Cost-Effectiveness of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Database

Overcoming Barriers to Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Roundtable Discussion

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard of care treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, only 20% to 30% of patients with MM for whom the procedure is indicated undergo ASCT. Barriers to ASCT may be informational, financial, logistic, or cultural and may affect patients and treating oncologists. Available and accessible accurate ASCT-related information is essential to overcome these barriers. Such resources can be created by blood and marrow transplantation societies and patient advocacy groups, ideally in collaboration with MM specialists at transplant centers. An umbrella office at the society level is also recommended to connect oncologists, advocacy groups, and transplantation specialists; provide informational resources to patients; and conduct research into region- and population-specific barriers to ASCT.

Aiming for the cure in myeloma: Putting our best foot forward

Frontline therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) is evolving to include novel combinations that can achieve unprecedented deep response rates. Several treatment strategies exist, varying in induction regimen composition, use of transplant and or consolidation and maintenance. In this sea of different treatment permutations, the overarching theme is the powerful prognostic factors of disease risk and achievement of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. MM has significant inter-patient variability that requires treatment to be individualized. Risk-adapted and response-adapted strategies which are increasingly being explored to define the extent and duration of therapy, and eventually aim for functional curability. In addition, with T-cell redirection therapies rapidly revolutionizing myeloma treatments, the current standard of care for myeloma will change. This review analyzes the current relevant literature in upfront therapy for fit myeloma patients and provides suggestions for treatment approach while novel clinical trials are maturing.

Daratumumab in first-line therapy is cost-effective in transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed myeloma

Triplet regimens, such as lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd) or thalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (VTd), are standard induction therapies for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The addition of daratumumab to RVd and VTd has been investigated in the GRIFFIN and CASSIOPEIA trials, respectively, resulting in improvement in the rate of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. In this study, we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis with a 10-year time horizon to compare first-line and second-line use of daratumumab for transplant-eligible patients with NDMM. Because long-term follow-up data for these clinical trials are not yet available, we developed a Markov model that uses MRD status to predict progression-free survival. Daratumumab was used either in the first-line setting in combination with RVd or VTd or in the second-line setting with carfilzomib plus dexamethasone (Kd). Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated from a Japanese and US payer perspective. In the Japanese analysis, D-RVd showed higher QALYs (5.43 vs 5.18) and lower costs (¥64 479,793 vs ¥71  287 569) compared with RVd, and D-VTd showed higher QALYs (5.67 vs 5.42) and lower costs (¥43  600 310 vs ¥49 471,941) compared with VTd. Similarly, the US analysis demonstrated dominance of a strategy incorporating daratumumab in first-line treatment regimens. Given that overall costs are reduced and outcomes are improved when daratumumab is used as part of a first-line regimen, the economic analysis indicates that addition of daratumumab to first-line RVd and VTd regimens is a dominant strategy compared with reserving its use for the second-line setting.

Real-world utilisation of ASCT in multiple myeloma (MM): a report from the Australian and New Zealand myeloma and related diseases registry (MRDR)

Supported by clinical trial proven survival benefit, clinical guidelines recommend upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for eligible MM patients. However, reported real-world utilisation is lower than expected (40-60%). We reviewed ASCT utilisation, demographics and outcomes for MM patients (≤70 years, ≥12-month follow-up) enroled onto the Australian/New Zealand MRDR from June 2012 to May 2020. In 982 patients (<65 years: 684, 65-70 years: 298), ASCT utilisation was 76% overall (<65 years: 83%, 65-70 years: 61%, front-line therapy: 67%). Non-ASCT recipients were older (median age: 65 years vs 60 years, p < 0.001), had more comorbidities (cardiac disease: 16.9% vs 5.4%, p < 0.001; diabetes: 19.1% vs 7.0%, p < 0.001; renal dysfunction: median eGFR(ml/min): 68 vs 80, p < 0.001), inferior performance status (ECOG ≥ 2: 26% vs 13%, p < 0.001) and higher-risk MM (ISS-3: 37% vs 26%, p = 0.009, R-ISS-3 18.6% vs 11.8%, p = 0.051) than ASCT recipients. ASCT survival benefit (median progression-free survival (PFS): 45.3 months vs 35.2 months, p < 0.001; overall survival (OS): NR vs 64.0 months, p < 0.001) was maintained irrespective of age (<65 years: median PFS: 45.3 months vs 37.7 months, p = 0.04, OS: NR vs 68.2 months, p = 0.002; 65-70 years: median PFS: 46.7 months vs 29.2 months, p < 0.001, OS: 76.9 months vs 55.6 months, p = 0.005). This large, real-world cohort reaffirms ASCT survival benefit, including in 'older' patients necessitating well-designed studies evaluating ASCT in 'older' MM to inform evidence-based patient selection.

Recognition of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Expertise to Promote Care Accessibility: A Formally Credentialed Area of Focused Competence in Canada

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and cellular therapy (CT) exploit the therapeutic potential of manipulated or unmanipulated hematopoietic cells to treat diseases. While initially dedicated to the treatment of hematologic malignancies and disorders, the use of these therapies in several diseases and cancers is currently under investigation. Indications are currently booming. In the midst of this expansion, both the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) have highlighted the global shortage of hematologists adequately trained in this field of high expertise. This shortage in transplant physicians and cellular therapists can significantly impact patients' access to cell-based therapy. To address this unmet need and attract aspiring hematologists to the field of cellular therapy, as well as to standardize training, anticipating this trend, a Canadian national task force aiming to develop a structured academic program in HSCT and CT was created. Workshops were organized to identify and establish the fundamentals of the practice in HSCT and CT. These workshops followed a rigorous process in developing the competency-based training program established by the Royal College. The program begins with the development of the main tasks associated with the practice of the discipline and the evidence that trainees must provide to demonstrate that they can perform these tasks independently (the competence portfolio). It continues with the development of training requirements that summarize the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes required to perform these tasks, followed by specific exposure during training (milestones) essential to demonstrate the acquisition of these skills. HSCT and CT together is now formally recognized as an Area of Focused Competence (AFC) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a national organization that provides oversight of the medical education of specialists in Canada. AFCs are areas of specialty medicine that address a legitimate societal and patient population need previously unmet by the system of primary and subspecialty disciplines. The AFC designation for HSCT and CT provides a standardized curriculum, training experience, and accreditation process to attract young hematologists and promote expertise and quality care to meet the needs of both patients and society. A critical number of highly qualified hematologists will ensure continuing expansion of accessibility to HSCT and CT.

Interleukin-6 gene-174 G/C promoter polymorphism is not associated with multiple myeloma susceptibility: evidence from meta-analysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Presently, whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene-174 G/C promoter polymorphism is correlated to the susceptibility of multiple myeloma (MM) remains controversial. For this reason, the method of meta-analysis was applied to exploring the association between IL-6 gene-174 G/C promoter polymorphism and MM.

METHOD

Two independent researchers systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Google academic, Cochrane Library and Chinese literature databases to screen case-control studies on IL-6 gene-174 G/C promoter polymorphism and MM susceptibility. The retrieval period was limited from the formation of the database to January 2020, and data analysis was conducted by employing Stata 11.0 software.

RESULT

Seven articles were ultimately included in the present study, including 594 MM patients and 681 controls. Integration analysis exhibited that compared with GC or CC genotype, GG genotype did not increase MM susceptibility (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.75-1.22; OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.52-1.19, respectively). Further, in comparison with CC genotype, GC genotype also presented no effect on increasing MM susceptibility (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.53-1.16), while compared with GC+CC genotype, GG genotype had no significant relationship with MM susceptibility (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.75-1.19). In subsequent analysis, an observation was made that allele G or C was not related to MM susceptibility (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.76-1.12). Funnel chart and Begg test did not reveal publication bias in the included articles.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study advocate that there is no testimony to support the relationship between IL-6 gene-174 G/C promoter polymorphism and MM susceptibility.

Age no bar: A CIBMTR analysis of elderly patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Upfront autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) remains an important therapy in the management of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), a disease of older adults.

METHODS

The authors investigated the outcomes of AHCT in patients with MM who were aged ≥70 years. The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) database registered 15,999 patients with MM in the United States within 12 months of diagnosis during 2013 through 2017; a total of 2092 patients were aged ≥70 years. Nonrecurrence mortality (NRM), disease recurrence and/or progression (relapse; REL), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were modeled using Cox proportional hazards models with age at transplantation as the main effect. Because of the large sample size, a P value <.01 was considered to be statistically significant a priori.

RESULTS

An increase in AHCT was noted in 2017 (28%) compared with 2013 (15%) among patients aged ≥70 years. Although approximately 82% of patients received melphalan (Mel) at a dose of 200 mg/m² overall, 58% of the patients aged ≥70 years received Mel at a dose of 140 mg/m² . On multivariate analysis, patients aged ≥70 years demonstrated no difference with regard to NRM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3; 99% confidence interval [99% CI], 1-1.7 [P = .06]), REL (HR, 1.03; 99% CI, 0.9-1.1 [P = 0.6]), PFS (HR, 1.06; 99% CI, 1-1.2 [P = 0.2]), and OS (HR, 1.2; 99% CI, 1-1.4 [P = .02]) compared with the reference group (those aged 60-69 years). In patients aged ≥70 years, Mel administered at a dose of 140 mg/m² was found to be associated with worse outcomes compared with Mel administered at a dose of 200 mg/m² , including day 100 NRM (1% [95% CI, 1%-2%] vs 0% [95% CI, 0%-1%]; P = .003]), 2-year PFS (64% [95% CI, 60%-67%] vs 69% [95% CI, 66%-73%]; P = .003), and 2-year OS (85% [95% CI, 82%-87%] vs 89% [95% CI, 86%-91%]; P = .01]), likely representing frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated that AHCT remains an effective consolidation therapy among patients with MM across all age groups.

A systematic review of economic evaluations of treatment regimens in multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

The expansion of advanced expensive therapeutic innovations for Multiple Myeloma (MM) led to increased disclosure of economic evaluations. The present analysis systematically reviewed and appraised the reporting quality of economic evaluations in MM.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature search in Ovid, MEDLINE(R), PubMed, and Cochrane libraries was conducted for studies published in the past decade. Two independent authors performed study selection and data extraction in a standardized form. Study methodological quality assessment was performed using 10-item Drummond's tool.

RESULTS

Of potentially eligible 1150 retrieved studies, 17 met eligibility criteria. Six evaluations (35%) were in newly diagnosed MM and 11 (65%) in relapse refractory (RR) MM. Nine studies (53%) embraced the payer's perspective, five (29%) adopted health care system, one (6%) societal and two did not report. Six (35%) employed partitioned survival model, 4(24%) discrete event simulation, 4(24%) Markov model and 2(12%) used decision tree model. The methodological quality has improved significantly; 16 (94%) studies comprehended a well-defined question by affirming the analysis perspective and examined both costs and outcomes while 13 (71%) provided a comprehensive description of competing alternatives.

CONCLUSION

The addition of novel drugs to the treatment armamentarium of MM is considerably cost-effective. The evaluations became more frequent, methodological quality has improved in the last decade.

Efficacy of Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is an IgM-producing lymphoproliferative disorder that remains incurable. Patients with high-risk disease have an overall survival (OS) of less than 3 years. Both autologous (AHCT) and allogeneic (allo-HCT) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are prescribed for treatment of WM despite a lack of randomized controlled studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed/Medline and EMBASE on September 10, 2019. Data on clinical outcomes related to benefits and harms was extracted independently by 3 authors. Fifteen studies (8 AHCT [n = 278 patients], 7 allo-HCT [n = 311 patients]) were included in this systematic review/meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Pooled OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rates post AHCT were 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%-86%), 55% (95% CI, 42%-68%), and 4% (95% CI, 1%-7%), respectively. Pooled OS, PFS, and NRM rates post allografting were 57% (95% CI, 50%-65%), 49% (95% CI, 42%-56%), and 29% (95% CI, 23%-34%), respectively. OS and PFS rates were reported at 3 to 5 years, and NRM was reported at 1 year in most studies. Pooled ORR (at day 100) post AHCT and allo-HCT were 85% (95% CI, 72%-94%) and 81% (95% CI, 69%-91%), respectively. Pooled complete response rates post AHCT and allo-HCT were 22% (95% CI, 17%-28%) and 26% (95% CI, 7%-50%), respectively. Relapse rates post AHCT and allo-HCT were 42% (95% CI, 30%-55%) and 23% (95% CI, 18%-28%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that both AHCT and allo-HCT are effective in the treatment of WM. A 2-fold lower relapse rate but a 7-fold higher NRM was noted for allo-HCT compared with AHCT. The role of transplant in WM needs to be addressed in the era of novel agents.

Association Between Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and Survival Among Californians With Multiple Myeloma

Background

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) is an efficacious treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. However, as rapid advances have resulted in other highly efficacious and less intensive therapies, the role of aHSCT has been questioned.

Methods

We utilized population-based data to identify 13 494 newly diagnosed patients younger than age 80 years between 1998 and 2012. Patient characteristics of aHSCT and non-aHSCT groups were balanced using inverse probability weighting of a propensity score predicting aHSCT use. Multivariable models adjusted for baseline comorbidities, demographics, and socioeconomic status estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of death.

Results

Twenty point eight percent (2807) of patients underwent aHSCT, and this rate increased over time from 15.4% in 1998-2002 to 23.9% in 2008-2012. aHSCT was utilized among 37.6% and 11.5% of patients younger than age 60 years and 60 to 79 years, respectively. The median time to aHSCT was 9.4 months, and 89% of all aHSCTs occurred within two years of diagnosis. The median overall survival from time of aHSCT was 72.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 68 to 78). Autologous HSCT at any time was associated with improved survival (aHR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.92). Among aHSCT recipients, transplant more than 12 months after diagnosis (vs ≤12 months) was associated with worse survival (aHR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.16 to 1.51). The positive effect of aHSCT on overall survival was similar across study time periods and age groups.

Conclusion

In the era of highly efficacious induction therapies, aHSCT remained infrequently used but continued to be associated with improved survival for multiple myeloma patients and should be considered for newly diagnosed patients.

Utilization of novel systemic therapies for multiple myeloma: A retrospective study of front-line regimens using the SEER-Medicare data

The landscape of treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) has significantly changed over the last decade due to novel agents that have shown superiority in efficacy such as proteasome inhibitors (PIs) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) over traditional therapies. However, the real-world utilization of these new agents has not been studied well. This study evaluated year-to-year changes in treatment choices in a cohort of patients aged 66 or older in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry linked with Medicare claims (SEER-Medicare) data who were diagnosed with MM between 2007 and 2011. We identified 2477 symptomatic newly diagnosed patients who were followed for 6 months or more postdiagnosis and treated with systemic therapies but not with stem cell transplantation. Symptomatic patients were identified by evidence of hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, or bone lesions (CRAB criteria). The minimum follow-up was imposed to ensure sufficient data to characterize treatment. Our analysis found that the proportion of treated patients increased from 75% in the 2007 cohort to 79% in the 2011 cohort. The share of PI-based regimens including PI plus alkylating agents, PI plus IMiD, and PI-only increased from 9% to 21%, 3% to 11%, and 16% to 22%, respectively, between 2007 and 2011. These findings translate to the share of PI-based regimens having increased from 28% to 55% and that of IMiDs-based regimens (excluding PI plus IMiD) having decreased from 43% to 27%. In conclusion, while the usage of PIs among elderly MM patients increased significantly replacing IMiD-based regimens (with or without alkylating agents but not with PI) between 2007 and 2011, this significant shift did not increase the proportion of treated patients.

Cost Effectiveness of Transplant, Conventional Chemotherapy, and Novel Agents in Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) have been rapidly evolving. Newly developed treatment regimens are likely to be more effective but also cost more than conventional therapies.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review to compare the cost effectiveness of different classes of MM treatment.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for studies published during 1990-2018 comparing the cost effectiveness of transplant, chemotherapeutic and novel MM treatments. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed for eligibility by two investigators. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the 16-item, validated Quality of Health Economics Studies instrument.

RESULTS

Twenty-four publications were included in the systematic review and summarized according to treatment regimen and line. For first-line treatment, transplant was the most cost-effective option for transplant-eligible MM patients [the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $4053-€45,460 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, and $3848-$72,852 per life-year gained (LYG)], and the ICER for novel agents compared with conventional chemotherapy was $59,076 per QALY and $220,681 per LYG. For second-line treatment, in comparisons of novel agent-based regimens, ICERs were inconsistent. However, bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone were each cost effective compared with dexamethasone alone (ICERs showed cost saving, £30,153 per QALY gained, and €39,911 per LYG, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

For transplant-eligible MM patients, transplant is a cost-effective first-line treatment. More cost-effectiveness analyses comparing novel agents in the first-line treatment regimen are warranted to determine which agent or regimen is the most cost effective. In the second-line setting, it is unclear which novel agent-based regimen is most cost effective, but bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone were each cost effective compared with dexamethasone alone.

The impact of re-induction prior to salvage autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an integral component of the therapeutic arsenal in multiple myeloma. Given that overall survival (OS) is comparable between patients receiving up-front or delayed ASCT, some opt to collect stem cells and postpone transplant until the time of disease progression (i.e. salvage ASCT). It is unknown if induction should be repeated prior to salvage ASCT, or if patients should proceed directly. We identified 234 patients who underwent salvage ASCT at our institution: 188 (80%) were re-induced, whereas 46 (20%) proceeded directly without re-induction. There was no significant difference in time to next therapy (TNT) or OS from Day 0 between the two groups. Patients who were re-induced had a nonsignificant trend towards a higher rate of complete response post-ASCT (45% vs. 33%, p= .12). In multivariate models, re-induction did not affect TNT/OS. In the subgroup of 188 patients who were re-induced, patients with relapsed/refractory disease at the time of ASCT had significantly shorter TNT/OS compared to patients with deeper pre-ASCT responses. In summary, there was no survival difference for patients who were re-induced before salvage ASCT. However, many factors affect the decision to re-induce, and prospective studies would be required to discern its role definitively.

Special considerations for the treatment of multiple myeloma according to advanced age, comorbidities, frailty and organ dysfunction

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is primarily a disease of old age with a median age of sixty-nine years at diagnosis. The development of novel therapies for induction and use of autologous stem cell transplantation has resulted in improved clinical outcomes and better quality of life for MM patients. Elderly patients, comprising the majority of MM population, have a higher incidence of age-related comorbidities, frailty and organ dysfunction which complicates the coordination of treatment and limits the selection of therapies. Even in the era of multiple chemotherapeutic options, the clinical heterogeneity of the myeloma patients' demands personalized treatments which often require dose-adjustments or dose delays. The use of reduced-dose regimens and various comorbidity indices has improved clinical outcome and regimen tolerability in MM patients with renal, neurological and bone abnormalities. We focus on advancements in the treatment of multiple myeloma with the goal to guide clinicians towards patient-specific management.

Approach to the Older Adult With Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease of aging adults, and numerous therapeutic options are available for this growing demographic. MM treatment of older adults continues to evolve and includes novel combinations, new generations of targeted agents, immunotherapy, and increasing use of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Understanding age-related factors, independent of chronologic age itself, is an increasingly recognized factor in MM survivorship, especially in understudied populations, such as octogenarians. Octogenarians have inferior survival that cannot be explained by cytogenetic profiles alone. Incorporating assessments of geriatric factors can provide guidance on how to intensify or de-escalate therapeutic options. Functional status, using objective testing, is superior to traditional metrics of performance status and should be implemented to optimize the risk-benefit ratio of ASCT. ASCT is feasible and cost-effective, and chronologic age should not exclude ASCT eligibility. Upfront ASCT remains the standard of care, in the context of a sequential approach that includes pre-transplantation induction and post-transplantation maintenance. High-risk MM is classically defined by disease characteristics, yet shifting frameworks suggest that the high-risk designation could refer to any patient subgroup who is at risk for poorer outcomes-beyond disease-focused outcomes to patient-focused outcomes. Defining the optimal treatment of subgroups of older patients with high-risk disease on the basis of chromosomal abnormalities is unexplored. Here, we review tools to assess individual health status, explore vulnerability in octogenarians with MM, address ASCT decision-making, and examine high-risk MM to understand factors that contribute to survival disparities for older adults with MM.

Value-Based Care in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Improved tolerability and outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), along with the availability of alternative donors, have expanded its use. With this growth, and the development of additional cellular therapies, we also aim to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and the quality of the care provided. Fundamentally, the goal of value-based care is to have better health outcomes with streamlined processes, improved patient experience, and lower costs for both the patients and the health care system. HCT and cellular therapy treatments are multiphase treatments which allow for interventions at each juncture.

RECENT FINDINGS

We present a summary of the current literature with focus on program structure and overall system capacity, coordination of therapy across providers, standardization across institutions, diversity and disparities in care, patient quality of life, and cost implications. Each of these topics provides challenges and opportunities to improve value-based care for HCT and cellular therapy patients.

Modified High-Dose Melphalan and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis

High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) have been used in patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis for over 2 decades now with durable responses, prolonged survival, and decreasing treatment-related mortality. Historically, patients with poorer baseline functional status, advanced age, renal compromise, and cardiac involvement have been treated with a risk-adapted modified conditioning dose of melphalan (mHDM) of 100 to 140 mg/m² before SCT. In part because of these baseline characteristics, patients receiving mHDM/SCT have had poorer outcomes compared with patients receiving full-dose melphalan at 200 mg/m². With the advent of novel therapeutic agents such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of AL amyloidosis, it is imperative to understand the long-term effects of mHDM/SCT. Here we report the long-term outcomes of 334 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with mHDM/SCT. Median overall survival was 6.1 years and median event-free survival 4.3 years, with median overall survival reaching 13.4 years for patients who had achieved a hematologic complete response (CR). Overall hematologic response rate was 69%, and treatment-related mortality was 3% after 2010. Thus, mHDM/SCT leads to prolonged survival and favorable outcomes, especially if a hematologic CR is achieved.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in geriatric patients in Turkey

The incidence of most hematologic malignancies increases with age. Physicians increasingly refer older patients for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) due to more experience and improved supportive care in HSCT. This article discusses the available data regarding the feasibility, tolerability, toxicity, and effectiveness of autologous and allogeneic HSCT in older adults.

Evaluation of the Relevance of Surgery in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Harboring Symptomatic Spinal Involvement: A Retrospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma spinal involvement can lead to bone fractures and neurologic impairment that can severely alter quality of life. The role of surgery is controversial, given its high morbidity, and the lack of evidence. We hereby aim to evaluate efficacy and safety of surgery in the management of symptomatic spinal lesions in patients with multiple myeloma.

METHODS

We included all patients operated on for a myeloma-related spinal lesion in our institution between 2007 and 2015. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected as well as hematologic profiles. We retrospectively assessed the surgical success of the procedures, if at 3 months the patient fulfilled the following 4 criteria: pain relief, ability to walk, spinal stability, and no relevant morbidity.

RESULTS

Thirty-six men and 19 women, with a median age of 62 years, were included. Seventeen patients underwent an emergency intervention, whereas 38 patients underwent elective surgery. At 3 months, 88.2% and 96.1%, respectively, of patients experienced pain relief and were able to walk. Spinal stability was considered satisfactory for 94.1% of patients. We reported 8 major complications in 8 patients. Altogether, 34 patients (61.8%) fulfilled all criteria for surgical success. An International Staging System score of 1 and the absence of previous chemotherapy were significantly associated with surgical success.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of myeloma-related spine lesions requires a multidisciplinary approach. Surgery rapidly provides both decompression and stabilization. Using a strict patient-specific evaluation, we reported rewarding functional results, with acceptable morbidity. Surgery for multiple myeloma vertebral lesions seems to be a valuable option for carefully selected patients.

Real-world economic burden of hematopoietic cell transplantation among a large US commercially insured population with hematologic malignancies

AIMS

Approximately 20,000 hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) procedures are performed in the US annually. This study aims to study the healthcare resource utilization and costs among commercially-insured patients with hematologic malignancies who received autologous HCT (auto-HCT) and allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) in the US.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing auto- or allo-HCT between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2014 were identified in the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Patients with 12 months of continuous pharmacy and medical enrollment pre- and post-HCT were included. Patients with prior HCT were excluded. Controls were selected from patients without any claims for HCT and matched with HCT recipients in a 3:1 ratio based on age, gender, insurance type, and Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index categories. Total healthcare resource uses and costs were compared between auto- or allo-HCT recipients and controls.

RESULTS

In total, 10,527 patients (HCT, n = 2,672 vs control, n = 7,855) were included, with the majority of HCT recipients (63.6%) undergoing auto-HCT. During the 6-month pre-index and 12-month post-index period, auto-HCT recipients incurred $313,562 (p < .01) higher all-cause costs than controls, attributable to inpatient admission (54.1%), outpatient services (33.4%), and prescriptions (12.5%). The all-cause costs for allo-HCT recipients were $621,895 (p < .01) higher vs controls during the 18-month observation period, attributable to inpatient admissions (75.5%), outpatient services (22.1%), and prescriptions (2.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HCT among patients with hematologic malignancies is associated with considerable economic burden in direct healthcare costs in a commercially insured population. Incremental costs for HCT recipients were mainly driven by costs related to hospitalization and other medical services.

Exploring Big Data in Hematological Malignancies: Challenges and Opportunities

Secondary analysis of large datasets has become a useful alternative to address research questions outside the reach of clinical trials. It is increasingly utilized in hematology and oncology. In this review, we provided an overview of some examples of commonly used large datasets in the USA and described common research themes that can be pursued using such a methodology. We selected a sample of 14 articles on adult hematologic malignancies published in 2015 and highlighted their contributions as well as limitations.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: An Activity-based Costing Analysis, Comparing a Total Inpatient Model Versus an Early Discharge Model

BACKGROUND

Activity-based costing (ABC) was developed and advocated as a means of overcoming the systematic distortions of traditional cost accounting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We calculated the cost of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma using the ABC method, through 2 different care models: the total inpatient model (TIM) and the early-discharge outpatient model (EDOM) and compared this with the approved diagnosis related-groups (DRG) Italian tariffs.

RESULTS

The TIM and EDOM models involved a total cost of €28,615.15 and €16,499.43, respectively. In the TIM model, the phase with the greatest economic impact was the posttransplant (recovery and hematologic engraftment) with 36.4% of the total cost, whereas in the EDOM model, the phase with the greatest economic impact was the pretransplant (chemo-mobilization, apheresis procedure, cryopreservation, and storage) phase, with 60.4% of total expenses. In an analysis of each episode, the TIM model comprised a higher absorption than the EDOM. In particular, the posttransplant represented 36.4% of the total costs in the TIM and 17.7% in EDOM model, respectively. The estimated reduction in cost per patient using an EDOM model was over €12,115.72. The repayment of the DRG in Calabrian Region for the ASCT procedure is €59,806. Given the real cost of the transplant, the estimated cost saving per patient is €31,190.85 in the TIM model and €43,306.57 in the EDOM model.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the actual repayment of the DRG does not correspond to the real cost of the ASCT procedure in Italy. Moreover, using the EDOM, the cost of ASCT is approximately the half of the TIM model.

VTD-melphalan is well tolerated and results in very high rates of stringent CR and MRD-negative status in multiple myeloma

The addition of cytotoxic drugs to high-dose melphalan as a preparative regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma has not resulted in superior activity. Although novel agents have significantly improved outcome in multiple myeloma, their role in preparative regimens remains largely unknown. We have evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of combining bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone with high-dose melphalan. An institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis was performed on 100 consecutive patients receiving 153 transplants; 53 had tandem transplants; 64 patients received early transplants; and 36 had salvage transplantation. Endpoints were treatment-related toxicity and mortality, and quality of response post-transplantation with assessment of stringent complete remission (sCR) and minimal residual disease (MRD) status. Median age was 61 years, and median follow-up was 16.2 months. At 6 months, sCR was attained in 56% of patients and CR in 20%. An MRD status, assessed by sensitive (10⁻⁴) multiparameter flow cytometry, was achieved in 85%. The 100-day mortality rate was 2.6% (4/153); 1.8% for early transplants and 4.5% for salvage transplants. Grade 3–5 non-hematologic toxicities were mainly related to metabolism/nutrition; gastrointestinal and infectious problems. Median time to absolute neutrophil count of >500/µL was 12 days for both early and salvage transplantations. No significant differences in quality of response were observed between early and salvage transplantation or between single and tandem autologous stem cell transplantation. Since both sCR and MRD are excellent early surrogate markers for progression-free and overall survival, this regimen will likely be superior to melphalan alone, but it needs to be formally assessed in a randomized study.

Myeloma Is Not a Single Disease

Treatment of plasma cell disorders has dramatically improved during the past decade as a result of the availability of new biology-based drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents. With increased attention to disease biology, however, it has become clear that there are many different subsets of patients with myeloma with different biologic drivers as well as different patient-based characteristics that can influence treatment. Obtaining initial genetics or genomics information can provide some of the information needed to define therapy after initial induction, and careful performance status assessment can help to define patient-specific characteristics that are important when determining the intensity of therapy. Careful assessment of both can help to optimize therapy type and duration for all patients and to improve long-term outcomes.

Higher Stem Cell Dose Infusion after Intensive Chemotherapy Does Not Improve Symptom Burden in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with high symptom burden, particularly for older patients and those with amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Symptom burden peaks during leukopenia. We hypothesized that higher doses of CD34(+) stem cells would be associated with an improved symptom outcome. Patients undergoing ASCT for MM who were ≥60 years old or had AL amyloidosis were randomized to receive either a standard (4 to 6 × 10(6) cells/kg) or high dose (10 to 15 × 10(6) cells/kg) of CD34(+) cells after melphalan 200 mg/m(2). Symptom burden was assessed via the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory MM module. Eighty patients were enrolled. Median CD34(+) cell doses were 5.1 × 10(6) cells/kg (standard dose) and 10.5 × 10(6) cells/kg (high dose). The most severe symptoms during the first week were fatigue, lack of appetite, drowsiness, disturbed sleep, and pain. The area under the curve for the mean composite severity score of these symptoms was similar between treatment arms (P = .819). Median times to neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet engraftment were also similar between groups. IL-6 increased similarly for both groups throughout the ASCT course. Infusion of higher autologous stem cell dose after high-dose chemotherapy does not yield a difference in symptom burden or engraftment time in the first few weeks after ASCT.