Dr Patel on Maintaining Quality of Life While Treating Patients With Multiple Myeloma

Krina K. Patel, MD, MSc, associate professor, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses maintaining quality of life (QOL) while treating patients with multiple myeloma, as well as highlights from the phase 3 KarMMa-3 trial (NCT03651128).

With the addition of new treat approaches for patients with multiple myeloma, Patel emphasizes the importance of helping patients maintain a healthy QOL. Notably, one of the trials that brought a new treatment option for this patient population was the KarMMa-3 trial, findings from which were presented by Patel and colleagues at the 2023 EHA Congress. This phase 3 trial investigated idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, Abecma) in patients with high-risk, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. KarMMa-3 investigators shared that the benefit derived with ide-cel across multiple high-risk, triple-class–exposed subgroups of patients supports further research efforts with ide-cel in earlier lines of treatment.

Despite these treatment advancements, considering the QOL of these patients remains important. Although Patel most frequently discusses multiple myeloma with her patients, she also wants patients’ hearts, brains, and kidneys to be in good condition. Oncologists should strive to help their patients stay as healthy as possible throughout their multiple myeloma treatment, Patel explains, adding that QOL contributes to overall patient health. Patients’ performance statuses and other comorbidities are also important to consider, Patel notes.

With any treatment regimen, patients should be monitored for potential health and QOL declines, especially those receiving early-line induction therapy, those who recently underwent transplant, or those receiving maintenance therapy, Patel continues. During induction therapy, transplant, or maintenance therapy, patients should start working on getting in shape and changing their lifestyle habits, so they are fit for subsequent therapies, she explains. Overall, it is important to ensure that when treating patients with multiple myeloma, oncologists have optimized these patients’ bodies and minds so they can continue to receive treatment and enjoy a high QOL after, Patel concludes.