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People who get BMT for multiple myeloma have good quality of life

However, some patients still have symptoms more than a year later

Number of Participants758
Research GoalImprove Quality of Life
Blood and marrow transplant (BMT) can control multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. By 1 year after BMT, most people have good quality of life, according to a new study.

The study included 750 people who got BMT with their own cells (autologous BMT) in the US during 2010 to 2013. People answered questions about their quality of life each year for about 4 years.

A year after BMT, people reported about the same wellbeing as average Americans.

And 4 years after BMT, people continued to experience similar wellbeing. However, 64% (or 2 out of 3 patients) reported at least one significant symptom.

For most people, these symptoms improved: malaise (feeling sick), nausea, nervousness, pain, poor appetite, sleep issues, taste changes, and tiredness.

Symptoms that stayed the same included: blurry vision, memory changes, sadness, shortness of breath, and tremors.

Symptoms that worsened over time in about 10% of people included: bowel problems, frequent infections and skin problems. Some of these problems may have been related to long-term myeloma treatment, such as maintenance therapy with lenalidomide

Keep in mind 

More work is needed to understand how to control symptoms long-term. 

Ask your doctor 

If you have symptoms, ask about treatments, such as community support services, medicines, mental health resources, nutrition counseling, and physical therapy. 

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