Scientific Poster Session II: Students Research-in-Progress

Students Research in Progress
  Sunday, November 12, 2023
  12:45 PM–02:15 PM

Abstract

Introduction: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Multiple Myeloma guidelines recommend all patients receiving primary multiple myeloma (MM) therapy should receive bone protective therapy with bisphosphonates or denosumab regardless of documented bone disease. In general, bone protective therapy can be preventative and therapeutic in the management of osteoporosis, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and bone metastases. In multiple myeloma, these bone protective agents (BPA) help manage and prevent skeletal related events: pain, fractures, need for radiation, hypercalcemia, and cord compression, which impact patients’ quality of life, their ability to live independently, as well as their performance status. BPA should be continued for up to 2 years, and treatment beyond 2 years should be based on clinical judgement. At Nebraska Medicine, it is currently not known how many patients with multiple myeloma are appropriately prescribed BPA. Recently the implementation of pharmacists in the clinic may have improved these statistics.

Research Question or Hypothesis: Are patients with multiple myeloma appropriately prescribed bone protective agents? Secondarily, what is the impact of pharmacist-staffed clinics versus clinics without pharmacists on appropriate bone protective therapies?

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of adult patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma being treated at Nebraska Medicine clinics between 01/01/2022 through 12/31/2022. A total of 563 unique patients were identified, and every seventh patient was reviewed for a target, randomized sample of 80 patients. Patients were excluded if they were younger than 19 years old, did not have multiple myeloma, or were managing their multiple myeloma outside of Nebraska Medicine clinics. Data collected included baseline demographics, cancer diagnosis and stage, clinic location, treatment, and BPA administration. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to evaluate collected data.

Results: In Progress

Conclusion: In Progress

Presenting Author

Karen Hoff BS
Nebraska Medicine

Authors

Sara Kjerengtroen PharmD, BCPS
Nebraska Medicine

Stephanie Johnson Pharm.D., BCOP
Nebraska Medicine

Shawna Stricker PharmD
Nebraska Medicine