OBJECTIVES: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a fatal B-cell neoplasm, characterized by malignant proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow with an incidence of 6.6 cases per 100,000 in the Czech Republic (CZ). Our study explores clinical and socioeconomic burden of MM in the CZ.

METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among Czech MM patients collected socio-demographic, clinical, cost and resource use data, including responses from validated questionnaires: WPAI:GH, EQ-5D-5L, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-MY20. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Between December 2022 and December 2023, 190 adult patients completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 64 (38-90) years, with 58% of males.

Regarding the stage of their disease, 55.3% of patients were in remission, 20.5% were relapsed, and 20.5% were newly diagnosed (3.7% did not know). In total, 64.2% underwent stem cell transplantation during their treatment and only one patient was treated with CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells) therapy. In the last 12 months, 24.2% of patients were hospitalized for MM.

A total of 33.7% of patients had a caregiver, out of which 6 patients had a formal (paid) caregiver and 59 patients had an informal (unpaid) one. The unpaid caregivers were typically family members (98.3%).

In total, 26.3% of patients received invalidity pension. Of these 7 patients got first degree invalidity pension, 9 patients got second degree and 34 patients got third degree (i.e., decline in working capacity of 70.0% or more).

Patients' mean EQ-5D VAS was 60.13, and the mean ECOG performance status was 1.14 (min 1.0 and max 4.0).

CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a significant social and economic impact on MM patients and on society as a whole in the Czech Republic. MM significantly reduces the quality of life, limits everyday life functioning, and strongly impairs patients’ ability to work.