Multiple Myeloma: Current Clinical Landscape and Compounding Costs

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The treatment landscape of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved resulting in MM becoming a chronic condition. The costs of MM therapies are substantial and compound as patients remain on long-term maintenance therapies and progress through multiple lines of high-cost therapies. MM predominantly impacts the elderly population insured by Medicare; here, we analyze how these costs impact patients and the Medicare trust fund. Recent Findings: With the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we postulate how costs may be impacted and debate future policy initiatives that may result in sustainability. Summary: The IRA will impact drug pricing and likely reduce the costs of some treatments used in MM; there is still a lot of room for policy reform to reduce financial toxicity to patients and prevent depletion of the Medicare trust fund.