Nurse Leadership Board Publications

The IMF Nurse Leadership Board's latest publication, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Multiple Myeloma: A Call to Action.” in JADPRO (Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology) sheds light on the critical issue of health-care inequities in multiple myeloma treatment. Authored by Rebecca Lu, MSN, FNP-C; Joseph D. Tariman, PhD, MBA, ANP-BC, FAAN; Donna Catamero, ANP-BC, OCN, CCRC; Michaela Hillengass, RN, CPT, ACSM; and Kimberly Noonan, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCN®; the article explores strategies for overcoming underrepresentation, rooted in improved education and enhanced treatment access. Read the full publication now.

The IMF hosted two roundtables with myeloma experts—one with nurses and one with physicians—to discuss CAR T-cell therapies and how they will be incorporated into the care of patients with multiple myeloma. This white paper highlights key aspects of communication between CAR T centers and the community, as well as with the whole healthcare team, with patients, and with their care partners. Read the full publication now.

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.

This CE-certified supplement provides FREE Credits/Contact Hours for Nurses and other Advanced Practitioners; it is jointly provided by the IMF, the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower, and JADPRO. The e-copy can be found here.

On November 16, 2021, several members of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) convened for a virtual round table. The key objective of the round table was to discuss best practices around optimizing treatment duration with selinexor therapy for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Additional objectives included the identification of resources and communication strategies to facilitate optimal management and supportive care for patients with MM on selinexor therapy in community practice. Read the full publication now.

This past summer, the IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) met to discuss the latest clinical data for cilta-cel, a novel BCMA-targeted CAR T therapy, in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The NLB identified specific educational needs as they reviewed safety and patient management approaches for CAR T therapies. Read the full publication now.

In September 2019, the IMF Nurse Leadership Board met to discuss the potential of CART-T therapy in the relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patient population. Specifically, they considered clinical and safety data of bb2121 and sought to understand associated challenges with CAR-T therapy, as well as the unmet needs of oncology nurses when providing CAR-T treatment. Read the full publication now.

In September 2018, members of the IMF’s Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) who have experience with CAR-T therapy convened to discuss anti-B cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in the relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patient-treatment journey. In this paper, the NLB provides insights and education about CAR T-cell therapy. Read the full publication now.

Background: One constant and relatively unchanged aspect of treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) is the use of glucocorticosteroids, or steroids, which can cause a wide range of adverse side effects and harm patients’ quality of life.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to provide updated recommendations on the management of steroid-associated side effects in patients with MM.

Methods: A study of steroid-associated side effects in MM treatment regimens was reviewed to provide updated recommendations to healthcare professionals.

Findings: Identifying the side effects of steroids and managing them promptly contribute to the success of steroid-containing regimens for patients with MM.

CJON 2017, 21(2), 240-249 DOI: 10.1188/17.CJON.240-249

On December 2, 2016, 7 members of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Nurse Leadership Board convened in San Diego, California, in concurrence with the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, to discuss the following topics as they relate to the current therapeutic landscape and the patient experience: 

1.  Current therapeutic landscape 
2.  Patient challenges and education opportunities 
3.  Unmet needs and best practices for patient care
4.  Potential solutions to overcoming barriers and optimizing care  

Published in the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO), this guide is a continuing education activity for health-care professionals. It provides the latest scientific information on effectively managing the care of multiple myeloma patients.

1.  The Continuum of Care in Multiple Myeloma Redefined: Challenges and Opportunities
2.  Sequencing of Treatment and Integration of Clinical Trials
3.  Palliative Care in Multiple Myeloma
4.  New Agents in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
5.  Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
6.  Updates in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Multiple Myeloma
7.  Adherence, Persistence, and Treatment Fatigue in Multiple Myeloma
8.  Resources for Patients and Caregivers With Multiple Myeloma and Their Providers
9.  Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options for Newly Diagnosed, Relapsed, and Refractory Disease

Scientific advancements relative to diagnostic evaluation, risk-adapted treatment selection, and supportive care strategies for multiple myeloma (MM) have been developed in the past decade, which provides hope for patients living with MM. However, the disease remains incurable for the majority of patients, and continued clinical trials are necessary to refine existing therapeutic strategies and develop new approaches to treatment. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), in particular autologous HSCT, remains an important component in the overall treatment paradigm for MM. This requires a well-organized team approach with ongoing communications and collaboration with community providers and other specialists. Read the full publication now.

Patients with myeloma are surviving longer and, therefore, may experience continuing effects of their disease and treatment. Through clinical experience, the International Myeloma Foundation Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) was aware that a specific set of needs exists in this patient population. Identification of these needs, and stressing the importance of prompt intervention, could lead to improvement in their quality of life and overall survival. 

1.  Survivorship Care Guidelines for Patients Living With Multiple Myeloma
2. Maintaining Bone Health in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
3. Routine Health Maintenance in Patients Living With Multiple Myeloma
4. Mobility and Safety in the Multiple Myeloma Survivor
5. Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Myeloma
6. Renal Complications in Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorder

Managing the patient with multiple myeloma (MM) across the continuum of care is challenging given the heterogeneity of the population. Provided are IMF Patient Education Tools. These fact sheets discuss side effects that may result from the use of novel agents in multiple myeloma, and how to manage those side effects.

1. Editorial: Oncology Nurses Take the Lead in Providing Novel Therapy Guidelines for Multiple Myeloma
2. Management of Side Effects of Novel Therapies for Multiple Myeloma: Consensus Statements Developed by the International Myeloma Foundation's Nurse Leadership Board 
3. Myelosuppression Associated With Novel Therapies in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Consensus Statement of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board
4. Thromboembolic Events Associated With Novel Therapies in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Consensus Statement of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board
5. Peripheral Neuropathy Associated With Novel Therapies in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Consensus Statement of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board
6. Gastrointestinal Side Effects Associated With Novel Therapies in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Consensus Statement of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board
7. Steroid-Associated Side Effects in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Consensus Statement of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board

Managing the patient with multiple myeloma (MM) across the continuum of care is challenging given the heterogeneity of the population. Provided are IMF Patient Education Tools. These fact sheets discuss side effects that may result from the use of novel agents in multiple myeloma, and how to manage those side effects.

1.  Managing Steroid-Associated Side Effect of Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
2. Preventing Peripheral Neuropathy From Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
3. Managing Myelosuppression from Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
4. Managing Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Novel Agents for Multiple Myelma
5. Preventing Blood Clots and Thromoembolic Events with Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma