First-line multiple myeloma patient share in Europe is variable by country

Despite the considerable heterogeneity across different European countries, surveyed hematologist-oncologists generally perceive Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen’s Velcade (bortezomib), Celgene’s Thalomid (thalidomide) and dexamethasone (VTD) to be the most preferred regimen in terms of efficacy for the treatment of first-line, autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) eligible multiple myeloma patients, according to a new report from BioTrends Research, a Decision Resources unit.

However, according to primary research findings from TreatmentTrends Multiple Myeloma (EU), physicians from the UK are notable by their preference of cyclophosphamide/Thalomid/dexamethasone (CTD) in the first-line ASCT-eligible patients compared with physicians from other countries based on reimbursement hurdles for Velcade and Celgene’s Revlimid (lenalidomide). In ASCT-ineligible patients, across Europe, Velcade-based regimens in combination with GlaxoSmithKline’s Alkeran (melphalan) are perceived to be more favorable in terms of efficacy compared with Revlimid-based regimens.