Risk assessment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients (NDMM) is the first and the most crucial determinant of treatment. With the utilization of fiSH analysis as a part of routine practice, high riskMultiple Myeloma (MM) is defined as having at least one of the mutations related with poor prognosis including; t(4;14) t(14;16), t(14;20), del 17p, p53 mutation, gain 1q and del 1p. M-Smart MM risk stratification guideline by Mayo Clinic has proposed a concept similar to high grade lymphomas. Having two of the high risk genetic abnormalities were defined as double hit MM and having any three as triple hit MM. Based on these definitions which may bring a much more clinically relatable understanding in MM prognosis, we aimed to assess our database regarding these two concepts and their probable significance in terms of outcome and prognosis. We retrospectively evaluated 159 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients and their clinical course. Among these patients; twenty-four patients have one high risk determinant and also seven and two patients were classified as double hit MM and triple hit MM respectively. Overall survival (OS) of the patients with double hit MM was 6 months, 32.0 months for patients with single high risk abnormality and 57.0 months for patients with no high risk abnormality. Univariate analysis showed that Double Hit and Triple Hit MM is a predictive of low OS. Hazard Ratio of patients with one high risk abnormality was 1.42, double-hit MM patients was 5.55, and triple-hit MM patients was 7.3. Despite the development of novel drugs and their effects of prolonging survival, the treatment has not been individualized. Understanding the biology of each patient as a unique process will be the success of the treatment. As it is known that some MM patients harbor high risk genetic abnormalities according to fiSH analysis, we can continue the argument that some patients bring an even higher risk and that can be defined as double or triple hit MM.
Purpose Multiple myeloma is a chronic, uncurable hematological cancer with the involvement of multiple organ systems. As a disease affecting older patients, the treatment of multiple myeloma should be based on individual patient characteristics. Polypharmacy is an increasing problem in the care of older patients and in patients with multiple myeloma, polypharmacy is almost inevitable. We aimed to evaluate the applicability of polypharmacy definitions and the relation of polypharmacy with disease outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma. Methods Eighty patients older than 65 years and diagnosed with multiple myeloma were retrospectively enrolled. Patient files, prescriptions, evaluations for polypharmacy were determined according to Beers and START/STOPP criteria. Outcomes were recorded from files in terms of fractures, autonomous neuropathy, and renal functions. Results Polypharmacy with ≥4 drugs was observed in 65 patients while polypharmacy with ≥5 drugs was observed in 51 patients. Autonomous neuropathy, polypharmacy with more than four or five medications, and use of multiple medications in the same category were related with poor ECOG performance status in women, while prolonged use of benzodiazepines and central nervous system (CNS) affecting drugs and inappropriate polypharmacy were more frequent in men with poor ECOG performance status. The majority of patients aged 75–84 years were observed to use inappropriate polypharmacy. Autonomous neuropathy and fall risk were observed to be significantly related with inappropriate polypharmacy. Conclusions Drugs affecting balance and perception should be reconsidered in patients with multiple myeloma.
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