Publication:

Quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma: early rehabilitation is need of the hour

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a debilitating disease leading to reduced functioning. Evaluation of rehabilitative needs is necessary to provide rehabilitative care which may improve the functional status and quality of life (QOL) of such patients. We aimed to assess the rehabilitative needs, as well as levels of QOL in patients diagnosed with MM.

Methods Ninety consecutive patients were included in this cross-sectional survey. All patients (new and relapsed), irrespective of disease status and duration from diagnosis, underwent baseline evaluation following which they completed a scale exploring their functional status by Barthel mobility index scoring and QOL with the European organization of research and training in cancer QOL questionnaire with its MM module. Mean score and frequency (%) were calculated. Comparison of scores between different categories was analyzed.

Results Mean age was 57 years±10.1 (32 to 85 years). The QOL was low (39±18.2), with key areas of impairment being physical (100%), emotional (95.5%), role (91%), social (87.7%) and cognitive (68.8%) functioning. Low mean QOL score was found in all patients irrespective of treatment, clinical response and duration from diagnosis. There was improvement in quality-of-life score with treatment, though it did not cross the minimal important difference range.

Conclusions There was significant reduction in quality-of-life score and functioning. This study emphasizes the need to assess rehabilitation needs among patients of MM to optimize the management.