A leading hematology-oncology expert is advocating for a comprehensive approach to multiple myeloma treatment that combines cutting-edge therapies with robust patient education and support systems.
Dr. Matias Sanchez, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), shared insights during a recent Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event in Chicago, highlighting the evolving landscape of multiple myeloma care.
Critical Role of Patient Education and Support
"Education is crucial in terms of supportive care," emphasized Dr. Sanchez, drawing from his extensive experience in transplant medicine. He stressed the fundamental importance of ensuring patients have dedicated caregivers who can help navigate the complexities of treatment protocols and manage daily responsibilities.
The UIC approach emphasizes a team-based care model, with nurses playing a vital role in patient education and support. This comprehensive support system becomes particularly crucial for patients undergoing intensive treatments such as transplants or complex chemotherapy regimens.
Embracing Innovation in Treatment Approaches
Dr. Sanchez strongly advocates for oncologists to adopt newer therapeutic options, particularly bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy. "Don't be afraid to use the new therapies that are available," he urged, while acknowledging the natural anxiety that comes with implementing novel treatments.
Patient Selection and Personalized Care
A key aspect of successful treatment implementation involves careful patient selection and personalization of therapy based on individual characteristics. Dr. Sanchez emphasized the importance of assessing patient frailty levels when considering advanced treatments:
"We can select the patients who are the best patients to whom we can give those treatments. Make sure patients are not very frail or ultra frail; we can adapt those treatments according to their frailty status."
Value-Based Treatment Strategy
The expert's recommendations align with value-based care principles, suggesting that physicians should prioritize the most effective therapies upfront. This approach, combined with appropriate patient selection and robust support systems, aims to optimize treatment outcomes while managing healthcare resources effectively.
