Quality of Life Assessment with EORTC QLQ in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Multicenter Study

Abstract

Objective: Both the length of the treatment period and the diversity of the agents used in the treatment significantly affect the quality of life (QoL) of the patients with multiple myeloma (MM). With the aid of the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Consisting of 30 Questions 'EORTC QLQ-C30' and the Quality of Life Questionnaire Multiple Myeloma Module 'QLQ-MY20', we aimed to obtain data on quality of life in MM patients in a representative sample of the general population of our country. Methods: One hundred sixty eight patients from 6 different centers followed between 2018-2020 were included in the study. The QLQ-C30, and the QLQ-MY20 questionnaires specific for MM patients were used and the results were reported statistically. Results: Seventy eight (46%) of the patients were female, while 90 (54%) were male. The median age was 64 (22-84). When the findings were analysed, it was found that there was a greater effect on the symptom scale compared to the functional scale. Conclusion: The importance of the treatment-related side effect management, together with the adequate administration of appropriate symptomatic treatment in holistic treatment management were emphasized as effective factors in terms of the QoL of patients with MM.

Keywords

• multiple myeloma
• quality of life
• chemotherapy