Dr Davies on Addressing Global Gaps in Multiple Myeloma Care

Faith E. Davies, MD, professor, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, director, Center for Blood Cancers, director, Clinical Myeloma Program, Perlmutter Cancer Center, discusses strategies for rectifying global gaps and addressing unmet needs in multiple myeloma care.

Davies and colleagues conducted a global survey of hematologist-oncologists and specialist nurses to identify key challenges, concerns, and patient-related issues regarding the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. Results from this survey were presented at the 2023 International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting, and displayed several common themes across the global multiple myeloma treatment armamentarium. Practitioners expressed concerns surrounding proper treatment selection, infrastructure for treatment delivery, and accessing education for both themselves and patients.

Based on this survey, investigators identified 3 areas to focus on when developing strategies to address challenges in the field, Davies says. One crucial takeaway from this investigation was the need to improve both healthcare professional and patient education, Davies states.

The study also identified the importance of collaboration when facilitating mutual learning and accelerating progress in the field, Davies continues. Timely and transparent communication of research, standard procedures, and collective experiences is pivotal for navigating challenges effectively, she explains.

The third area for improvement was comprehensive stakeholder involvement, and recognizing that solving complex challenges requires a multifaceted approach, Davies states. This initiative seeks to engage not only myeloma physicians, patients, and nurses but also crucial players such as payers, regulatory authorities, and pharmaceutical companies, Davies details. Solutions should aim to unite diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, thereby ensuring that advances in the field translate into tangible benefits for patients and improved clinical outcomes, she says.

Overall, these investigational findings emphasize the importance of education, collaboration, and comprehensive stakeholder involvement in myeloma care. By addressing these key areas, practitioners can begin to ameliorate gaps in care within the field of myeloma research and treatment, Davies concludes.