The Burden of a Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis on Patients and Caregivers | CEOR
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant clonal plasma cell proliferative disorder characterized by uncontrolled and progressive increase of monoclonal paraprotein leading to specific end-organ damage. The proliferating multiple myeloma cells displace the normal bone marrow, causing dysfunction in normal hematopoietic tissue and destruction of the normal bone marrow architecture.
Conclusions: NDMM is burdensome for patients and caregivers in the first year after diagnosis. TNE patients are more dependent on caregivers and incur higher care costs than TE patients. Despite the financial, physical, and emotional burden, HRQoL remains stable possibly indicating resilience and illness adjustment amongst patients and caregivers.