Real-world treatment patterns for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the real-world multiple myeloma (MM) population in Alberta by examining patient/clinical characteristics and the treatment landscape. A retrospective, observational study was conducted using province-wide, administrative health data from Alberta, Canada evaluating newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients. Between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2017, 1377 treated NDMM cases were identified. Of those, 328 (23.8%) received an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) within the first year of diagnosis. In the ASCT group, 189 advanced to second-line (57.6%), 103 (32.6%) to third-line and 97 (29.5%) had four or more lines of therapy. In non-ASCT patients, 553 (52.7%) advanced to second-line, 238 (22.7%) to third-line, and 154 (14.7%) had 4 or more lines of therapy. We observed a significant treatment attrition rate in NDMM. Therefore, the use of best therapy upfront and novel strategies aiming to decrease attrition rates in MM is encouraged.

Keywords:

• Multiple myeloma
• lines of therapy
• real-world data
• epidemiology

Acknowledgments

This study is based on data provided by Alberta Health. The interpretation and conclusions contained herein are those of the researchers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Alberta. Neither the Government of Alberta nor Alberta Health express any opinion in relation to this study.

Disclosure Statement

VHJZ and JT have received honoraria from Celgene Inc. GC, ES, MF, and TC are employed by Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd., which received funding for the study from Celgene Inc.

Data availability statement

Data from this study are not publicly available and cannot be shared due to privacy reasons and ethical restrictions, as per the research agreement with Alberta Health.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by Celgene Canada Inc.