Patients with multiple myeloma are still waiting for changes

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell neoplasm that is terminally differentiated. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal plasmocytes, i.e. cells whose primary task is to produce antibodies.

The exact number of multiple myeloma diagnosed in Poland is difficult to establish. Every year, more than 2,000 people learn about the disease. The first disturbing symptom of the disease in terms of diagnostic tests should be a high ESR result with a simultaneous low CRP result. A complete cure for multiple myeloma is virtually impossible. Even if the 1st line of treatment proves to be very effective, sooner or later it will relapse or progress. After each of them, the response time to treatment becomes shorter and the disease progresses faster over time. In recent years, however, there has been significant progress in the treatment of myeloma. New therapeutic regimens, mainly those containing a monoclonal antibody, allow for a significant extension of patients' life and delay of cancer development.

The recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma for 2021 published by the Polish Myeloma Group (PGSz) indicate the benefits of using modern therapies from the first line of treatment, both in patients eligible for bone marrow transplantation and in others. Unfortunately, the availability of first-choice therapies recommended by the European Societies for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is limited in our country, as they include therapies that are not reimbursed in Poland. For therapies used in the treatment of newly diagnosed patients, the addition of the daratumumab monoclonal antibody is recommended, and the core of the therapy are regimens based on bortezomib or lenalidomide. We also have limited access to therapy with regimens containing monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of patients with relapsed myeloma: we are especially waiting for a regimen combining lenalidomide with daratumumab.

- Multiple myeloma has a recurrent course. Progression most often occurs within 3 years of achieving remission. The duration of remission after relapse decreases with each new line of treatment. That is why it is important to choose the most effective therapy from the first line of treatment and to have access to as many new therapeutics as possible in subsequent treatment lines, informs Łukasz Rokicki from Fundacja Carita im. Wiesława Adamiec.

Access to new therapies is a priority for patients, their carers and doctors. This is the result of the survey, the results of which were presented in the "Report on the situation of patients with neoplasms of the haematopoietic and lymphatic systems (blood cancers) in Poland". As many as 87% of patients, 88% of caregivers and 88% of physicians indicated this need as the most important urgent need to be met. Thanks to the access to modern therapies, it is possible to provide treatment that will enable the patient to function normally and, above all, extend his life.

The report on the situation of hemato-oncology patients in Poland was prepared by HematoKoalicja - an agreement of four patient organizations that actively work for oncology patients. They are: Alivia Oncology Foundation, Carita Foundation. Wiesława Adamiec, PARS - Polskie Amazonki Ruch Społeczny and the OnkoCafe Foundation - Better Together, which is the initiator of the entire project.

Source: Press material