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. The MM diagnosis was often made by a hematologist or oncologist. Patients were referred to a specialized oncologist after diagnosis, who was the primary driver in making ASCT treatment decisions. Eight patients received their ASCT in the inpatient setting, with some having lengthy hospital stays; 4 received their ASCT in an outpatient setting with 3 eventually being hospitalized. The focus groups identified that patients and caregivers perceived various unmet needs and impacts on quality of life throughout their transplant journey. Educational resources and innovative therapies are needed to reduce the disease burden of MM and enhance the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.