Love Heals: How Partner Support Can Improve Outcomes in ASCT

Multiple myeloma (MM) has a profound impact not just on the person diagnosed but also on their close relationships, particularly their spouse or partner. Couples mutually influence each other's physical and mental health trajectories, but a myeloma diagnosis can affect this balance as it enters a couple’s life. 

This article examines the interconnected physical, psychological, and quality-of-life challenges faced by myeloma patients and their spouses/partners before and after undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

How Myeloma Impacts Couples Lives

There are significant long-term difficulties couples face in their myeloma journey, including poor physical functioning, frailty, emotional distress, and depression. 

Depression in myeloma patients correlates with worse outcomes, including higher mortality within one year post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and reduced overall survival. 

It’s not only those diagnosed with myeloma who are at risk for depression. Spouses/partners often experience anxiety and depression levels that can surpass those of patients, as they play a crucial role in the stem cell transplantation process (preparation and recovery phases).

A Real-World Study on Couples 

One study, shared at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference, included 62 couples ( multiple myeloma patients and their spouses/partners). These couples participated in a study that followed up on their experience around stem cell transplant treatment. 

Dr. Ashley Rosko, the lead investigator of this study and presenter at the annual American Society of Hematology conference,  shared insights and further explained the study results in our interview below. 

In this video, Dr. Rosko highlighted the importance of having a loving and supportive partner during this process, which can help to improve outcomes.

Within the study, couples were assessed at three key intervals: 

1. Before undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)
2. 90 days after receiving the ASCT
3. One year post-ASCT

The study evaluated physical function, frailty, health-related quality of life, and psychological distress using the following measures:

How Did Couples Experience the ASCT Process? 

The findings revealed key insights into the physical and psychological interconnections between myeloma patients and their spouses/partners before and after stem cell transplant:

• Lack of agreement in health measures: Before the stem cell transplant, couples had significant differences in their answers around health measures, including physical performance, fatigue, and frailty. However, couples expressed fulfillment in social support. 

• Mental health outcomes:

• Depression symptoms in myeloma patients were significantly associated with frailty and quality of life before and after ASCT.

• Patients had more distress resulting from frailty symptoms. 

• Spousal distress and fatigue significantly impacted fatigue and frailty in patients before and after they underwent ASCT. 

• Couple’s satisfaction and physical function:

• Before undergoing ASCT, self-reported health was significantly affected, especially in spouses. 

• As the physical function of the patient improved, satisfaction in couples was reported higher. 

Final Thoughts 

The study highlights the intricate connections between physical frailty, psychological distress, and relationship dynamics in myeloma patients and their spouses/partners. 

These findings underscore the critical role of spousal/partner support and the health of their relationship in the recovery process post-ASCT. 

Targeted programs addressing both physical and emotional survivorship needs are essential for improving outcomes for both patients and their partners.

The Importance of Participating in Real-World Research

Participating in real-world research like what is presented above provides invaluable insights into patients' and caregivers' lived experiences. 

By contributing to real-world studies, patients and their families play an active role in advancing care standards. This helps shape patient-centered care practices among health professionals, ensuring that the physical and emotional needs of both patients and caregivers are addressed holistically. 

If you want to keep learning from more interesting multiple myeloma updates, conferences and clinical trial results, bookmark the HealthTree News site to browse across different topics created just for you! 

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Source: 

• Lovesick: Examining Couples Health during Myeloma Transplant