University Of Sharjah Study Highlights Importance Of Patient-Reported Physical Function In Cancer Treatment Outcomes

An international study led by Dr. Ahmad Abuhelwa from the University of Sharjah has revealed significant insights into treating multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The research suggests that patients' self-reported physical abilities before starting treatment with daratumumab can predict their response to therapy. This approach could potentially alter how treatments are tailored for individuals.

The study involved 1,804 participants across three major international clinical trials and was conducted in collaboration with institutions like Burjeel Cancer Institute in the UAE and Flinders University in Australia. Published in the European Journal of Haematology, it highlights the importance of considering patients' own assessments of their physical condition rather than relying solely on traditional medical evaluations.

Dr. Abuhelwa noted: "This study shows that how patients feel before starting therapy matters—not just for quality of life, but for survival itself. Patients who felt physically weaker at the start of therapy benefited more from daratumumab than those who were more physically fit." His statement underscores the significance of patient-reported outcomes in predicting treatment success.

The findings showed that patients reporting lower physical function at treatment onset experienced a 47% reduction in mortality risk and a 66% decrease in disease progression when treated with daratumumab. Conversely, those with higher initial physical functioning saw less benefit, with only a 14% reduction in mortality risk and a 47% decrease in disease progression.

Dr. Abuhelwa emphasized: "What makes this study unique is that we focused on how patients rated their own physical ability—not just how doctors assessed them. We found that patient-reported physical function was a more accurate predictor of treatment response than traditional clinical assessments." This insight could lead to more personalized treatment plans based on individual patient feedback.

Rising Global Cases

The study's timing is crucial as global cases of multiple myeloma are increasing. In 2022, there were approximately 188,000 new cases and 121,000 deaths worldwide, with projections indicating over a 70% increase by 2045. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved treatment strategies.

Prof. Humaid Al-Shamsi from Burjeel Cancer Institute remarked: "This study highlights the growing importance of patient-centered care in oncology. By listening closely to how patients feel at the start of treatment, we can better personalize therapies and improve outcomes—especially for those who are older or more physically vulnerable." His comments reflect a shift towards more compassionate and effective cancer care.

Future Implications

The authors advocate integrating patient-reported outcomes into treatment planning and encourage policymakers to support their use in clinical trials and routine care. They also urge drug developers to consider these indicators when designing future studies. This approach could lead to more precise and individualized cancer treatments.

This research signifies an important step towards enhancing patient-centered care in oncology by valuing patients' perspectives alongside traditional medical assessments. Such advancements could improve therapeutic outcomes for individuals battling multiple myeloma worldwide.

With inputs from WAM