TY - JOUR A1 - Kumar, Lalit A1 - Nair, Sukesh A1 - Vadlamani, Surya A1 - Chaudhary, Priyanshu T1 - Multiple myeloma: an update Y1 - 2020/7/1 JF - Journal of Current Oncology JO - J Curr Oncol SP - 72 EP - 80 VL - 3 IS - 2 UR - http://www.https://journalofcurrentoncology.org//article.asp?issn=2589-8892;year=2020;volume=3;issue=2;spage=72;epage=80;aulast=Kumar DO - 10.4103/jco.jco_43_20 N2 - Survival of patients with multiple myeloma has increased significantly during the past two decades. This has been attributed to a better understanding of biology, the introduction of novel agents (immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors), autologous stem cell transplantation, and maintenance therapy. Supportive care is an important component of overall care for these patients. Most patients have a high burden of symptoms at initial presentation in form of bone pains, fatigue, anemia, renal impairment, and infections, etc. Almost 10–20% of patients may have serious complications in the first 4–6 weeks. A high index of suspicion and timely intervention is important to reduce morbidity and mortality. Therapy-related complications, e.g., neuropathy, thromboembolism, cytopenias, GI symptoms (constipation/diarrhea), and relapse of disease, pose therapeutic challenges. Protocol-based approach, systematic assessment with respect to the quality of life and functioning and coordination with a palliative care team from the beginning may improve overall functioning and outcome. ER -