Patient and caregiver perspectives on treatment decision-making for stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.

Purpose: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is considered standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) but is still associated with substantial challenges for patients and caregivers. Given the challenging treatment process and availability of other treatment options, it is important to engage patients in treatment decision-making, particularly patients with MM who may have unique goals and preferences.

Methods: We conducted an exploratory focus-group study to evaluate how patients and caregivers make treatment decisions related to SCT.

Experience of Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma: The Patient and Caregiver Perspective.

A qualitative study of the experiences of patients who received autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) was conducted to better understand their MM disease journey, including first symptoms, diagnosis, ASCT, and recovery. Sixteen participants, including 12 patients with MM and 4 caregivers of patients with MM, were interviewed in focus group meetings. Pain, weakness, and bone pain were common first symptoms among patients.

Patient Perceptions of CAR-T Therapy in the USA: Findings from In-Depth Interviews.

Introduction: Chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized advanced blood cancer treatment. However, preparation, administration, and recovery from these therapies can be complex and burdensome to patients and their care partners. Utilization of an outpatient setting for CAR-T therapy administration could help improve convenience and quality of life.

Considerations for the US health-system pharmacist in a world of biosimilars.

As numerous biosimilar products are forecast to enter the US market in the coming years, health-system pharmacists will be faced with novel challenges while incorporating them into clinical practice. The current regulatory approval framework and guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration do not address many real-world scenarios that pharmacists will encounter. We provide an overview of the evolving healthcare landscape shaped by the entry of multiple biosimilars, including for a given reference product, and their impact on the health-system pharmacist with respect to formulary assessment, implementation, and education of various health-system stakeholders, including patients.