Perspectives on Living with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Multidisciplinary Care from a Patient, Nurse Practitioner, Dietitian, and a Patient Advocate

Multiple myeloma is a malignant hematologic disorder characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Although improvements in survival as novel therapies have become available, almost all patients who receive multiple myeloma therapies will relapse. Patients experience physical and emotional impacts from both multiple myeloma and its treatment as they progress through periods of remission and relapse. It is essential to support patients throughout their disease with holistic management, underpinned by collaboration among the clinical team and emotional support resources, including access to patient support groups. This article is co-authored by a person living with multiple myeloma, along with a dietitian specializing in cancer dietetics, a nurse practitioner who cares for patients with multiple myeloma at a large academic center, and a patient advocate at the International Myeloma Foundation. Written from a first-person perspective, the patient describes her journey of living with multiple myeloma and her current treatment with talquetamab, with added perspectives from clinical and patient advocacy experts.