Individualized Education for Bortezomib-Related Symptom Management in Multiple Myeloma

Can Lafci49 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluated an individualized, nurse-delivered education program for managing treatment-related symptoms in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma receiving bortezomib for the first time. A total of 40 patients participated. Twenty patients received two individual education sessions in addition to routine care, while 20 patients in the control group received routine care. The education focused on recognition, prevention, and management of common bortezomib-related symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, anemia, bleeding risk, infection risk, and dyspnea. Treatment-related symptoms were assessed before treatment and education (baseline), on day 21, and on day 63. The study aimed to evaluate whether individualized patient education was associated with differences in the occurrence and severity of treatment-related symptoms over time.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Myeloma

Interventions

The intervention consisted of two individualized education sessions delivered by the researcher using a Care and Treatment Guide for Patients and Families. The program addressed multiple myeloma and management of bortezomib-related peripheral neuropathy, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, anemia, bleeding risk, infection risk, and dyspnea. Written and visual materials were used. The second session reinforced topics that were not fully understood, encouraged symptom monitoring with a diary, and provided telephone access to the researcher.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma * Scheduled to receive bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 * Able to communicate * Able to read and write * Willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years * Presence of a disease or condition that could affect the nervous system, such as brain metastasis or diabetes * Cognitive impairment * Unstable vital signs * History of alcohol use * Communication impairment * Unwilling to participate in the study

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Motor Neuropathy Severity Assessed by NCI-CTC Version 2.0

Motor neuropathy severity was assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) Version 2.0 motor neuropathy grading scale. Severity was graded from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no motor neuropathy and higher grades indicating greater severity; grade 4 indicates paralysis.