Advances in the management of myeloma: an update.

Myeloma is an aggressive B-cell malignancy resulting from an uncontrolled production of plasma cells in the bone marrow. A multitude of drugs and combinations of drugs are now approved for use to treat this complex disease and nurses require knowledge and skills in recognising and managing new side effects associated with these treatments. This article presents an overview of some of the newer and recently approved drugs and the important side effects that have been associated with them.

Multiple myeloma: managing a complex blood cancer.

This article gives a comprehensive overview of multiple myeloma (MM), a complex blood cancer involving overproduction of plasma cells. Although MM remains incurable, patients are living longer as a result of multiple treatment options. However, MM patients are also living with a higher symptom burden.

Treating chronic myeloid leukaemia: NICE guidance.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) affects approximately 560 people annually in the UK. Although median age at diagnosis is 60 years (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2012), CML occurs in all age groups (National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), 2012). It is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder which is characterized by a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, resulting in the formation of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph Chromosome) and the development of an unregulated tyrosine kinase (BCR-ABL) which is responsible for the pathogenesis of CML (NCCN, 2012).

Acute leukaemia: making sense of a complex blood cancer.

Acute leukaemia represents a diverse group of blood cancers that affect both children and adults. Treatment schedules for these haematology cancers are often prolonged, with many associated side effects and complications. Nurses caring for patients with acute leukaemia require an anticipatory approach, where care is aimed at minimizing the side effects of treatment and being constantly vigilant for any impending adverse effects.

Myeloma: making sense of a complex blood cancer.

Myeloma is a challenging blood cancer characterized by bone destruction, hypercalcaemia, renal insufficiency and anaemia. Although myeloma remains incurable, recent advancements in treatments have resulted in significant improvements in morbidity. The use of immunomodulatory drugs-thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide (in clinical trials)-and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy and supportive therapies, have resulted in a significant shift in approaches to treatment and an improvement in patients' quality of life.

Treatment for acute leukaemia: elderly patients' lived experiences.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of elderly patients with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy.

Method: Seven elderly patients were interviewed and van Manen's approach to data analysis was used in interpreting the participants' interview transcripts.

Findings: Three main themes were interpreted from the study participants' narratives: emotions experienced upon diagnosis; the need of support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals; and the importance of information.

Clofarabine in the treatment of poor risk acute myeloid leukaemia.

Clofarabine is a second generation nucleoside analogue. It inhibits DNA repair and activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway leading to cell death. In vitro clofarabine has demonstrated synergy with daunorubicin and Ara-C and in phase II clinical trials has shown promising activity in poor risk Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients.