First-line multiple myeloma patient share in Europe is variable by country

Despite the considerable heterogeneity across different European countries, surveyed hematologist-oncologists generally perceive Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen’s Velcade (bortezomib), Celgene’s Thalomid (thalidomide) and dexamethasone (VTD) to be the most preferred regimen in terms of efficacy for the treatment of first-line, autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) eligible multiple myeloma patients, according to a new report from BioTrends Research, a Decision Resources unit.

However, according to primary research findings from TreatmentTrends Multiple Myeloma (EU), physicians from the UK are notable by their preference of cyclophosphamide/Thalomid/dexamethasone (CTD) in the first-line ASCT-eligible patients compared with physicians from other countries based on reimbursement hurdles for Velcade and Celgene’s Revlimid (lenalidomide). In ASCT-ineligible patients, across Europe, Velcade-based regimens in combination with GlaxoSmithKline’s Alkeran (melphalan) are perceived to be more favorable in terms of efficacy compared with Revlimid-based regimens.

“The predominant reasons that ASCT-eligible and ineligible patients might not receive Velcade in the first-line setting are based on concerns with tolerability. However, more than half of all surveyed respondents from the UK cite challenges associated with reimbursement and product access as a reason these patients might not receive Velcade,” said BioTrends oncology therapeutic class director Andrew Merron, adding: “With respect to Revlimid, across Europe, just under half of surveyed physicians report that the concerns over secondary malignancies is a reason why first-line ASCT-ineligible patients might not receive Revlimid. Concerns over stem-cell collection for ASCT-eligible first-line patients and reimbursement challenges are also reasons why Revlimid might not be prescribe to first-line multiple myeloma patients according to surveyed European hematologist-oncologists.”