A Conceptual Model of Multiple Myeloma Symptoms and Impacts, and A Characterization of Pain Among Patients Living With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Author(s)
Allison Baker, MPH, PhD1, Timothy J. Inocencio, PhD2, Jessica Baldasaro, BS1, Julia Choi, BA1, Gerrit Vandenberg, MPH1, James Harnett, PharmD, MS2, Glenn S Kroog, MD2, Qiufei Ma, PhD2, Diana Rofail, PhD2;
1Modus Outcomes, Cary, NC, USA, 2Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
1Modus Outcomes, Cary, NC, USA, 2Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Pain and fatigue are among the most commonly reported symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), but published research on the experience of pain is insufficient. We present a conceptual model of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) symptoms and their impact, alongside a detailed characterization of experienced pain and its effect on quality of life.
METHODS: US patients with RRMM (N=15, ≥18 years old, with 2-4 prior lines of therapy, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor) were recruited for a 90-minute qualitative interview using an open-ended, semi-structured guide that included concept elicitation. Interviewers inquired about symptoms (disease- and treatment-related symptoms) and their impact, with a focus on pain and pain experiences. Transcripts were coded, ordered, and grouped chronologically to assess conceptual saturation, and were thematically analyzed.
RESULTS: Overall, 53% of participants were White; 40% were Black/African American, and 80% had received three lines of therapy (including current line). Conceptual saturation was reached, with one new symptom concept emerging in the last group of transcripts. Pain and fatigue were the dominant, most bothersome symptoms reported, and were implicated in many reported disease- and treatment-related impacts, particularly physical function and role function. All participants spontaneously reported some form of pain as part of their MM experience. Almost all participants rated the severity of their pain on a typical day as moderate (53%) or mild (40%). Most (73%) reported pain that first occurred prior to starting treatment. Pain was constant for some and intermittent for others. Some noted that their pain improved over the course of their MM, while others reported no change or worsening over time. Participants reported types of treatment-associated pain, including leg cramps and neuropathy.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm pain and fatigue are among the most important symptoms reported by patients with RRMM; experiences of pain were heterogeneous, with multidimensional impact on functioning and well-being.
METHODS: US patients with RRMM (N=15, ≥18 years old, with 2-4 prior lines of therapy, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor) were recruited for a 90-minute qualitative interview using an open-ended, semi-structured guide that included concept elicitation. Interviewers inquired about symptoms (disease- and treatment-related symptoms) and their impact, with a focus on pain and pain experiences. Transcripts were coded, ordered, and grouped chronologically to assess conceptual saturation, and were thematically analyzed.
RESULTS: Overall, 53% of participants were White; 40% were Black/African American, and 80% had received three lines of therapy (including current line). Conceptual saturation was reached, with one new symptom concept emerging in the last group of transcripts. Pain and fatigue were the dominant, most bothersome symptoms reported, and were implicated in many reported disease- and treatment-related impacts, particularly physical function and role function. All participants spontaneously reported some form of pain as part of their MM experience. Almost all participants rated the severity of their pain on a typical day as moderate (53%) or mild (40%). Most (73%) reported pain that first occurred prior to starting treatment. Pain was constant for some and intermittent for others. Some noted that their pain improved over the course of their MM, while others reported no change or worsening over time. Participants reported types of treatment-associated pain, including leg cramps and neuropathy.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm pain and fatigue are among the most important symptoms reported by patients with RRMM; experiences of pain were heterogeneous, with multidimensional impact on functioning and well-being.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
PCR104
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient Engagement, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
SDC: Oncology