Bortezomib Prescription Pattern for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma by Hematologists in Nigeria.

PURPOSE: Novel therapy has dramatically changed the outcome of patients with myeloma. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines give bortezomib-based combinations a central role in the management of multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this survey is to assess the use of bortezomib for the treatment of MM by hematologists practicing in Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational survey. A structured, prevalidated questionnaire was self-administered to different cadres of hematologists. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 (IBM, Chicago, IL).

RESULTS: There were 54 respondents from 24 centers across the country. The most frequently used drugs for first-line therapy were thalidomide (66.7%), dexamethasone (54.2%), and bortezomib (48%), and a combination of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (16.7%) was the most frequently used first-line regimen. Of the 54 hematologists, 39 (72.2%) had prescribed bortezomib previously; no one had used bortezomib as monotherapy. Drug unavailability (86.7%) and cost (46.7%) were the major reasons for those who had not prescribed bortezomib. Approximately 56.4% of responders had patients who had experienced adverse effects, of which neuropathy was the most common (86.3%).

CONCLUSION: Bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone was the most frequently used first-line regimen to treat myelomatosis. Thalidomide and dexamethasone were the most frequently used drugs in myeloma treatment. Despite poor access to health care, coupled with the high cost and poor availability of bortezomib in our low- or middle-income country, those who prescribed bortezomib did so frequently (in more than half of their patients).