After treatment for multiple myeloma, some symptoms last
Age18+
Number of Participants758
Research GoalImprove Quality of Life
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that is treated with blood or marrow transplant (BMT) and then with long-term medicines. These treatments can cause side effects for years.
That’s according to a study of about 760 adults with multiple myeloma who answered surveys. Not everyone had side effects, and some side effects were mild.
For most people, side effects were worst just as treatment began. A year later, side effects were not as bad. Some of the effects continued at that lower level during the 4 years of the study.
People had 3 types of effects: emotional, physical and malaise.
That’s according to a study of about 760 adults with multiple myeloma who answered surveys. Not everyone had side effects, and some side effects were mild.
For most people, side effects were worst just as treatment began. A year later, side effects were not as bad. Some of the effects continued at that lower level during the 4 years of the study.
People had 3 types of effects: emotional, physical and malaise.
- Emotional: Feeling sad or nervous, and problems sleeping
- Physical: Shortness of breath, change in taste, shakiness, frequent colds, and problems with eyesight and skin
- Malaise: Low energy, pain, poor appetite, and nausea
The emotional effects and malaise tended to be more common than the physical effects.
Keep in mind
Not everyone had side effects, and effects may differ from one person to another.
What’s next
If you have side effects after treatment, ask your doctor for help. There are treatments, including counseling and psychological support, physical therapy, and medication.
Learn more about
• Multiple myeloma at NMDP.org
• Clinical trials for MM at CTsearchsupport.org
• More study summaries at CIBMTR.org
• Clinical trials for MM at CTsearchsupport.org
• More study summaries at CIBMTR.org