Guidelines for supportive care in myeloma.

Aims: These guidelines aim to summarise a national consensus of the haematological community and colleagues involved in the supportive care of patients with myeloma. For the purpose of these guidelines the definition adopted in the UKNHS NICE Guidance (2004b) has been used i.e. “care that helps the patient and their family to cope with cancer and treatment of it - from pre-diagnosis and treatment, to cure, continuing illness or death and into bereavement. It helps the patient to maximise the benefits of treatment and to live as well as possible with the effects of the disease. It is given equal priority alongside diagnosis and treatment.” This definition is sufficiently broad to cover not only to cover symptomatic treatment and palliative care but also the wide range of management options considered to be 'haematological supportive care', including anti-infectives, transfusion therapy, anticoagulation and growth factors. Intended audience: Haematologists, teams involved in the supportive care of patients with myeloma. Publication history information: Published 14 October 2010. The guidelines should be read in conjunction with the BCSH Guidelines for diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma 2010, which they complement. Access: Available to the general public.