Work

Burden of Treatment, Treatment Sequencing and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Multiple Myeloma in Latin America: A Targeted Literature Review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Approval of key drug classes has improved survival for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, most patients experience relapse or become refractory to these treatments, with retreatment having limited efficacy. Access to these key treatments varies widely across countries in Latin America (LATAM), which can lead to suboptimal clinical outcomes. This targeted literature review aimed to understand the epidemiology, burden of treatment, treatment sequencing and availability for MM in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, exploring recent literature on patient and clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), in these countries. A literature search was conducted using four literature databases: PubMed, Embase, SciELO and LILACS (timeframe: 1 January 2014–1 November 2024). Articles of interest reported on patients with MM in the relevant LATAM countries focusing on epidemiology, any therapy for MM, treatment patterns, patient and clinical outcomes and HCRU. Findings were analyzed by geography, line of therapy and intervention, where data were available. Of 878 articles identified, 40 reported on outcomes of interest, which were mostly retrospective observational studies (n = 33). Epidemiology reported in these studies largely aligned with global data but varied across the countries. Treatments varied by country and healthcare settings, with newer drugs (such as lenalidomide, daratumumab, bortezomib) more likely to be used in private than public healthcare settings. Survival outcomes were variable and greater in private versus public healthcare settings. Adverse events were inconsistently reported across studies; generally, few events were serious or severe. HCRU was seldom reported. Overall, this review revealed a high variability in treatment patterns, limited availability of globally accepted standard of care treatments and disparate outcomes in countries in LATAM. Furthermore, we identified substantial gaps in the literature; filling these knowledge gaps in treatment utilization and outcomes may provide pathways to improving access for newer, more effective therapies, alleviating the substantial burden of MM in LATAM. Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Although there are new treatments for multiple myeloma, these treatments eventually stop working, and the cancer can come back. We wanted to understand how many people have multiple myeloma in Latin America, what treatments are being used and how effective these treatments are. We also wanted to understand how multiple myeloma affects the lives of people who have it. To do this, we searched for articles published on multiple myeloma in the last 10 years in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. We found 40 articles suitable for inclusion. Our search found that the clinical features of people with multiple myeloma in Latin America were similar to those in other regions worldwide. More men were affected than women, and many people were diagnosed when they were older. We also found that different drugs were used in different countries. Treatment was also different between public and private healthcare systems. People treated in private clinics were more likely to be treated with newer, better drugs and live longer than those treated in public clinics. Many articles did not mention the side effects of multiple myeloma treatments. Information on how long people lived and treatment side effects was not reported in the same way in all studies. Learning more about how multiple myeloma treatments are used in Latin America and how well they work will help more people get better treatments.

Source: Oncology and Therapy

DOI: 10.1007/s40487-025-00400-z