ASH 2020 | Quality of life in myeloma patients on carfilzomib-based therapy

Heinz Ludwig, MD, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria, discusses the quality of life (QoL) data obtained from a trial (NCT02891811) of carfilzomib-based induction therapy in multiple myeloma patients ineligible for transplant. Patients were randomized to an induction therapy of either carfilzomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone (KTd) or carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KVd), followed by second randomization to carfilzomib maintenance therapy, or control for 12 months. QoL parameters were assessed via a questionnaire. Scores for health-related global QoL were significantly lower in the myeloma patients compared to the general population. During induction therapy, clinically meaningful increases in scores were seen in health-related global QoL, physical functioning (KTd only), emotional and role functioning, and social functioning (only KRd). Maintenance treatment with carfilzomib showed no relevant change on QoL scores compared to the untreated controls. This interview took place during the 62nd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, 2020.