Patients and HCPs considered different side effects to be challenging to manage1
  • Patients tended to consider more side effects to be “extremely challenging” to manage, including those not typically managed by hematologists/oncologists1,2

  • Survey findings suggest a gap in managing side effects that are potentially addressed by non-hematologists/oncologists1,2
  • The side effects HCPs considered “extremely challenging” were those associated with approved immunotherapies (eg, CRS and ICANS)1,5,6,d,e
  • HCPs may be less familiar with managing the side effects associated with approved immunotherapies (eg, BsAbs and CAR T-cell therapy)1,5,7,8

aGraph shows side effects considered “extremely challenging” by at least 10% more patients than HCPs. bP value was not reported. cOnly patients who had experienced a specific side effect were asked how challenging it is to manage. dIncludes side effects considered “extremely challenging” by at least 10% more HCPs than patients. eSide effects considered “extremely challenging” by both HCPs and patients included leukemia and serious infections (data not shown).1

BsAb, bispecific antibody; CAR, chimeric antigen receptor; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; HCP, health care professional; ICANS, immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome.

style
Aia-container
Steering Committee Recommendations on Positive Steps for the MM Community to Consider
CALL TO ACTION

Reduce Treatment Burden by Using a Comprehensive Approach to Manage Side Effects

Support a proactive approach to patient and care partner education to help manage side effects

Who Can Take Action?

HCPs, patients, care partners

Rationale

Patients and care partners may not be fully aware of actions they can take to prevent or lessen the impact of side effects. Providing education on practical matters ranging from fall prevention measures and safe exercises to use of moisturizers can help to reduce the risk of certain side effects and empower patients to take control of their health.9-11 Additionally, educating patients to notify their care team members of health events as they occur may also help to manage side effects more effectively.12

Support HCP education and coordination of care for optimal management of side effects

Who Can Take Action?

Clinical experts, HCPs

Rationale

The survey findings indicate patients may need additional support to manage side effects.1 Recommended supportive or prophylactic measures may be underutilized in patients with MM,13 and care may be fragmented between oncologists and other providers, such as primary care physicians, particularly for patients with comorbidities.2,14 Peer-to-peer education and sharing of best practices may help improve these areas to potentially provide better supportive care. The efforts should include all care team members, such as nurses and pharmacists who regularly interact with patients and therefore are well-positioned to identify potential side effects or issues with following the treatment plan.15,16

style
cta-block, cta-reduce-treat
scroll-id
reduce-treatment

References

Style
references