Investigation of the effect of education given to patients with multiple myeloma on symptom severity

ABSTRACT Investigation of the Effect of Education Given to Patients with Multiple Myeloma on Symptom Severity Objective: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a B cell-derived hematological malignancy characterized by a neoplastic proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor is a frequently used new chemotherapy agent in newly diagnosed and refractory MM patients, Despite significant benefits for the patient, this agent can cause many symptoms such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal disorders. Based on this, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of education on the management of these MM related symptoms. Method: A total of 40 MM patients randomly selected, including 20 control groups, who were administered only routine care and 20 experimental group who took education, in this semi-experimental study. The socio-demographic characteristics of the patients were obtained through an individual identification form. Data were collected by means of symptom follow-up form and bortezomib-associated toxicity monitoring form on pre-education / treatment (Z1) and also on day 21th (Z2) and day 63th (Z3). Mann-Whitney U nonparametric or independent variables t parametric tests were used to compare data between groups. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no difference in terms of socio-demographic characteristics between the groups (p> 0.05). The control group patients were found to be smoking more cigarettes. While there is no difference between the groups in terms of calcium, platelet, hemoglobin, neutrophil and erythrocyte, the decrease in the number of time-dependent platelets was noteworthy. In both groups, time-related abdominal pain was existing or increased. Diarrhea and constipation in terms of the frequency were decreased in time in the education group. While the education had no reducing effect on anemia, sensory and motor neuropathy, nausea and vomiting and dyspnea severity were found to be decreased as a result. Conclusion: In conclusion, the symptom management education for Bortezomib treatment, which has a positive effect on MM course and survival, was found to be effective and beneficial in the prevention or decreasing for patients with chemotherapy related symptoms. The follow-up of these findings with larger sample size and longer follow-up duration are recommended for further studies. KEY WORDS: Multiple Myeloma, Bortezomib, Education, Chemotherapy associated symptoms