Short summary

Corticosteroids have been the backbone of most myeloma targeted therapies since the discovery of its effectiveness in 1962, and due to the continuous treatment paradigm the cumulative dose of corticosteroids in patients is substantial. Steroids inflict reduction in both short and long-term quality of life and increases ones receptiveness for infections.

Rationale

Newer effective drugs have entered the field of multiple myeloma therapies over the past two decades and the efficacy of those drugs must constantly be balanced with the considerable side-effect profile of corticosteroids. Thus, the aim of this substudy is to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQL) and symptoms of steroid toxicity during treatment cycle 1 and 2 with IVR + dexamethasone compared to treatment cycle 4 and 5 with IVR treatment alone.

Description of the cohort

Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in-eligible for high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell support. Patients are recruited from sites in Norway (Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim) and Denmark (Aalborg, Aarhus, Roskilde).

Data and biological material

Patient-reported outcomes using the following questionnaires: the cancer-generic EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Steroid Symptom Questionnaire Multiple myeloma (SSQ-MM).

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital

• Frida Bugge Askeland