Symptom burden after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.
BACKGROUND
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common indication for high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the U.S. and can be associated with substantial morbidity. Thorough assessment and understanding of symptoms and risk factors for symptom development after ASCT are logical first steps toward developing strategies aimed at reducing the symptom burden associated with this procedure.


METHODS
The authors performed a prospective evaluation of symptom burden among 64 patients with myeloma who underwent ASCT. Symptom data were collected using the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) at 4 time points: baseline, the day of stem cell infusion (Day 0), nadir of counts, and Day 30. Univariate analysis was performed to correlate pretransplantation variables with post-transplantation symptom burden at these time points.


RESULTS
MDASI scores increased significantly throughout transplantation, with most patients returning to baseline by Day 30 after the procedure. Patients with the highest MDASI scores at baseline had the highest MDASI scores at nadir (P= .02). Patients with prolonged time to transplantation and women had a trend toward higher nadir global symptom severity scores. These groups, as well as patients aged >60 years, had a trend toward higher nadir interference scores.


CONCLUSIONS
ASCT for MM was associated with significant but reversible symptom burden during the first 30 days, and the baseline symptom burden was the most important predictor of symptom burden after transplantation. The MDASI was useful as a tool for following the symptom burden associated with ASCT and may be used to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing transplantation-related morbidity in these patients.
Campagnaro
Erica
E
Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Saliba
Rima
R
Giralt
Sergio
S
Roden
Linda
L
Mendoza
Floralyn
F
Aleman
Ana
A
Cleeland
Charles
C
Weber
Donna
D
Brown
Jane
J
Anderson
Karen O
KO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002066:Busulfan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012074:Remission Induction; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015996:Survival Rate; D013852:Thiotepa / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019772:Topotecan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D047368:Tumor Burden
D019772:Topotecan; D013852:Thiotepa; D002066:Busulfan; D008558:Melphalan