Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of EORTC QLQ-MY20 and evaluation of health-related quality of Life outcomes in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma in the real-world setting in Spain: results from the CharisMMa study

We evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM) specific quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire module (QLQ-MY20) in relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) patients. This was an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 in RRMM patients (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03188536). We assessed the non-response rate, ceiling/floor effects, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity. The study included 276 patients (53.3% males, mean [SD] age of 67.4 [10.5] years). The EORTC QLQ-MY20 showed a low non-response rate, very low ceiling and floor effects, and good internal consistency. The test-retest reliability assessment revealed good temporary stability, the construct validity analysis stated four main factors similar to the ones of the original version, and the criterion validity assessment showed no differences between groups. In conclusion, the Spanish version of EORTC QLQ-MY20 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing QoL in RRMM patients.

Treatment patterns and outcomes among nontransplant newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in Spain

Aim: To describe treatment patterns and outcomes in nontransplant newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients in Spain. Methods: This retrospective study included two cohorts of NDMM patients diagnosed between 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013 and 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. Results: Among 113 patients, proteasome inhibitor (PI) + alkylator combinations (49%) and PI-based regimens without an alkylator (30%) were the most common first-line (1L) therapies. Use of PI + immunomodulatory drug-based regimens increased between the cohorts; PI-based regimens without an alkylator/immunomodulatory drug decreased. Use of 1L oral regimens was low but increased over time; use of maintenance therapy was low across both periods. Median 1L duration of treatment was 6.9 months. Conclusion: Short 1L duration of treatment and low use of 1L oral regimens and maintenance therapy highlight unmet needs in NDMM.