Patterns and perceptions of supplement use among patients with plasma cell disorders

Abstract

As novel treatments have improved survival in patients with plasma cell disorders (PCDs), there is a growing interest in complementary medicine (CM), particularly dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbs), amongst patients with cancer [ 1 ]. Multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor conditions (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)) provide opportunities for CM, as the standard practice for precursor conditions is observation while MM requires long term treatment – during which supportive strategies may improve treatment tolerance, response, and quality of life [ 2 ].