Treatment patterns and outcomes among nontransplant newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in Spain

Lay abstract This study describes treatment patterns and outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients in Spain who were not candidates for transplant. The study looked at two patient groups: patients diagnosed between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013 and those diagnosed between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017. Among the 113 patients considered, the most common first-line therapies were proteasome inhibitor (PI) + alkylator combinations (49%) and PI-based regimens without an alkylator (30%). We saw increased use of PI with immunomodulators (which arm the immune system to battle disease) and decreased use of PI-based regimens without an alkylator or immunomodulator. First-line use of oral regimens was low but increased over time. The median length of first-line treatment for both groups combined was 6.9 months. Finding low use of first-line oral regimens and maintenance therapy and a short duration of first-line treatment, our study highlights the unmet needs that exist in NDMM patients who are not transplant candidates in Spain. Aim: To describe treatment patterns and outcomes in nontransplant newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients in Spain. Methods: This retrospective study included two cohorts of NDMM patients diagnosed between 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013 and 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. Results: Among 113 patients, proteasome inhibitor (PI) + alkylator combinations (49%) and PI-based regimens without an alkylator (30%) were the most common first-line (1L) therapies. Use of PI + immunomodulatory drug-based regimens increased between the cohorts; PI-based regimens without an alkylator/immunomodulatory drug decreased. Use of 1L oral regimens was low but increased over time; use of maintenance therapy was low across both periods. Median 1L duration of treatment was 6.9 months. Conclusion: Short 1L duration of treatment and low use of 1L oral regimens and maintenance therapy highlight unmet needs in NDMM.