Overview
This study utilizes electronic health record (EHR)-derived data from Germany and the UK in the Flatiron Health Research Database to examine patient characteristics and treatment patterns for patients with multiple myeloma. The Flatiron Health Research Database is a longitudinal, deidentified database using structured and unstructured data accessed via technology-enabled abstraction from EHRs across oncology practices. The dataset undergoes rigorous quality checks, is anonymized per local regulations, and updated with 90-day recency.
By analyzing data of over 1,000 patients, the research highlights regional variations in patients and care, revealing differences in therapeutic approaches, including cytogenetic testing rates, treatment patterns, and use of long recommended immunotherapies like autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). These variations may reflect differences in health system infrastructure, drug availability, and clinical guideline implementation.
Why this matters
MM is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy with significant variability in treatment approaches across countries and healthcare systems. This study emphasizes the benefit of pan-European real-world data to inform and optimize treatment guidelines and contributes to the development of evidence-based treatment protocols. As additional patients accrue, further analysis on survival, uptake of advanced therapies, and care gaps will be critical.