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The Unmet Psychological Needs of People Living With Multiple Myeloma and Smouldering Myeloma: A Review of Current Approaches and Future Directions
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The Unmet Psychological Needs of People Living With Multiple Myeloma and Smouldering Myeloma: A Review of Current Approaches and Future Directions

Natalie Tuckey, Matthew Iasiello, Kathina Ali, Angelina Yong, Sophie Wilson, Mark Ryan, Dom Scoleri, Melissa Cantley and Hannah R Wardill
Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia, Vol.25(12), pp.e1145-e1159
2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clml.2025.09.016
PMID: 41111057
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1-s2.0-S2152265025042272-main689.92 kBDownloadView
Published Version Open Access CC BY V4.0

Abstract

Mental health MGUS Psycho-oncology Psychological interventions Supportive care
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is currently incurable, requiring multiple lines of therapy that can control, but do not cure, the disease. People with myeloma often report high levels of anxiety and depression and are reported to have the lowest quality of life of any cancer type likely due to the incurable nature of the disease. Despite the significant mental health burden, interventions to address the psychological impact of myeloma and its precursor conditions, smoldering myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, are limited. This review found that existing psychosocial interventions are limited in scope and quality, often involving small samples, inconsistent methods, and short-term outcomes. Most lack consumer co-design and implementation frameworks, reducing their sustainability and real-world impact. Interventions rarely address the complex and overlapping physical and psychological needs of patients, such as pain, fatigue, body image, and uncertainty, and few integrate mental health support into exercise programs. Caregivers, despite their significant emotional strain, are also frequently excluded from support strategies. There is a clear need for comprehensive, co-designed interventions that reflect the diverse experiences of those affected and address both physical and psychological challenges. Prioritizing implementation and sustainability can enhance mental health outcomes, reduce healthcare burden, and improve the quality of supportive cancer care.

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