Key Information
Introduction
Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and complex disease which can affect various systems of the body. In common with many rare and multisystemic diseases, the breadth of diagnostic, clinical, and supportive expertise required to care for such patients is best met by a multidisciplinary team.
Areas covered
We outline different phases of the patients’ journey, including diagnosis, staging, treatment, and response assessment, to highlight common clinical issues best resolved by a multidisciplinary approach.
Expert opinion
To extend the benefit of multidisciplinary care to the majority of patients with AL amyloidosis, innovative healthcare models such as telehealth and multisite multidisciplinary team meetings need to be implemented. The need for a multidisciplinary approach where such a wide array of healthcare skills is required also highlights the shortcomings of our current diagnostic and monitoring assays. Better access to diagnostic and subtyping assays is necessary. The ability to characterize and measure the causative amyloidogenic light chain as well as imaging techniques to accurately diagnose and monitor response to therapy is also needed and is currently an area of research focus.
Article highlights
AL amyloidosis is a rare and complex multisystem disease.
Accurate diagnosis and assessment of organ involvement can be challenging but is crucial for optimal management of patients.
Treatment algorithms in frontline and relapsed settings should be tailored to the patients’ clinical condition and response.
Current standard assessments of organ involvement and response criteria are suboptimal due to the surrogate nature of testing.
A multidisciplinary team approach in the care of patients with AL amyloidosis can help with optimizing diagnostic and organ assessment interpretation, development of appropriate treatment plans and in the monitoring of patient responses.
Improved access to amyloidosis multidisciplinary clinics, disease specific assessments, methods of monitoring and treatment options are areas of need for patients with AL amyloidosis.