PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the changing treatment paradigm for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and its implications for nursing. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, textbooks, published research data. DATA SYNTHESIS: The treatment approaches to newly diagnosed multiple myeloma are varied, and no consensus exists about the best choice of induction therapy prior to high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. Novel therapies that have shown strong clinical activity in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma currently are being explored as first-line therapy with associated higher incidence of serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Novel approaches in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma may lead to better overall patient survival. Research is ongoing to find ways to improve progression-free and overall survival in patients with multiple myeloma. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses play vital roles in the assessment and monitoring of serious complications associated with various therapies for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Key responsibilities include safe and effective administration of complex chemotherapeutic regimens, management of side effects, patient and family education, and coordination of a multidisciplinary approach.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2004

Management of acneiform rashes related to gefitinib therapy.

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Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Thalidomide: current therapeutic uses and management of its toxicities.

Thalidomide currently is used to treat relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The drug also is being actively investigated in patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The therapeutic applications of thalidomide are expected to grow as clinical trials document its activity in treating other neoplastic disorders and diseases. Healthcare providers need to be well informed of its toxicities and able to identify their signs and symptoms immediately. They must have adequate knowledge about thalidomide administration and provide comprehensive patient education regarding thalidomide and its toxicities to ensure patient safety and compliance.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Understanding novel therapeutic agents for multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma, a B cell malignancy of the plasma cells, remains incurable. Advances in high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation have improved overall survival and event-free disease periods, but relapses are inevitable. New therapeutic agents have shown promising clinical use in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This article discusses the therapeutic applications of these novel agents with a focus on immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and arsenic compounds.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Bortezomib.

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Antineoplastic Agents↗