Myeloma patients' experiences of a supervised physical activity programme: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: The Myeloma: Advancing Survival Cancer Outcomes Trial (MASCOT) tested the impact of a supervised exercise programme on fatigue, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes in multiple myeloma [MM] patients. The current study explored MM patients' experiences of the programme to guide future interventions. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to recruit stable MM patients participating in MASCOT. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six themes were identified. Key drivers for participation in MASCOT were "Altruism and extended cancer care"; participants wanted to give something back and assist in improving post-treatment care for MM patients, especially as after treatment "Barriers to being physically active" were a fear of damage and lack of health professional guidance. "Influences fostering change within the intervention" included physiotherapy supervision and tailored exercises, which gave participants confidence to push themselves in a safe environment and broke down misconceptions about their body. "Social support", from both family and peers in the programme, promoted motivation and adherence. Participants expressed concerns about "Maintaining things going forward" but had identified mechanisms to aid continuation. "Physical and mental benefits" of the programme were highlighted; participants were able to do things they couldn't before and described feeling free from the constraints of MM. CONCLUSIONS: A post-treatment exercise intervention for MM patients was a positive experience, which enhanced participants' physical and psychological wellbeing. Tailored gym and home-based exercises, a specialist cancer physiotherapist, and sustained support were perceived to be important for success. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Exercise support for MM patients, ideally with physiotherapist supervision, should be incorporated into survivorship care to qualitatively improve patients' quality of life, self-efficacy, and mental wellbeing.

The impact of COVID-19 on autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: A single-centre, qualitative evaluation study.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK's 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients' treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients' understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients' priorities and expectations.