Consensus guidelines and recommendations for infection prevention in multiple myeloma: a report from the International Myeloma Working Group
- Study type
- Clinical guideline
- Study name
- IMWG Infection Prevention 2022
- Design
- Expert consensus statement (review article) based on a review of existing papers and guidelines
- Sample size
- Panel of 36 experts with global representation
- Source
- The Lancet Haematology · 2022
In plain words
Infection is one of the main causes of illness and death in people with multiple myeloma, because both the disease itself and its treatments weaken the body's defences. This guideline was written by a group of 36 experts from around the world to set out ways of preventing infection. These include vaccination, preventive medicines against germs, infection-control measures and, in a small group of patients, replacing antibodies (immunoglobulin). Each patient's plan should be decided by their own doctor.
Study population
Patients with multiple myeloma, with a focus on infection risk and the prevention of infectious complications in the setting of novel therapies. This paper is not a clinical study enrolling patients; details of the criteria for applying the recommendations are in the full text.
Endpoints
This paper is not a trial and has no endpoints. Its aim is to review existing papers and guidelines, examine issues related to infection risk and the prevention of infectious complications in multiple myeloma in the setting of novel therapies, and give recommendations for preventing these complications.
Safety and side effects
According to the abstract, no adverse-event data were reported. Safety details of each preventive intervention should be checked in the full text.
Clinical significance and place in guidelines
This document is an attempt to provide a consensus framework for infection prevention in multiple myeloma, as there was previously no universally accepted guideline in this area. The abstract states only the general prevention strategies (vaccination, antimicrobial prophylaxis, infection control and immunoglobulin replacement in a small subgroup of patients). Specific recommendations, including the type and timing of prophylaxis or vaccination, should be taken from the full text. Its adoption in other guidelines should also be checked separately.
Limitations
The abstract covers only general points and does not give the specific recommendations or their levels of evidence. The document is based on expert consensus and a review of existing papers and guidelines, not on a randomised trial. Because novel myeloma therapies are advancing rapidly, it should be checked whether the recommendations are still up to date.
This summary was prepared by the editorial team from the published paper; the original paper is the final reference. Read the original abstract on PubMed.