Quality of life assessment & out-of-pocket expenditure in multiple myeloma: An observational study

Prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved significantly in the past two decades. However, the symptoms burden is high at onset and treatment is generally prolonged with significant financial burden. This study was undertaken to assess the quality of life (QoL) and to analyse out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) incurred on MM patients being treated at a tertiary care cancer centre in north India.

This observational, cross-sectional study included 116 patients (aged >18 yr) of MM (both newly diagnosed and those with recurrent disease). For QoL assessment, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-validated questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C 30 version 3.0) and disease-specific QLQ MY20 were used. For assessing OOPE incurred on treatment, the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) questionnaire was used.

Bone pains (68.1%), fatigue (59.7%) and dyspnoea (54.6%) were common symptoms. The mean global health status/QoL score was 59.62±19.21. International Staging System (ISS) score correlated with global health status score, and gastritis was the main adverse effect. QoL score showed negative correlation to side effects of treatment (-0.53) of MY20 domain. On multivariate analysis, ISS stage (P<0.001) and adverse effects of treatment (P=0.02) were predictive factors. The median OOPE was ₹ 7900 (IQR, ₹ 4950-13,550) towards medical and ₹ 1150 (IQR, ₹ 500-3100) for non-medical expenses for the past one month.

Regular assessment of QoL in the clinical management of multiple myeloma patients has the potential of improving treatment outcomes. Measures to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure may improve treatment compliance.