Introduction

Advances in the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma (MM) and other plasma cell disorders such as AL amyloidosis and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) continue to evolve rapidly. Over the past several years, there have been significant gains in understanding disease biology, leading to improvements in diagnostic techniques, a shift towards targeted therapies, and a potential transition away from traditional chemotherapeutic agents as the standard of care.

Several new agents with unique mechanisms of action and side effect profiles have received approval in the United States and other countries. However, enrolling in clinical trials remains an important avenue for earlier access to effective therapies for patients. As these agents gain broader approval, it is important for advanced practitioners (APs) to be knowledgeable about their mechanisms of action and side effects as they are adopted into the wider oncology space. As the data on plasma cell disorders continue to grow and new diagnostic and monitoring strategies gain broader acceptance, it will be even more important for APs to be aware of the emerging data, management of unique side effects, and evolving strategies in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients.

This supplement to the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO) provides a series of case studies to help guide the AP in the clinical management of MM, WM, and light chain AL amyloidosis. The cases presented in this supplement highlight patient management scenarios an AP may encounter in clinical practice, such as risk stratification and treatment of the newly diagnosed patient, sequencing of therapy at relapse, ocular toxicity management, and management of hyperviscosity syndrome. A discussion of the management of patients receiving BCMA-targeted therapy undergoing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell and bispecific therapy is also included, as these patients have unique monitoring requirements. The management of patients with WM and AL amyloidosis is discussed, as both these disease states have had new therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. While patients with plasma cell disorders are living longer, management of these patients may remain challenging for APs, including accurate diagnosis, disease monitoring, and sequencing of therapy. The cases illustrated have incorporated concepts of survivorship, supportive care, and shed a light on the importance of clinical trial participation and diversity.

These articles have been developed by members of the International Myeloma Foundation Nurse Leadership Board, a professional nursing partnership representing leading cancer centers and community practices in the United States and Australia with the primary mission of understanding and developing strategies to address the unmet needs of patients living with MM and their caregivers. It is our hope that the content contained within this supplement will add to your knowledge of updated diagnostic strategies, support the facilitation of care, and positively affect patient outcomes for those affected by plasma cell disorders.