Patient Perspectives on Treatment Experience and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by the production of monoclonal light chains and immunoglobulin (M-protein), leading to impaired immune function, bone destruction, renal failure, and death. Existing and emerging MM therapies, including proteasome inhibitors (PI), immunomodulators (IMiDs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAB), delay progression and extend the lifespan but MM is incurable. However, more knowledge about patient experiences with treatments and their impact on everyday activities, including health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is needed for physicians and patients to make informed treatment decisions. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the patient perspectives on treatment for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Methods This non-interventional, cross-sectional study involved semi-structured qualitative interviews with RRMM patients recruited from 6 U.S. clinics. Eligible RRMM patients (≥18 years) had at least 3 months of life expectancy, up to 6 prior lines of therapy, and at least one treatment regimen with a PI, IMiD, daratumumab, or an alkylating agent. Prior to conducting the patient interviews, a semi-structured qualitative interview guide was developed based on a literature review and formative/pilot discussions with MM expert clinicians (n=5) and patients (n=3). Within the interview guide, open-ended questions and targeted probes were used to facilitate discussions on topics including symptoms and impact of MM, mode of administration of treatment, tolerability, patients’ perception of indicators of effectiveness and overall experience. Qualitative coding and content analysis were conducted using Atlas.ti v8.0. Results Demographic characteristics, symptoms, and HRQOL impacts reported by interview participants (N=22) are presented in Table. At enrollment, 59% of patients were using regimens containing dexamethasone, 36% daratumumab, 27% carfilzomib, 18% lenalidomide. Most common co-morbidities included hypertension (41%), respiratory illnesses (32%), and GERD (27%). More patients had experience using IV/injectable (41%) alone compared with oral therapy (18%) alone; 41% of patients reported having experience with both modes. Back pain (41%) and fatigue (41%) were the symptoms reported most frequently by patients; 27% of patients reported no symptoms (See Table). Among impact concept categories most commonly reported by patients, 86% experienced physical function limitat