Treatment-Related Peripheral Neuropathy in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have published a study on the treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy associated with bortezomib-based frontline regimens for multiple myeloma. The study found that patients receiving bortezomib-based treatments experienced a significantly higher incidence of treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy (TEPN) compared to those receiving non-bortezomib-based treatments. The study's authors emphasized the need for alternative treatments that can minimize the risk of TEPN.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 24% of patients in the bortezomib-based group experienced TEPN, compared to 9% in the non-bortezomib-based group.
  • The TEPN incidence rate was significantly higher in the bortezomib-based group versus non-bortezomib-based group (46.0 vs. 15.8 per person-years).
  • The study concluded that identifying therapies associated with lower TEPN incidence can inform multiple myeloma treatment choices.
  • Researchers from Johnson & Johnson applied a line-of-therapy algorithm to Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database to analyze the data.
  • The study included patients with a median age of 74.5 years in the bortezomib-based group and 74.8 years in the non-bortezomib-based group.
  • The study highlighted the importance of minimizing treatment-related side effects to improve patients' quality of life and reduce healthcare burden.

Statistics:

  • 24% of patients in the bortezomib-based group experienced TEPN.
  • 9% of patients in the non-bortezomib-based group experienced TEPN.
  • The TEPN incidence rate was 46.0 per person-years in the bortezomib-based group.
  • The TEPN incidence rate was 15.8 per person-years in the non-bortezomib-based group.
  • The study included patients with a mean age of 74.5 years in the bortezomib-based group and 74.8 years in the non-bortezomib-based group.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from Johnson & Johnson Provide New Insights into Multiple Myeloma (Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy associated with bortezomib-based frontline regimens for multiple myeloma). Hematology Week. October 20, 2025; p 75.
  • Leukemia & Lymphoma. Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy associated with bortezomib-based frontline regimens for multiple myeloma. Leukemia & Lymphoma, 2025:1-9.