Article
Review: Time from Symptom Onset to Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis Can Be Reduced
Author(s):
Currently, many patients experience a more than 3-month delay until their diagnosis is confirmed.
A review of studies found that the time from symptom onset to confirmation of diagnosis of multiple myeloma can be significantly reduced. Currently, many patients experience a more than 3-month delay until their diagnosis is confirmed.
A paper published in BMJ Open reviewed 9 studies that reported time intervals from symptom onset to diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis can cause complications to develop, such as pathological fractures and irreversible renal failure, they are linked to higher cancer stage and poorer survival, as well as a shorter disease-free survival and more complications following treatment.
“Quantifying the time intervals leading up to diagnosis is important as it will inform future interventions that aim to shorten the diagnostic process,” the authors explained.
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