The real world effectiveness of hematopoietic transplant among elderly individuals with multiple myeloma

Utilization of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Over Time in Multiple Myeloma: A Population-Based Study

PURPOSE

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT) is associated with survival benefits in multiple myeloma (MM), but utilization remains low and differs by sociodemographic factors. Prior population-based studies have not fully captured autoHCT utilization or examined relationships between sociodemographic factors and autoHCT trends over time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used a novel data linkage between the California Cancer Registry, Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, and hospitalizations to capture autoHCT in a population-based MM cohort (n = 29, 109; 1991-2016). Due to interactions by treatment era, stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models determined factors associated with autoHCT.

RESULTS

The frequency of MM patients who received autoHCT increased from 5.7% (1991-1995) to 27.4% (2011-2016). In models by treatment era, patients with public/no (vs. private) health insurance were less likely to receive autoHCT (2011-2016 Medicare hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63-0.78; Medicaid HR 0.81, CI: 0.72-0.91; no insurance HR 0.56, CI: 0.32-0.99). In each treatment era, Black/African American (vs. non-Hispanic White) patients were less likely to receive autoHCT (2011-2016 HR 0.83, CI: 0.72-0.95). Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo autoHCT, most prominently in the earliest treatment era (1991-1995 HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90; 2011-2016 HR 1.07, CI: 0.96-1.19). Patients in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods were less likely to utilize autoHCT, but differences decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increases in autoHCT utilization, sociodemographic disparities remain. Identifying and mitigating barriers to autoHCT is essential to ensuring more equitable access to this highly effective therapy.

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.

Autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients over 70 years: A GIMEMA Lazio Working Group experience in a retrospective case-control study

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) is the standard treatment for young patient ≤65 years with multiple myeloma (MM). The role of auto-SCT in elderly patients older than 70 years remains controversial in the era of novel agents and especially since the recent introduction of monoclonal antibodies (AbMo). In this study, we evaluated 12 patients with MM over 70 years old undergoing auto-SCT (elderly graft cohort) in seven centers of GIMEMA Working Group Lazio. We compared the baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome with 97 MM elderly patients who did not receive auto-SCT (nontransplant patients) from the same registry who were ≥ 70 years old, but did not undergo auto-SCT. The median progression free survival (PFS) for graft versus no-graft cohort was 56.4 versus 26.1 months, respectively. There was a trend for better PFS among graft compared to nontransplant patient (p = .1). On the other hand, the median overall survival for transplant versus nontransplant cohort was 107.6 versus 49.5 months (p = .02). Despite the small number of patients aged ≥70 years and ≤74 years, it seems that auto-SCT is well tolerated, safe and effective. Therefore, we propose that it should be considered an important treatment option in the era of new drugs in elderly fit patients with MM.

Trends in autologous stem cell transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Changing demographics and outcomes in European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation centres from 1995 to 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 10% of haematological malignancies. Overall survival (OS) has improved in recent years due to increased use of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the treatment of newly diagnosed MM and the advent of novel agents, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies. To assess trends in ASCT including patient selection, choice of induction regimen, depth of response and survival, we performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing first ASCT for MM in European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation centres between 1995 and 2019. A total of 117 711 patients across 575 centres were included. The number of transplants performed increased sevenfold across the study period. The median age increased from 55 to 61 years, and the percentage of patients aged >65 years rose from 7% to 30%. Use of chemotherapy-based induction fell significantly, being largely replaced by bortezomib-based regimens. The two-year complete response rate increased from 22% to 42%. The five-year progression-free survival and OS rates increased from 28% to 31% and from 52% to 69%, respectively. Transplant mortality fell from 5.9% to 1.5%. Ongoing advances in MM treatment may challenge the future role of ASCT. However, at the current time, ASCT remains central to the MM treatment paradigm.

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.

Effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant on the development of second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma patients

Autologous stem cell transplant (aHSCT) is associated with improved survival for multiple myeloma (MM) patients but may be associated with second primary malignancy (SPM) development. Using the California Cancer Registry linked to statewide hospitalization data, we determined the cumulative incidence (CMI) of SPMs more than 1 year after MM diagnosis, accounting for the competing risk of death. AHSCT recipients were matched 1:2 to non-aHSCT patients. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were estimated using the Fine and Gray method. Among 16,331 patients, 933 (5.7%) developed a SPM more than 1 year after diagnosis. The 10-year CMI of developing any SPM was 6.6%, 5.7% for solid tumor SPM and 0.9% for hematologic malignancies. The 10-year CMI of developing any SPM was similar among aHSCT [9.1% (7.7-10.7%)] and non-aHSCT [7.5% (6.5-8.6%)] (P = 0.26) recipients and there was no difference in solid-tumor SPMs (P = 0.98). The 10-year CMI of hematologic SPMs was higher among aHSCT recipients [2.1% (1.4-2.9%) vs. 0.8% (0.5-1.2%); P = 0.005], corresponding to a 1.3% absolute increase and an aHR of 1.51 (1.01-2.27). Ten-year myeloma-specific and non-cancer mortality rates were 59% (58.2-60.0%) and 18.1% (17.4-18.8%), respectively. Although aHSCT was associated with a small increase in hematologic SPMs, mortality was driven by MM and non-cancer causes.

Autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients: utilization patterns and hospital effects

Evidence on volume outcome associations for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) is limited. We investigated ASCT utilization patterns and volume outcome associations in the German National Registry for Stem Cell Transplants (DRST). MM patients with an upfront ASCT between 1998 and 2014 registered in the DRST were included. ASCT utilization increased strongly from 6% to 17% between 1999 and 2013 with the largest increase for patients aged 60-64 years (8-34%). The mean number of ASCTs conducted in the hospitals per year varied (quintiles, Q1:0.0-8.2 to Q5:31.0-102.7). Center volume was not associated with survival after upfront ASCT (lowest vs. highest center volume, hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals: 0.95 (0.76-1.18), p = 0.92). Our findings may reflect a high standard of care and degree of specialization of centers performing ASCT for MM in Germany.

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.

Age Is a Prognostic Factor for the Overall Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Upfront Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the impact of age on the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma who received an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) at our institution. A total of 1128 patients were divided into the older (>70 years; 182 [16%]) and the younger (≤70 years; 946 [84%]) groups. Compared with the younger cohort, older patients had a higher International Staging System (ISS) stage (ISS-II, 57 [31%] versus 215 [23%]; ISS-III, 52 [28%] versus 211 [22%]; P = .01), higher use of reduced-dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen (140 mg/m², 59 [32%] versus 29 [3%]; P < .001), and a higher comorbidity index (median, 3 versus 2; P = .01). Nonrelapse mortality at 1 year after auto-HCT was significantly higher in older patients (7 [4%] versus 9 [1%]; hazard ratio [HR], 4.1; P = .005). Complete remission rates after auto-HCT for the older and the younger groups were 41% and 46%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 52 months, the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 24% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17% to 32%) and 37% (95% CI, 33% to 40%) in the older and younger groups, respectively (HR, 1.3; P = .02). Five-year OS for the older and younger groups was 56% (95% CI, 47% to 64%) and 73% (95% CI, 70% to 76%; P < .001), respectively. Older age emerged as one of the predictors of shorter OS but not PFS in the multivariate classification and regression tree analysis. In conclusion, age ≥70 years was associated with shorter PFS and OS in patients with multiple myeloma who underwent an auto-HCT.

Pros and cons of frontline autologous transplant in multiple myeloma: the debate over timing

The treatment landscape for multiple myeloma has dramatically changed over the past decade with the introduction of several new classes of drugs, which are very effective at controlling the disease for prolonged periods of time, especially when used in multidrug combinations. Prior to the advent of these new agents, peripheral blood autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was the mainstay of therapy for patients who were eligible to undergo the procedure, with deep and durable responses in the majority of patients. Despite the introduction of more effective therapies, ASCT continues to play an important role in overall management of younger patients, where it has been integrated with the other therapeutic approaches to provide maximum benefit. Recent phase 3 trials have once again confirmed the survival benefit associated with ASCT in myeloma. Retrospective studies have also demonstrated the feasibility of using ASCT at the time of first relapse rather than as a component of the initial treatment. Significant geographical variations exist in the use of ASCT, especially between the United States and Europe in terms of its use as part of upfront therapy. Much of these differences are driven by the availability of drugs and drug combinations for initial therapy of myeloma as well as maintenance approaches post-ASCT. It is amply clear from these trials that ASCT will continue to play an important role in management of myeloma and is likely to be used as a platform for enhancing the efficacy of other treatment modalities that are currently in development.

Geriatric Assessment in Older Adults with Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The incidence of myeloma in older adults is increasing, yet little is known about geriatric impairments in these patients. We aimed to examine the prevalence of geriatric impairments in older adults with myeloma and the association between geriatric assessment and autologous stem cell transplant eligibility.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two academic medical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 40 adults 65 years and older with newly diagnosed myeloma were enrolled.

MEASUREMENT

Participants completed a primarily self-administered geriatric assessment, including measures of functional status, comorbidities, polypharmacy, psychosocial status, social support, quality of life, cognition, and physical performance. Outcomes were autologous stem cell transplant eligibility and receipt.

RESULTS

Forty patients enrolled; their mean age was 71 years. Geriatric impairments were common: 62% reported dependence in one or more instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), 76.9% had polypharmacy (four or more medications), and 47.5% had one or more comorbidities. Median time on the Timed Up and Go was 13.3 ± 4.9 seconds. Those considered candidates for autologous stem cell transplant (N = 26) were younger, with fewer comorbidities, better performance status, and faster performance on the Timed Up and Go test. Factors independently associated with receiving autologous stem cell transplant (N = 21) included age and IADL dependence.

CONCLUSION

Impairments in geriatric domains are common in this population, even among those considered to have a good performance status. Geriatric assessment domains are associated with both transplant eligibility and receipt. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:987-991, 2019.

Risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome after autotransplants for lymphomas and plasma cell myeloma

BACKGROUND

Exposures to DNA-damaging drugs and ionizing radiations increase risks of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

METHODS

9028 recipients of hematopoietic cell autotransplants (1995-2010) for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL; n = 916), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; n = 3546) and plasma cell myeloma (PCM; n = 4566), reported to the CIBMTR, were analyzed for risk of subsequent AML or MDS.

RESULTS

335 MDS/AML cases were diagnosed posttransplant (3.7%). Variables associated with an increased risk for AML or MDS in multivariate analyses were: (1) conditioning with total body radiation versus chemotherapy alone for HL (HR = 4.0; 95% confidence interval [1.4, 11.6]) and NHL (HR = 2.5 [1.1, 2.5]); (2) ≥3 versus 1 line of chemotherapy for NHL (HR = 1.9 [1.3, 2.8]); and (3) subjects with NHL transplanted in 2005-2010 versus 1995-1999 (HR = 2.1 [1.5, 3.1]). Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data, we found risks for AML/MDS in HL, NHL and PCM to be 5-10 times the background rate. In contrast, relative risks were 10-50 for AML and approximately 100 for MDS in the autotransplant cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

There are substantial risks of AML and MDS after autotransplants for HL, NHL and PCM.

Significant Nationwide Variability in the Costs and Hospital Mortality Rates of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) is the standard of care for eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we explored disparities in hospital cost and in-hospital mortality among patients with MM who underwent AHCT. Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for 2005 to 2014. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify patients. Hospitals were divided into quintiles according to the weighted volume of AHCTs performed in patients with MM. Multiple imputation with chained equation was used for missing data. Linear trend analysis of age- and sex-adjusted mortality, as well as inflation-adjusted hospital cost, was performed. Univariate regression screening followed by stepwise multivariate regression was performed for dependent variables, including mortality and inflation-adjusted hospital cost. Identified significant predictors underwent sensitivity analyses. Overall age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates and inflation-adjusted hospital costs decreased between 2005 and 2014; however, tremendous nationwide variability exists. Patients who underwent AHCT at very-low-volume hospitals (Q1) had significantly higher in-hospital mortality. Both geographic location and hospital type had impacted age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates and inflation-adjusted hospital costs. Despite an overall improvement in mortality and decreased cost of AHCT for patients with MM, nationwide variability in care exists. Further study is needed to identify correctable factors that contribute to the identified correlation.

Real life management of patients hospitalized with multiple myeloma in France

Background

Patients with multiple myeloma included in prospective clinical trials are highly selected and therefore are expected not to be representative of the entire patient population. Additionally recommendations based on literature data and randomized trials are not systematically implemented in all patients. We sought to determine how patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma are currently treated in France.

Methods and findings

We performed a nation-wide search using the Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d’Information (PMSI) database which includes anonymous data for all patients hospitalized in France. We identified newly diagnosed cases in 2012 and analyzed the number and duration of hospital stays, coexisting conditions and treatment modalities with data available until the end of 2015. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma was determined for the first time during a hospitalization in France in 2012 in 6,282 patients (3,234 males and 3,048 females). The median age at diagnosis was 74 years (72 in males and 76 in females). A majority (55.3%) of patients were diagnosed and treated in a single heath center, including 37% in a university hospital and 52% in a non-university public hospital. Comorbidities potentially impacting on myeloma treatment were present in 57.5% of patients at diagnosis, and 15% had an associated diagnosis of another neoplasia. Intensive therapies with stem cell transplants were performed in 1033 patients (16% of total), the majority of which were aged less than 65 (881 patients, 85.3%). Stem cell transplants were performed more frequently in males while the distance between the site of residence and the transplant center had no impact on likelihood of receiving a transplant. Only 60% of patients less than 65 years old who were treated for their disease underwent intensification with stem cell transplant within the 4-year follow-up period.

Conclusions

A large majority of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma are elderly, in particular females, and not eligible for transplants. Among the patients aged less than 65 and receiving therapy for their disease, 40% do not undergo transplants. These data emphasize the need for alternative therapies.

Assessing the Effect of Adherence on Patient-reported Outcomes and Out of Pocket Costs Among Patients With Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND

The present study characterized the effect of multiple myeloma (MM) on work productivity, health care resource usage, and out of pocket costs (OOPCs) and examined the association of adherence with quality of life (QoL) and productivity loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present cross-sectional study included 162 patients categorized by their 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) score (4 vs. ≤ 3). Online surveys included the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Multiple Myeloma (FACT-MM), and MM-specific questions.

RESULTS

On average, patients reported FACT-MM scores of 98.5 ± 29.3, absenteeism of 18.3% ± 17.8%, presenteeism of 51.8% ± 30.2%, overall work productivity impairment of 57.3% ± 31.7%, and activity impairment of 49.9% ± 29.5% in the previous 7 days. During the previous 3 months, the mean OOPCs were $709 ± $1307; prescription medications accounted for 55% of these costs. Patients attended 4.1 ± 4.6 visits to oncologists or hematologists during that time, which accounted for 45% of the OOPCs. Patients spent an average of 6.8 ± 8.3 hours at MM-related monthly appointments, and 35.2% reported frustration while at the doctor's office. Patients with an MMAS-4 score of 4 reported higher FACT-MM scores (106.9 vs. 89.2; P < .001). Patients with an MMAS-4 score of ≤ 3 reported greater activity impairment (56.5% vs. 39.8%; P = .015) and feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with rescheduling MM appointments (64.0% vs. 26.0%; P = .002).

CONCLUSION

MM was associated with significant workplace and functional impairment, high OOPCs, and frequent office visits. High medication adherence was associated with better outcomes across these domains. As survival for patients with MM improves, patient QoL should be considered to enhance these outcomes.

Development of an Algorithm to Distinguish Smoldering Versus Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma in Claims-Based Data Sets

Purpose

The distinction of patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) from those with smoldering MM poses a challenge for researchers who use administrative databases. Historically, researchers either have included all patients or used treatment receipt as the distinguishing factor; both methods have drawbacks. We present an algorithm for distinguishing between symptomatic and smoldering MM using ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification) codes for the classic defining events of symptomatic MM commonly referred to as the CRAB criteria (hypercalcemia, renal impairment, anemia, and bone lesions).

Patients and Methods

SEER-Medicare-linked data from 4,187 patients with MM diagnosed between 2007 and 2011 were used for this analysis.

Results

Eighty-four percent had ICD-9-CM codes consistent with CRAB criteria, whereas only 57% received treatment. Overall survival of patients with symptomatic MM defined as receipt of treatment was 32.3 months versus 26.6 months for the overall population and 22.9 months for patients with symptomatic MM defined by CRAB criteria. Conceptually, removal of patients with smoldering MM should result in a reduction in overall survival; however, the cohort of patients who received treatment tended to be younger and healthier than the overall population, which could have skewed the results.

Conclusion

The algorithm we present resulted in a larger and more representative sample than classification by treatment status and reduced potential bias that could result from including all patients with smoldering MM in the analysis. Although this study was performed using the SEER-Medicare database, the methodology was broad enough that the algorithm could be extended to additional claims-based data sets with relative ease.

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.

An evaluation of exact matching and propensity score methods as applied in a comparative effectiveness study of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma

Background

Cohort matching and regression modeling are used in observational studies to control for confounding factors when estimating treatment effects. Our objective was to evaluate exact matching and propensity score methods by applying them in a 1-year pre–post historical database study to investigate asthma-related outcomes by treatment.

Methods

We drew on longitudinal medical record data in the PHARMO database for asthma patients prescribed the treatments to be compared (ciclesonide and fine-particle inhaled corticosteroid [ICS]). Propensity score methods that we evaluated were propensity score matching (PSM) using two different algorithms, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), covariate adjustment using the propensity score, and propensity score stratification. We defined balance, using standardized differences, as differences of <10% between cohorts.

Results

Of 4064 eligible patients, 1382 (34%) were prescribed ciclesonide and 2682 (66%) fine-particle ICS. The IPTW and propensity score-based methods retained more patients (96%–100%) than exact matching (90%); exact matching selected less severe patients. Standardized differences were >10% for four variables in the exact-matched dataset and <10% for both PSM algorithms and the weighted pseudo-dataset used in the IPTW method. With all methods, ciclesonide was associated with better 1-year asthma-related outcomes, at one-third the prescribed dose, than fine-particle ICS; results varied slightly by method, but direction and statistical significance remained the same.

Conclusion

We found that each method has its particular strengths, and we recommend at least two methods be applied for each matched cohort study to evaluate the robustness of the findings. Balance diagnostics should be applied with all methods to check the balance of confounders between treatment cohorts. If exact matching is used, the calculation of a propensity score could be useful to identify variables that require balancing, thereby informing the choice of matching criteria together with clinical considerations.

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.

Racial disparities in treatment use for multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Recent treatment advances have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. However, some of these newer, more effective treatments are intensive and expensive and their use remains low, particularly among black patients.

METHODS

In the current study, the authors reviewed the use patterns of stem cell transplantation and bortezomib using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database.

RESULTS

After controlling for overall health and potential access barriers, black patients were found to be 37% (P<.0001) less likely to undergo stem cell transplantation, and 21% (P<.0001) less likely to be treated with bortezomib. Moreover, the authors found that the underuse of these treatments was associated with a 12% increase in the hazard ratio for death among black patients (P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

Eliminating health disparities, a current focus of US public policy, is highly complex, as illustrated by the results of the current study. In patients with multiple myeloma, treatment disparities are not completely explained by potential access barriers. Additional factors, such as structural barriers in the health care system and individual decision making among black and white patients, must be explored to fully explain the disparity. Cancer 2017;123:1590-1596. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma patients 70 years or older

Autologous stem cell transplant (Auto-SCT) is increasingly used in older patients with multiple myeloma (MM), despite lack of phase 3 trials in this age-defined population. For 207 consecutive MM patients who underwent Auto-SCT and were 70 years or older at transplant (study cohort), data were analyzed and compared with a younger cohort (1764 Auto-SCT patients <70 years old). The proportion of Auto-SCT in the older patients increased from 7.8% of all transplants in 1998-2006 to 12.9% in 2007-2015. Sixty percent of patients required stem cell mobilization with chemotherapy or plerixafor. Full-dose melphalan conditioning was given to 55% of the older patients compared with 93% of the younger patients (P<0.001). Older patients were more likely to be hospitalized (64% vs 55%; P=0.01), but hospitalization duration was comparable. For newly diagnosed patients, median PFS was 33.5 months for the older cohort and 33.8 months for the younger cohort (P=0.91), and median overall survival was 6.1 and 7.8 years, respectively (P=0.11). Presumably, a smaller fraction of patients, age 70-76, is selected for Auto-SCT, but the benefits are comparable to those seen for younger patients. Reduced-dose melphalan was given to approximately half the patients to avoid excessive toxicity.

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

In the past decade, the number of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants (Auto HSCT) for older patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has increased dramatically, as has the cost of transplantation. The cost-effectiveness of this modality in patients over age 65 is unclear. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to create a propensity-score matched sample of patients over age 65 between 2000 and 2007, we compared the survival and cost for those who received Auto HSCT to those who did not undergo transplantation but survived at least 6 months after diagnosis, and we calculated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Two hundred seventy patients underwent transplantation. Median overall survival from diagnosis in those who underwent transplantation was significantly longer than in patients who did not (58 months versus 37 months, P < .001). For patients living longer than 2 years, the median monthly cost during the first year was significantly different, but the middle and last year of life costs were similar. The median cost of the first 100 days after transplantation was $60,000 (range, $37,000 to $85,000). The resultant ICER was $72,852 per life-year gained. Survival after transplantation was comparable to that in those who underwent transplantation patients under 65 years and significantly longer than older patients who did not undergo transplantation. With an ICER less than $100,000/life-year gained, Auto HSCT is cost-effective when compared with nontransplantation care in the era of novel agents and should be considered, where clinically indicated, for patients over the age of 65.