Physical Rehabilitation in Multiple Myeloma - A Retrospective Analysis and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Multiple Myeloma is a malignancy characterized by multisystem involvement, including multiple osteolytic lesions, anemia, and renal insufficiency. The debilitating course of this disease highlights the importance of exploring the therapeutic potential of physical rehabilitation in improving patients' quality of life and providing meaningful clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of physical rehabilitation programs for patients with multiple myeloma, analyzing the evolution and characteristics of multiple myeloma cases in a medical clinic in Romania. Through this, we seek to contribute to the development of new approaches and protocols in physical rehabilitation, which may improve the therapeutic management and quality of life for patients with this complex condition. A retrospective analysis was conducted on newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients over a 7-year period (2017-2023) at a clinic in Romania. The collected data included the time of initial diagnosis, patient age, residence (rural or urban), multiple myeloma subtype,treatments initiated, hematological parameters, presence of bone lesions, and comorbidities. We reviewed the existing literature on physical rehabilitation in multiple myeloma and assessed the associated advantages and challenges. Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and correlations within our cohort. Out of a total of 255 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma at a medical center in Romania, the majority were men from urban areas. It was observed that the average age at diagnosis was lower among patients from urban areas. Additionally, 69.8% of patients presented with bone lesions, while pancytopenias were rarely encountered at the time of diagnosis. Personalization of physical exercises is essential to maximize rehabilitation benefits for patients with multiple myeloma. Complications such as pancytopenias and frequently encountered bone lesions should not discourage the recommendation of rehabilitation. Decisions must be individually tailored and coordinated by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the rehabilitation program's safety and efficacy.

Keywords

• physical rehabilitation
• multiple myeloma
• physical activity
• bone lesions