NS-61: Higher EQ-5D-5L utility scores at diagnosis are associated with improved overall survival in Australian patients with multiple myeloma: results from the ANZ Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry

Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer with a high disease burden. Early assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) can help to guide therapy planning. EQ-5D-5L (EQ5D) scores are collected in the Australian and New Zealand Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR) at diagnosis and follow-up as a non-mandatory item. We describe the use of EQ5D utility scores to assess patients’ HRQOL at diagnosis. Methods Utility scores are a measure of HRQOL, from ‘0’ (equal to death) to ‘1’ (full health). Scores were calculated for Australian patients with EQ5D data at diagnosis on the MRDR (Feb 2013 - Mar 2021) using a scoring algorithm developed for Australia1. Kaplan-Meier methods were used for survival analysis. Results Of 2239 Australian patients with MM on the MRDR, 483 had baseline EQ5D within 6m of diagnosis, with data for all 5 dimensions. Median age was 68y (59-76), 63% were male, and median overall survival was 63.0m (54.1-NR). In self-care, 66% of pts reported no problems at diagnosis, while only 22% were pain-free. Problems with mobility were reported in 55%, anxiety/depression in 56%, and problems with usual activities in 67% of patients at diagnosis. Patient characteristics were compared between EQ5D utility score groups (Q1: Conclusion Pain/discomfort was the most frequently reported health issue in MM, and self-care related problems the least, compared to the other health dimensions. EQ5D utility scores in Australian MRDR patients with MM were independent of age, gender and disease stage (ISS=3), but high scores were associated with higher EQ VAS score, improved ECOG, less cardiac disease, and better overall survival. HRQOL of MM patients at diagnosis has prognostic potential with better EQ5D utility scores associated with longer overall survival