Understanding mortality in multiple myeloma: Findings of a European retrospective chart review

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide real‐world data on the characteristics and treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) at the time of death. METHODS: The study was a retrospective patient chart review across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK during 2016, and included patients who had died in the 3 months before the index date. RESULTS: Data from 786 patients were reviewed. At the time of death, 37% of patients were receiving active treatment, 12% were in a treatment‐free interval and 51% were receiving only supportive care. Death before and during active first‐line treatment was not uncommon (6% and 24% of patients, respectively) but these deaths were often not solely due to disease progression; factors such as renal failure and infection frequently played a role (in 30% and 20% of patients at first‐line, respectively). Most deaths at later lines were due to progressive disease. Cox model results suggested that early deaths were associated with advanced disease stage, high‐risk cytogenetics and poor response and relapse profiles. CONCLUSIONS: These real‐world data could be used to help develop strategies for improving survival in patients with MM and to support management tailored to the stage of disease.