Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We present real-world evidence of patient-physician communication for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) who have not received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: An observational survey study was conducted in Japan (September‒November 2024). Patients with NDMM completed a self-reported 34-item survey (online or paper-based), and hematologists treating patients with multiple myeloma completed a self-reported 18-item survey online. Communication status between patients and physicians and information on patients' treatment expectations, values, emotions, knowledge, and treatment decision-making preferences at both treatment initiation and disease stabilization were summarized. RESULTS: Overall, 220 patients and 120 physicians were included. At both treatment initiation and disease stabilization, 45.9% and 50.3% of patients, respectively, had treatment options presented or explained to them, and 23.6% and 25.2%, respectively, were asked about their preferences; conversely, 82.5% and 65.0% of physicians, respectively, presented or explained treatment options to patients, and 67.5% and 50.8%, respectively, asked patients about their preferences. Patients' emotions shifted from negative to positive, their knowledge of the disease and treatment increased, and their treatment expectations changed from treatment initiation to disease stabilization. Overall, 44.5% of patients preferred a shared role in decision-making; however, only 21.8% had a shared role in actual practice at treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: There was a discrepancy in perceptions of communication between patients and physicians. Patients' expectations, emotions, and knowledge changed from treatment initiation to disease stabilization. Physicians should understand these changes and communicate more effectively about treatment options and plans at both treatment initiation and disease stabilization. Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Center: UMIN000055606.