effective interventions reduces patient injury and optimizes functioning in patients with multiple myeloma.

Distress, Fatigue, and Sexuality: Understanding and Treating Concerns and Symptoms in Patients With Multiple Myeloma 
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BACKGROUND: The psychological needs of patients and caregivers may be inadvertently overlooked, contributing to the patient's distress and possibly compromising outcomes. Untreated, these psychological needs may impair the patient's ability to make decisions and adhere to treatment. 
. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to present consensus statements to guide oncology nurses in the recognition and management of distress, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). 
. METHODS: Members of the International Myeloma Foundation Nursing Leadership Board reviewed the current literature and clinical experience regarding interventions related to distress, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction in patients with MM.
. FINDINGS: Ongoing patient education and attention to medical and psychological care is important to assess and address patients' needs, such as cancer-related fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and distress.

Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing and Managing Side Effects of Multiple Myeloma.

OBJECTIVE: To review disease-related symptoms and side effects of treatment in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles, research studies, and clinical guidelines. CONCLUSION: New therapies provide patients with extended survival, but in many cases this benefit is counterbalanced by an increased incidence of side effects. Preservation of organ function, while managing side effects, is essential for the care of patients with MM. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Disease- and treatment-related adverse events are prevalent in patients with MM. Patient, family, and health care professional education is essential to monitor and manage these side effects.

Sexual dysfunction in multiple myeloma: survivorship care plan of the International Myeloma Foundation Nurse Leadership Board.

The World Health Organization describes sexuality as a "central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual factors." Currently, no research has been conducted regarding sexual dysfunction in patients with multiple myeloma; therefore, information related to the assessment and evaluation of sexual dysfunction is gleaned from other malignancies and diseases. In this article, members of the International Myeloma Foundation's Nurse Leadership Board discuss the definition, presentation, and causes of sexual dysfunction; provide recommendations for sexual assessment practices; and promote discussion among patients with multiple myeloma, their healthcare providers, and their partners.

Management of side effects of novel therapies for multiple myeloma: consensus statements developed by the International Myeloma Foundation's Nurse Leadership Board.

Nurses play an essential role in managing the care of patients with multiple myeloma, who require education and support to receive and adhere to optimal therapy. The International Myeloma Foundation created a Nurse Leadership Board comprised of oncology nurses from leading cancer centers and community practices. An assessment survey identified the need for specific recommendations for managing key side effects of novel antimyeloma agents. Myelosuppression, thromboembolic events, peripheral neuropathy, steroid toxicities, and gastrointestinal side effects were selected for the first consensus statements. The board developed recommendations for healthcare providers in any medical setting, including grading of side-effect toxicity and strategies for managing the side effects in general, with specific recommendations pertaining to the novel agents.

Gastrointestinal side effects associated with novel therapies in patients with multiple myeloma: consensus statement of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board.

The novel immunomodulatory drugs lenalidomide and thalidomide and the novel proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which can have a deleterious effect on quality of life and interfere with optimal therapy. The International Myeloma Foundation's Nurse Leadership Board developed this consensus statement for the management of gastrointestinal side effects associated with novel therapies to be used by healthcare providers in any medical setting. It includes grading criteria and general recommendations for assessing and managing the side effects. Although constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are expected side effects associated with novel therapies for multiple myeloma, they are manageable with appropriate medical interventions.