Economic Impact of Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma in Finland: Insights From Real-World Data
Author(s)
Hege Susann Riisa, PhD1, Johanna Vikkula, M.Sc. (Tech)2, Marika Waltari, M.Sc.3, Riikka Mattila, PhD4, Akseli Kivioja, MSc5, Laura Pohjolainen, M.Sc.3, Essi Havula, PhD4.
1Johnson & Johnson, Oslo, Norway, 2Medaffcon, Espoo, Finland, 3Johnson & Johnson, Espoo, Finland, 4Medaffcon Oy, Espoo, Finland, 5Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Kirkkonummi, Finland.
1Johnson & Johnson, Oslo, Norway, 2Medaffcon, Espoo, Finland, 3Johnson & Johnson, Espoo, Finland, 4Medaffcon Oy, Espoo, Finland, 5Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Kirkkonummi, Finland.
OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study examines the cost burden of lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients in Finland.
METHODS: We examined MM patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2022 using data from four hospital districts and national registries. The cohort included MM patients with 1-3 prior treatment lines, previous exposure to proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug and refractory to lenalidomide. Patients were included at each qualifying treatment line. The index date was the initiation of the next treatment (=index treatment) after meeting inclusion criteria, with follow up until death or end of study. The cohort was divided based on index treatment: anti-CD38, carfilzomib, or pomalidomide triplet or quadruplet regimens, or other (mainly doublet) treatments. Indirect costs (only patients <65 years at index included) and healthcare resource utilization were analyzed using a mean cumulative function.
RESULTS: Of 3,671 MM patients, 288 met the inclusion criteria, with 101 receiving triplet or quadruplet regimens and 187 other treatments. This abstract focuses on the 101 patients receiving triplet or quadruplet regimens, reflecting the increasing use of novel combination therapies in recent years. During the first two years, patients had 71 MM specific outpatient contacts (95% CI: 67-74), 11 inpatient days (95% CI: 10-13), 101 primary care contacts (95% CI: 97-105) and one emergency room visit (95% CI: 0.6-1.6), amounting to a total MM-specific cost of €41,224. Patients missed 405 working days (95% CI: 398 - 413), representing approximately 80% of possible working days), with 403 (99%) attributable to MM. These were due to sick leaves (8%), disability pensions (45%) and premature mortality (48%), amounting to an indirect cost of €60,502 (95% CI: 59,378 - 61,625).
CONCLUSIONS: Lenalidomide-refractory MM patients receiving novel combination therapies continue to generate substantial healthcare and societal costs. These findings highlight the need for more effective and sustainable treatment strategies to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems.
METHODS: We examined MM patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2022 using data from four hospital districts and national registries. The cohort included MM patients with 1-3 prior treatment lines, previous exposure to proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug and refractory to lenalidomide. Patients were included at each qualifying treatment line. The index date was the initiation of the next treatment (=index treatment) after meeting inclusion criteria, with follow up until death or end of study. The cohort was divided based on index treatment: anti-CD38, carfilzomib, or pomalidomide triplet or quadruplet regimens, or other (mainly doublet) treatments. Indirect costs (only patients <65 years at index included) and healthcare resource utilization were analyzed using a mean cumulative function.
RESULTS: Of 3,671 MM patients, 288 met the inclusion criteria, with 101 receiving triplet or quadruplet regimens and 187 other treatments. This abstract focuses on the 101 patients receiving triplet or quadruplet regimens, reflecting the increasing use of novel combination therapies in recent years. During the first two years, patients had 71 MM specific outpatient contacts (95% CI: 67-74), 11 inpatient days (95% CI: 10-13), 101 primary care contacts (95% CI: 97-105) and one emergency room visit (95% CI: 0.6-1.6), amounting to a total MM-specific cost of €41,224. Patients missed 405 working days (95% CI: 398 - 413), representing approximately 80% of possible working days), with 403 (99%) attributable to MM. These were due to sick leaves (8%), disability pensions (45%) and premature mortality (48%), amounting to an indirect cost of €60,502 (95% CI: 59,378 - 61,625).
CONCLUSIONS: Lenalidomide-refractory MM patients receiving novel combination therapies continue to generate substantial healthcare and societal costs. These findings highlight the need for more effective and sustainable treatment strategies to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE400
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health, Real World Data & Information Systems
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies, Work & Home Productivity - Indirect Costs
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Oncology