Recent real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in US patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Background In patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) previously receiving 1-3 therapy lines, newer agents demonstrated improved outcomes versus older agents. Real-world treatment pattern data are limited. We assessed real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with RRMM (>= 2 prior therapy lines). Research design and methods An electronic medical record (EMR) analysis and chart review were conducted using International Oncology Network (ION) EMR data. Patients >= 18 years old initiating first-line MM treatment 1 January 2011, to 31 May 2017, were stratified into older/newer treatment cohorts (approval date before vs during/after 2012). Treatment patterns and outcomes were described; no statistical tests were performed. Results In the EMR analysis (n = 1601) and chart review (n = 456), bortezomib, lenalidomide, and bortezomib-lenalidomide combinations dominated first-line treatment. Median real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) was 12.0 to 3.5 months (first- to fifth-line), and median real-world overall survival (rwOS) was 48.2 to 5.8 months. A trend for increased rwPFS/rwOS with newer versus older treatments was observed. Most common AEs were fatigue, bone pain, and anemia. Expert opinion Real-world data describing treatment patterns in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma are limited. Evaluation of new treatments on patient outcomes will influence treatment patterns and patient outcomes in the real-world setting. Conclusions Although a trend for improved rwPFS and rwOS with newer versus older treatments was suggested, additional treatment options to improve patient outcomes are needed.