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Improved myeloma outcomes associated with having prescription drug coverage
Olszewski A et al. J Clin Oncol. 2018 Aug 16. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2018.77.8894
Key clinical point: Prescription drug coverage is related to better outcomes for Medicare patients with myeloma.
Major finding: Compared with patients without coverage, patients with prescription drug plan coverage through Medicare Part D were 14% less likely to receive parenteral chemotherapy and 38% less likely to receive classic cytotoxic agents.
Study details: Observational study using SEER-Medicare data for 9,755 beneficiaries diagnosed with myeloma during 2006-2011.
Disclosures: The study was supported by scholar awards from the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Hematology and by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Report authors Dr. Olszewski and one coauthor disclosed receiving research funding and other financial compensation from several pharmaceutical companies that develop cancer treatments.
Olszewski A et al. J Clin Oncol. 2018 Aug 16. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2018.77.8894