Living with the burden of relapse in multiple myeloma from the patient and physician perspective.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a progressive plasma cell malignancy, with a range of clinical features including bone lesions, renal insufficiency, anaemia, and hypercalcaemia. Novel agents have significantly improved patient survival, however most patients will suffer multiple relapses. Although clinical challenges and economic costs of relapse are recognised, the psychological impact of relapse is not fully appreciated.

Role of the specialist nurse in caring for patients with myeloma.

Myeloma is a rare, heterogeneous cancer of the bone marrow. It is characterised by a range of comorbidities and clinical complications, including bone fractures, anaemia and kidney damage. Myeloma is an individual cancer both in terms of the symptoms and complications patients can experience and in their response to treatment.