In the past two years proteasome inhibitors have risen in prominence reflecting the recent approval of two new agents, carfilzomib and ixazomib. This means there are three different agents of this class available for the treatment of multiple myeloma. These agents are highly effective and suitable for use in combination with other agents, however each has a different route of administration and an individual toxicity profile. Optimal patient management is required to use these agents to their full potential.

Nurses are instrumental in educating patients about these treatment options and managing their individual toxicities during treatment. They also play a crucial part in supporting ongoing communication between patients and the multidisciplinary team. To succeed in this role, nurses require a thorough understanding of evidence-based symptom-management programmes, and a good awareness of the efficacy and safety profiles of newer drugs. Time should be set aside for nurses to be educated and trained appropriately on topics identified in this review, and initiatives such as local myeloma learning programmes may be useful. This article discusses the central role of nurses in the management of proteasome inhibitors for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.