Newswise — Results released today from a new survey conducted by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) show that, despite a record number of new treatment options being researched and available for multiple myeloma patients, oncologists are referring surprisingly few patients to NCI-designated cancer centers or enrolling them in leading-edge clinical trials.
Seventy-five percent of the oncologists polled reported referring less than one-quarter of their patients to NCI-designated centers—where patients have greater access to clinical trials and additional cutting-edge therapeutic options and resources. One-third (33%) of the oncologists reported having "none" of their multiple myeloma patients enrolled in clinical trials, and another third (36%) have 10% or fewer of their patients participating in the critical, data-collecting studies.
"With so many advancements being made to treat this disease, we were shocked to see how few multiple myeloma patients are being referred to NCI-designated cancer centers for treatment or enrolled into clinical trials," said Kathy Giusti, president and co-founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. "Multiple myeloma is an orphan cancer and it is critical to send patients to centers that see a large number of myeloma patients. The more patients we can get into clinical trials and get to these centers, the faster we will be able to cure this disease."
The 2003 survey builds upon data uncovered by the 2002 MMRF Patient-Caregiver Survey that showed the single biggest factor of patients enrolling or not enrolling in a study is whether or not their oncologist raised the option. Survey results from last year showed that 62% of patients did not enroll in clinical trials because either their doctor did not recommend one (48%) or they did not know they could enroll in a clinical study (14%). Of those myeloma patients that did participate in clinical trials, an overwhelming 87% learned about the trial from their oncologist.
Three leading reasons emerged from the 2003 annual oncologist survey as to why patients were not being enrolled into clinical trials: Patients were not eligible for clinical trials (23%); patients were not willing or interested (24%); and unable to locate a clinical trial in the area (19%). The remaining rationale was based on "lack of coverage by insurance" , "other treatment options" preferred, "uncertainty of clinical trial outcomes" and "other" .
Despite the lackluster enrollment in clinical trials and referrals to NCI centers, oncologists are well aware of the recently-approved therapy Velcade? (bortezomib) for Injection, and many are using it with their patients. Ninety-four percent (94%) reported being "somewhat" or "very familiar" with the therapy and 66% of oncologists reported using since the drug its approval in May 2003. The majority (65%) of those physicians, however are using it in less than 10% of their total myeloma patient population.
"These survey results confirmed that oncologists are the key to whether or not a patient enrolls in a clinical study or gains access to the latest treatment options," said Giusti. "The MMRF continues to provide up-to-date information to patients and oncologists about open clinical trials and treatment options; however, it is clear that we need to do more work to increase oncologists' comfort level with these new agents--both approved and in testing. Our goal is to have as many patients benefit from the current research and treatments as possible."
The results of the survey come less than one week after nearly 20,000 clinicians, scientists and advocates met for the four-day annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The 45th Annual Meeting was held December 6-9 at the San Diego Convention Center in California. Data on more than 25 compounds in testing for multiple myeloma were presented at the meeting by clinical investigators from around the world.
The survey was fielded to more than 1,500 clinical professionals who treat multiple myeloma patients and are enrolled in the MMRF proprietary database. Virginia-based market research firm, Alan Newman Research, conducted the survey and analyzed the data on behalf of the MMRF. More than 250 hematology, medical and "other" oncologists responded to the survey. The majority (73%) of respondents were hematology oncologists, followed by medical oncologists (14%); the remainder self-reported as "other" oncologists. Clinicians surveyed also represented a balanced cross-section of academic-affiliated (35%), community (24%) and private practice (35%) oncologists. The margin of error of all data shown is +/- six-percent.
About the Multiple Myeloma Research FoundationThe MMRF is the world's largest private funding source of multiple myeloma-specific research, supporting innovative efforts in the most promising areas of cancer research, including targeted therapies, immune therapy and gene array technology. To date, the MMRF has raised more than $27 million and has funded 46 research institutions around the globe, bringing scientific breakthroughs from the laboratory to the clinic and laying the groundwork for new treatments. As a volunteer-driven organization, 87% of funds raised by the MMRF are channeled directly into supporting pivotal multiple myeloma research and related programming. Today, the MMRF is the largest non-profit foundation dedicated to the single mission of accelerating the search for a cure for multiple myeloma.
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