Multiple myeloma is currently incurable but can be managed with treatment. The past decade has seen an introduction to novel treatment therapies in the frontline, maintenance, and relapsed or refractory settings. Despite the progress of novel treatments to increase overall survival, most patients will relapse and require additional treatment.
Recent advances in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma have led to a gap between evidence-based treatment guidelines and the practice patterns of community hematologists, oncologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, transplant clinicians, among others.
ACCC has developed an educational initiative called Assessment of knowledge and practice gaps among community hematologists and oncologists on the evolving treatment landscape in multiple myeloma. The goal of this work is to identify the knowledge and practice gaps among community oncology practitioners relative to the evolving treatment landscape of Multiple Myeloma, biomarker testing, side effect management, supportive care services, quality improvement programs, and other strategies to optimize healthcare delivery in Multiple Myeloma.
The purpose of this initiative is to conduct survey research examining practice patterns related to diagnosis and risk stratification of Multiple Myeloma, treatment selection for frontline and relapsed or refractory disease, eligibility for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, emerging therapies in the relapsed or refractory setting, monitoring and managing treatment-related adverse events, survivorship planning, and geographic, cultural, and system barriers. Hematologists, oncologists, advanced practitioners, and oncology nurses will be targeted for the survey.
“With all of the incredible advancements in multiple myeloma, we have to assure that information of these innovations are disseminated as widely as possible. We cannot allow just a few patients to benefit from these new therapies and guidelines; every effort must take place to have all myeloma patients enjoy these treatments. This project aims to remove some of those disparities.”
Craig Emmitt Cole, MD
This mixed-methods study highlights barriers to the optimal treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, focusing on practice patterns related to diagnosis and treatment, monitoring and management of treatment-related adverse events, and supportive care services.
