Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Myeloma

Richards, Tiffany; Bertolotti, P; Doss, Deborah; McCullagh, Emily

doi:10.1188/11.cjon.s1.53-65

Cited by 8 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 80 publications

(145 reference statements)

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“…[2,23] Loss of sensation due to peripheral neuropathy was reported, but its effects on sexuality are not well documented. [2,24] Treatments for such concerns are recommended if patients exhibit significant sexual distress or want symptom management. [25] Many participants described making adaptations to their sexual expression to cope with cancer-related sexual challenges.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[30,34] Perceived barriers to communication (eg, feeling that discussing sexual concerns is not within their provider's area of expertise) may be related to the effects of the absence of research documenting sexual concerns post-MM, as a lack of empirical evidence may have hindered providers' capacity to provide educational resources or have informed conversations about sexuality with their patients. [2,23]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[12,13] Osteolytic bone disease (which causes bone pain and fractures) is observed in most MM survivors and may affect sexual expression. [2,14] Anemia, having a higher risk of bruising, bleeding, and infections, [2,14] is also common within MM and potentially liable to influence sexual expression. In sum, it could be expected that MM survivors may have unique sexual concerns, but this has not been studied specifically.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[3] Hematological cancer treatment is known to affect sexual function, and people with MM are also likely to experience sexual concerns. [2,4]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[3] Hematological cancer treatment is known to affect sexual function, and people with MM are also likely to experience sexual concerns. [2,4] Information about sexuality in MM survivors has been inferred from research on other types of hematological cancer (eg, lymphoma) or recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). [5,6] HSCT survivors typically experience severe changes in sexual functioning [7] (eg, pain and difficulty with desire, arousal, and orgasm) and fertility, which negatively affect sexual satisfaction, relationship adjustment, and body image and exacerbate sexual distress.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Patient-reported disease-specific concerns relating to sexuality in multiple myeloma

Henkelman,

Toivonen,

Tay

et al. 2023

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research &Amp; Practice

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Background: Cancer has been increasingly recognized as having lasting effects on sexuality. Sexual function in breast and reproductive cancer survivors is better characterized, but the experiences of hematological cancer survivors remain understudied. Only one previous study acknowledges the existence of sexuality concerns among multiple myeloma (MM) survivors. This study explored MM patients' experiences of sexual expression and examined patient-provider communication about sexuality. Methods: Participants with MM (N = 65) were recruited internationally for an online survey about sexual experiences. Open-ended questions queried MM disease–specific experiences that may affect engagement in sexual activity, methods used to adapt to sexual changes, and communication with health care providers. Responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Participants identified several barriers to sexual activity associated with MM, including concerns about bone health, infections, and vaginal bleeding and bruising. They also described adapting to sexual challenges by trying sexual medicines/aids, changing their mode of sexual expression, and managing treatment risks related to sexuality. Half of the participants reported sexuality discussions with providers, with a minority receiving sexual health-related recommendations. Conclusions: To date, the results of sexuality studies focus largely on hematological cancers as a group, without exploring specific disease experiences. Participants reported sexual difficulties common to other cancers but also some which may be unique to MM. Sexuality concerns were underaddressed by health care providers. Given that some sexuality concerns are related specifically to disease risk, discussions with oncology providers are of particular importance; therefore, specific suggestions for improving patient-provider communication and care are offered.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[3] Hematological cancer treatment is known to affect sexual function, and people with MM are also likely to experience sexual concerns. [2,4]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patient-reported disease-specific concerns relating to sexuality in multiple myeloma

Henkelman,

Toivonen,

Tay

et al. 2023

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research &Amp; Practice

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Multiple Myeloma: The Role of the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Barber¹,

Mullen²

2017

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners

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Guidelines for screening and management of late and long‐term consequences of myeloma and its treatment

et al. 2017

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SummaryA growing population of long-term survivors of myeloma is now accumulating the 'late effects' not only of myeloma itself, but also of several lines of treatment given throughout the course of the disease. It is thus important to recognise the cumulative burden of the disease and treatment-related toxicity in both the stable and active phases of myeloma, some of which is unlikely to be detected by routine monitoring. We summarise here the evidence for the key late effects in long-term survivors of myeloma, including physical and psychosocial consequences (in Parts 1 and 2 respectively), and recommend the use of late-effects screening protocols in detection and intervention. The early recognition of late effects and effective management strategies should lead to an improvement in the management of myeloma patients, although evidence in this area is currently limited and further research is warranted.Keywords: myeloma, late effects, quality of life, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy. MethodologyThese guidelines were developed using the following stages:• Review of key literature from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2016 using the Cochrane database (search term: myeloma) and Medline: search terms used were [myeloma] + late effects, long term effects, frailty, geriatric assessment, infection, infection prophylaxis, vaccination, nutrition, exercise, rehabilitation, employment, endocrine, disability, late treatment consequences, cancer survivorship (for all papers); and psychological, fatigue, second primary malignancy, quality of life, infection (reviews). As organ-specific areas, such as renal and bone, have been covered in previous guidelines, searches were not re-performed.• Development of key recommendations based on randomised, controlled trial evidence. In the absence of randomised data, recommendations were developed on the basis of literature review and a consensus of expert opinion.• Updating of the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) nomenclature for assessing the quality of evidence and providing strength of recommendations (Appendix; http:// www.gradeworkinggroup.org/index.htm).• Review of the manuscript was performed by the British Society for Haematology (BSH) Guidelines Committee and Haemato-Oncology Task Force, and the BSH sounding board, comprised of 50 or more members of the BSH who have reviewed this Guidance and commented on its content and applicability in the UK setting, consistent with the primary target audience of UK-based multidisciplinary clinical teams treating myeloma and its complications. Involvement of patient perspectives was through Myeloma UK.• In preparing these guidelines, the authors have considered overall cost-effectiveness and budget impact of recommended interventions as well as clinical efficacy data and the burden/impact on patients. Formal health economic assessments have not been carried out.

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Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Myeloma

Cited by 8 publications

References 80 publications

Patient-reported disease-specific concerns relating to sexuality in multiple myeloma

Patient-reported disease-specific concerns relating to sexuality in multiple myeloma

Multiple Myeloma: The Role of the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Guidelines for screening and management of late and long‐term consequences of myeloma and its treatment

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