Omel, James

SummaryAlthough new multiple myeloma (MM) therapies are effective in alleviating some disease‐associated symptoms (e.g. bone pain, fatigue, functional decline), they can result in additional toxicities, further impacting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Here, we compared HRQoL and safety of lenalidomide‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone [RVd (n = 445)], bortezomib‐melphalan‐prednisone [VMP (n = 77)] and Vd or VMP (n = 588) in patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) from the Connect® MM Registry, a large, USA, multicentre, prospective observational cohort study. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Multiple Myeloma subscale, EuroQol‐5D overall score and Bone Pain Inventory HRQoL scores were significantly improved with RVd versus Vd/VMP. Serious adverse event rates were similar in all groups. Treatment with RVd maintained HRQoL in this real‐world, largely community‐based population of patients with NDMM.

BackgroundStudies have reported racial disparities in access to and use of multiple myeloma (MM) treatments between African American (AA) and White patients. Although AA patients demonstrate longer disease‐specific survival, this has not uniformly translated into improved survival over time. The association between race and treatment patterns and survival outcomes was analyzed using data from the Connect MM Registry.MethodsThe Connect MM Registry is a large US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed MM. Patients who received first‐line (1L) stem cell transplantation (SCT) or who did not receive SCT (non‐SCT or non–stem cell transplantation [NSCT]) were grouped by raceEffects of race and transplantation status on the use of triplet treatment were estimated using logistic regression.ResultsTreatment patterns in 1L (types and duration of induction, posttransplantation maintenance) were similar between AA and White patients. SCT rates in 1L (32% vs 36%) and triplet treatment use (AA: 44% for NSCT patients and 72% for SCT patients; and White: 48% for NSCT patients and 72% for SCT patients) during first induction were similar. No significant effect of race or transplantation status on 1L triplet treatment use was observed. Race was not found to be associated with survival outcomes among patients who underwent NSCT; however, AA patients who received SCT had significantly longer overall survival compared with White patients who underwent SCT (not reached vs 88.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.89 [P = .0141]).ConclusionsAA and White patients were found to have similar treatment patterns in the Connect MM Registry, suggesting that both groups had equal access to health care. In this real‐world setting, AA patients received standard‐of‐care treatment, which might have contributed to better MM‐specific survival compared with White patients.

8032 Background: The impact of t(11;14) (16%–24% of MM pts) on prognosis is not fully understood. Consensus is lacking on the effects of induction treatment (tx) on outcomes with t(11;14). The Connect MM Registry (NCT01081028) is a large, US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of pts with NDMM designed to examine real-world diagnostic patterns, treatment (tx) patterns, clinical outcomes, and HRQoL pt-reported outcomes in pts with NDMM. The impact of t(11;14) on tx outcomes are reported. Methods: Analysis included data from pts from 250 community, academic, and government sites in cohort (C) 1 (9/2009–12/2011) and C2 (12/2012–4/2016), who completed first-line (1L; induction) tx and were tested for t(11;14) by FISH or cytogenetics. Primary end points (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]) were measured from start of 1L tx to earliest event (PFS, death or progression; OS, death), loss to follow-up, or data cutoff, adjusted for baseline (BL) risk factors. A sensitivity analysis excluding pts with concomitant cytogenetic abnormalities [del 17p, t(4;14), t(14;16), 1q+] was also performed. Results: By 1/2018, 3011 pts were enrolled; 2938 were treated. Of 1574 enrolled pts tested for t(11;14), 378 were t(11;14)+ and 1196 were t(11;14)−. More pts in C2 vs C1 were t(11;14)+ (60% vs 40%). BL characteristics were similar between groups. t(11;14) status did not affect PFS ( P= NS) or OS ( P= NS; Table). Pts in C1 and C2 received similar 1L txs (IMiD agent + proteasome inhibitor [PI], 30% vs 42%; PI only, 42% vs 43%; IMiD agent only, 17% vs 11%). Results were similar when pts with concomitant abnormalities were excluded. Conclusions: Results of this analysis suggest that t(11;14) does not affect PFS and OS outcomes in NDMM pts. Clinical trial information: NCT01081028. [Table: see text]

8592 Background: Accrual to NCI clinical trials(CT)is often slower than planned at times mandating premature closure resulting in loss of valuable resources and delay of scientific progress. Methods: The NCI-MYSC AWG identified 10 potential BtA. SWOG, ECOG and Alliance investigators were queried and agreed that these barriers impede accrual (results stratified for academic and community sites). The MYSC AWG developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome these barriers. Results: Strategies listed for the 3 most often cited BtA: 1. Reimbursement for CT related expenses:increase awareness of improved reimbursement for phase II CT; tailor reimbursement according to CT complexity; request funds from industry and other sources ( http://biqsfp.cancer.gov ) for qualifying ancillary CT components. 2. Spectrum of available treatment options influences CT participation: educate patients and providers about the significance of a new CT using social media, presentations at national meetings and by adding educational material to CT protocol; encourage opinion leaders and advocacy groups not to promote a new therapy as “standard” in the absence of phase III data. 3. Requirement of CT specific therapy at NCI designated sites only: “MYSC AWG Drug Administration Table” describes NCI/FDA approved rules for CT specific drug administration; CT protocol will outline which standard treatment components of a CT can be administered at any site as long as protocol specific guidelines are followed and conduct is supervised by enrolling investigator. Examples of additional strategies to overcome identified BtA: determine feasibility, indication and insurance coverage of CT specific tests during protocol development; discourage narrow eligibility criteria; avoid competing CT; allow up to 1 cycle of commercially available therapy prior to enrollment; CIRB support for phase II CT. Conclusions: The MYSC Accrual Working Group developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome barriers to myeloma clinical trial accrual. These strategies may be applicable to NCI-sponsored clinical trials evaluating interventions in other diseases.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is common among the elderly, with 35% of patients (pts) diagnosed being aged ≥75 years (y). With increasing overall life expectancy, the incidence and prevalence of newly diagnosed and previously treated MM patients ≥80 y is expected to increase over time. Because elderly pts are often excluded from clinical trials, data focused on their treatment patterns and clinical outcomes are lacking. The Connect® MM Registry (NCT01081028) is a large, US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of pts with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) designed to examine real-world diagnostic patterns, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and health-related quality of life patient-reported outcomes. This analysis reviews treatment patterns and outcomes in elderly pts from the Connect MM Registry. Methods: Pts enrolled in the Connect MM registry at 250 community, academic, and government sites were included in this analysis. Eligible pts were adults aged ≥18 y with symptomatic MM diagnosed ≤2 months before enrollment, as defined by International Myeloma Working Group criteria; no exclusion criteria were applied. For this analysis, pts were categorized into 4 age groups: <65, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and ≥85 y. Pts were followed from time of enrollment to the earliest of disease progression (or death), loss to follow-up, or data cutoff date of February 7, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline characteristics and treatment regimens. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Cox regression. Time to progression (TTP) analysis excluded causes of death not related to MM. Results: Of 3011 pts enrolled (median age 67 y), 132 (4%) were aged ≥85 y, and 615 (20%) were aged 75-84 y at baseline. More pts aged ≥85 y had poor prognostic factors such as ISS stage III disease and reduced hemoglobin (<10 g/dL or >2 g/dL <LLN) compared with other age groups, although no notable differences between creatinine and calcium levels were observed across age groups (Table). A lower proportion of elderly pts (75-84 and ≥85 y) received triplet regimens as frontline therapy. More elderly pts received a single novel agent, whereas use of 2 novel agents was more common in younger pts (Table). The most common frontline regimens among elderly pts were bortezomib (V) + dexamethasone (D), followed by lenalidomide (R) + D, whereas those among younger pts included RVD, followed by VD and CyBorD (Table). No pt aged ≥85 y, and 4% of pts aged 75-84 y received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (vs 61% in the <65 y and 37% in the 65-74 y age group). The most common maintenance therapy was RD in pts ≥85 y (although the use was low) and R alone in other age groups (Table). In the ≥85 y group, 27%, 10%, and 4% of pts entered 2L, 3L, and 4L treatments respectively, vs 43%, 23%, and 13% in the <65 y group. Progression-free survival was significantly shorter in the ≥85 y age group vs the 75-84 y age group (P=0.003), 65-74 y age group (P<0.001), and <65 y age group (P<0.001; Fig.1). TTP was significantly shorter in the ≥85 y group vs the <65 y group (P=0.020); however, TTP was similar among the 65-74 y, 75-84 y, and ≥85 y cohorts (Fig. 2). Overall survival was significantly shorter in the ≥85 y group vs the 75-84 y, 65-74 y, and <65 y groups (all P<0.001; Fig. 3). The mortality rate was lowest (46%) during first-line treatment (1L) in pts aged ≥85 y (mainly attributed to MM progression) and increased in 2L and 3L (47% and 54%, respectively); a similar trend was observed in the younger age groups. The main cause of death was MM progression (29% in the ≥85 y vs 16% in the <65 y group). Other notable causes of death in the ≥85 y group included cardiac failure (5% vs 2% in <65 y group) and pneumonia (5% vs 1% in <65 y group). Conclusions: In this analysis, elderly pts received similar types of frontline and maintenance regimens as younger pts, although proportions varied with decreased use of triplet regimens with age. Considering similarities in TTP across the 65-74 y, 75-84 y, and ≥85 y cohorts, these real-world data support active treatment and aggressive supportive care of elderly symptomatic pts, including with novel agents. Additionally, further clinical studies specific to elderly patients with MM should be explored. Disclosures Lee: Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline plc: Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Ailawadhi:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Cellectar: Research Funding. Gasparetto:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, or other expenses paid or reimbursed ; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, or other expenses paid or reimbursed ; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, or other expenses paid or reimbursed . Jagannath:AbbVie: Consultancy; Merck & Co.: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Rifkin:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Durie:Amgen, Celgene, Johnson & Johnson, and Takeda: Consultancy. Narang:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Terebelo:Celgene: Honoraria; Jannsen: Speakers Bureau; Newland Medical Asociates: Employment. Toomey:Celgene: Consultancy. Hardin:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wagner:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; American Cancer Society: Other: Section editor, Cancer journal. Omel:Celgene, Takeda, Janssen: Other: Patient Advisory Committees. Srinivasan:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Liu:TechData: Consultancy. Dhalla:Celgene: Employment. Agarwal:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Abonour:BMS: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Background: MM clinical trials often have stringent eligibility criteria that limit the enrollment of patients (pts) reflective of the general patient population (Shah, Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2017). The Connect® MM Registry, a prospective observational study of pts with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) in the US, provided the opportunity to examine differences between pts with MM who were identified as RCT-eligible vs -ineligible, to observe the generalizability of clinical trial results to real-world clinical settings. Differences in baseline characteristics, treatment, clinical outcomes, and HRQoL were examined in RCT-eligible and -ineligible pts from this registry, which represents an unselected, broad real-world population. Methods: Pts with NDMM were enrolled at 250 community, academic, and government sites. Eligible pts were ≥18 y of age with symptomatic MM diagnosed ≤2 months preenrollment per the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. For this analysis, pts were considered ineligible for RCT per the following key exclusion criteria previously described: absolute neutrophil count ≤1.5 × 109/L, platelet count ≤75 × 109/L, creatinine >2.5 mg/dL, AST/ALT >3 times the ULN, peripheral neuropathy grade >2; ECOG PS 3/4; history of myelodysplastic syndromes/other hematologic malignancies, or solid tumors (Shah 2017). Sites administered pt HRQoL questionnaires and provided clinical data at baseline and quarterly during follow-up until death or study discontinuation. Differences in HRQoL at baseline, changes from baseline to 1 and 2 years, and survival outcomes, adjusted for covariates via propensity score, were compared between RCT-eligible/-ineligible pts. Results: Of the 3011 pts enrolled, 2873 pts met the CRAB (hyperCalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia, and Bone disease) criteria per IMWG at enrollment. Of these, 1622 (56.5%) were identified as RCT-eligible and 1251 (43.5%) as RCT-ineligible (data cut-off February 7, 2019). Both groups were similar in median age, sex, race, and ethnicity distribution, although the RCT-ineligible group had more pts aged ≥75 y (26.3% vs 23.2%) and more pts with ECOG PS 3/4 (6.2% vs none). Overall, 34.5% of RCT-ineligible pts received a transplant vs 42.8% of RCT-eligible pts. More RCT-ineligible pts had ISS stage III disease (39.4% vs 19.8%), elevated calcium (≥11.5 mg/dL; 12.7% vs 6.8%), elevated creatinine (>2.0 mg/dL; 40.3% vs 6.5%), and low hemoglobin (<10 g/dL or >2 g/dL <LLN; 60.8% vs 40.3%). Use of triplet treatment (54.2% vs 56.2%) and alkylator (24.9% vs 20.1%) was similar between the RCT-ineligible/-eligible groups. Lenalidomide + bortezomib + dexamethasone (RVd) was the most common initial therapy, and R was the most common maintenance therapy in both groups, but fewer RCT-ineligible pts received RVd as initial therapy (23.9% vs 31.0%) and R as first maintenance regimen (18.1% vs 22.7%). Absolute baseline HRQoL scores were significantly higher, indicating better HRQoL, in RCT-eligible (115.9) vs -ineligible (111.5) pts on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Multiple Myeloma (FACT-MM) Total score (P=0.007), FACT-MM Trial Outcome Index (74.3 vs 70.3, P=0.002), and FACT-MM Subscale (37.3 vs 35.5, P=0.003). Scores were similar for EuroQol-5D Overall Index (0.73 vs 0.72, P=0.5) and Brief Pain Inventory (3.42 vs 3.43, P=0.9). Both RCT-eligible and -ineligible pts showed significant improvement in HRQoL from baseline at years 1 and 2, although the magnitude of improvement was similar between both groups (Fig. 1a and b). RCT-ineligible pts showed significantly shorter median PFS and OS vs RCT-eligible pts (Fig. 2 & 3, respectively). Conclusions: The CONNECT MM registry provided the opportunity to examine key differences between RCT-eligible and -ineligible pts. By applying common RCT eligibility criteria, a substantial proportion of MM pts (43.5%) in this real-world population may have been ineligible to participate in a RCT. RCT-ineligible pts had advanced disease, poor performance status, and poor laboratory parameters at baseline vs RCT-eligible pts, which could affect PFS and OS. These findings enhance our understanding of HRQoL among MM pts, which at present, is largely based on RCT participants. A similar magnitude of HRQoL improvement in both groups at 1 and 2 years suggests the need to evaluate RCT eligibility criteria in MM to help broaden enrollment and maximize external validity. Disclosures Wagner: Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; American Cancer Society: Other: Section editor, Cancer journal. Toomey:Celgene: Consultancy. Ailawadhi:Takeda: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Cellectar: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Jagannath:Merck & Co.: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy. Gasparetto:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, or other expenses paid or reimbursed ; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, or other expenses paid or reimbursed ; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodations, or other expenses paid or reimbursed . Durie:Amgen, Celgene, Johnson & Johnson, and Takeda: Consultancy. Narang:Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Rifkin:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Terebelo:Celgene: Honoraria; Jannsen: Speakers Bureau; Newland Medical Asociates: Employment. Omel:Celgene, Takeda, Janssen: Other: Patient Advisory Committees. Hardin:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lee:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline plc: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Srinivasan:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Liu:TechData: Consultancy. Dhalla:Celgene: Employment. Catamero:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Abonour:BMS: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

AbstractBackgroundThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and National Cancer Database (NCDB) show improved overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) over the last 15 years. This analysis evaluated the validity of the largely community‐based Connect MM Registry as a national reference for MM.MethodsBaseline disease characteristics and survival in US newly diagnosed MM patients were examined using the Connect MM Registry as well as SEER and NCDB databases. Baseline characteristics predictive of longer survival in Connect MM were also identified.ResultsAs of February 2017, 3011 patients were enrolled in the Connect MM Registry; 2912 were treated. Median age at time of MM diagnosis and age range were numerically similar from 2010 to 2015 across all 3 registries; SEER had a higher representation of nonwhite racial groups than that in the other 2 registries. OS rates suggest proportionate improvement with year of diagnosis among the 3 registries. A Cox proportional hazards model suggests that younger age (<65 years) is associated with longer survival (vs ≥75; HR, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.34‐0.46) in the Connect MM Registry. However, sex (HR, 0.91; P = .15) and race (black vs white; HR, 0.88; P = .21) were not associated with longer OS.ConclusionsData from the Connect MM Registry appear to be largely representative of national trends, comprehensive, and reliable representations of the national MM population. Baseline characteristics were comparable, and survival similarly improved over time among the 3 registries.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifierNCT01081028.

Abstract Background : Treatment for relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved with the availability of many novel agents; outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed MM have improved with IMiD® agents (lenalidomide [R] or pomalidomide) and proteasome inhibitor (PI) use. Regardless of autologous stem cell transplant, many patients receive R maintenance therapy (Jagannath, Blood Adv 2018; Palumbo, N Engl J Med 2012). However, there is a lack of data describing the nature of relapse and treatment choices for patients progressing on R maintenance therapy. Recent phase III data do not evaluate these patients who are relapsed or refractory to R; current treatment guidelines do not specifically recommend second-line (2L) treatment options for these patients (Laubach, Leukemia 2016). However, phase III data show that pomalidomide in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone improves progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.54; P = 0.0027) in R-exposed and refractory patients, including those with 1 prior line (Richardson, J Clin Oncol 2018). The Connect MM Registry is a US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study designed to examine diagnostic and treatment patterns, clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with MM. For patients who received R maintenance therapy, we describe patterns of relapse, 2L treatment choice, and outcomes. Methods : From 250 sites, transplant eligible and ineligible adult patients ≤ 60 days from MM diagnosis were enrolled (N = 3011). Patients were treated at physicians' discretion and followed up for treatment and outcomes until early discontinuation or study end. Patients who relapsed during R maintenance therapy (≤ 15 mg; assessed by treating physician), were analyzed for baseline (BL) characteristics, nature of relapse, and 2L treatment. Patients with symptoms at time of relapse were defined as the presence of ≥ 1 CRAB (hyperCalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia, and Bone disease) criterion ± 60 d from PD; absence of CRAB criteria at PD in this window was considered nonsymptomatic relapse. Primary endpoint was PFS from start of 2L; safety (serious adverse events; SAE) from start of 2L was also assessed. Logistic regression analyses on all BL factors and factors before start of 2L treatment were performed to determine covariates differentiating comparator groups. Survival outcomes were analyzed using a Cox regression after adjusting for covariates. Results : Data cutoff: 1/15/18. Of 2938 treated patients, 1102 entered 2L, 236 having received R maintenance therapy in 1L. Of those patients, 52% (n = 123) and 47% (n = 112) experienced symptoms at time of relapse and nonsymptomatic relapse, respectively (data not available for 1 patient). The top ten 2L regimens are presented in the Table. Median duration of prior maintenance therapy (367 d [IQR: 577] vs 489 d [IQR: 599]) and time from first progression to start of 2L treatment (0.3 vs 0.3 mo) did not notably differ between nature of relapse groups. Prolonged median PFS from start of 2L was observed for patients receiving triplet+ (≥ 3 agents) vs doublet (≤ 2 agents) regimens (HR: 0.72; Figure 1). PFS was better for IMiD agent + PI group compared with PI (without IMiD agents) group (HR, 0.68; Figure 2). Results of sensitivity analyses and overall survival will be presented. SAEs occurred similarly among treatment groups: 42.6% with IMiD agent + PI, 34.5% with IMiD agent (without PI), and 35.8% with PI. Conclusions: This is the first description of relapse patterns, 2L treatment choice and survival outcomes after PD on R maintenance therapy in community-based patients. Nearly equal numbers of patients had symptoms at time of relapse and nonsymptomatic relapse on R maintenance therapy. After PD on R maintenance, approximately 50% of patients switched to PI regimens without IMiD agents, 25% continued with IMiD agent + PI regimens, and 25% continued in the IMiD agents group. Our data show PFS benefit for triplet+ over doublet treatment in 2L. Patients in the IMiD agent + PI group gained survival benefits over patients in the PI group. Further characterization of the patients continuing with IMiD treatment in 2L after R maintenance therapy relapse (~ 25% of patients) are ongoing. Follow-up with recently approved agents (elotuzumab, daratumumab) and their use in 2L is limited in this analysis. These data may be used to better inform treatment choices after relapse on R maintenance therapy. Disclosures Jagannath: Celgene: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: Speakers Bureau; Medicom: Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Narang:Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Ailawadhi:Takeda: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy. Rifkin:Celgene: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy; McKesson: Equity Ownership; EMD Serono: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy. Terebelo:Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau. Toomey:Celgene: Consultancy; Myriad Genetics: Speakers Bureau; Dava Oncology: Other: Travel. Durie:Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy. Hardin:Celgene: Consultancy. Gasparetto:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel; Takeda: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Research Funding. Wagner:EveryFit: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Omel:Takeda Oncology: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Srinivasan:Celgene: Employment. Kitali:Celgene: Employment. Agarwal:Celgene Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Abonour:Prothena: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 3165 Background: Accrual to large oncology group studies in the United States is often slower than planned, especially in less common malignancies such as Multiple Myeloma (MM). To improve the treatment of patients with MM, it is essential that we address the barriers to accrual (BtA) to national clinical trials. The NCI Myeloma Steering Committee (MYSC) formed the Accrual Working Group (AWG), charged to analyze this problem. Methods: The members of the MYSC have developed a list of 10 potential BtA to NCI MM-CT under the leadership of the AWG at meetings conducted in person and by monthly telephone conference. This list was distributed via Survey Monkey among investigators and research staff of the SWOG, ECOG/ACRIN and Alliance research bases for the purpose of ranking the perceived importance of the 10 selected BtA. Responses based on a 0–5 Likert Scale were analyzed as continuous and categorical. For the latter, responses were grouped: Impedes Accrual – No (0,1), Yes (2–5); Significantly Impedes Accrual – No (0–3), Yes (4,5). Results: 246 survey responses were received. 50 participants who indicated that they had never attempted to or actually never enrolled a patient into a MM-CT were excluded. Of 196 responders, 61% had enrolled at least 5 patients, 43% practiced in academic centers (A) and 57% in community centers (C). 26% identified themselves as research staff, 74% as primarily physician investigators including Principal Investigators (12%). 78% have current access to NCI MM-CT. 46% identified their research base affiliation with SWOG, 20% with ECOG/ACRIN, 17% with Alliance, 17% as CTSU, NRG and other. The majority of survey responders confirmed agreement in the perception that all 10 identified BtA impede accrual, ranging from 60–84% depending on the specific barrier identified, while significant impediment to accrual ascribed to these BtA ranged from 22–47%. The perceived barriers most often cited as impeding accrual were (1) spectrum of available treatment options, (2) level of reimbursement for clinical trial related expenses and (3) patient‘s need for prompt treatment intervention (84%, 80%, 76% respectively). The first two barriers along with the requirement that patients receive their treatment exclusively at the NCI designated treatment site were rated most often as significantly impeding accrual (37%, 47%, 34% respectively). The first two were also identified most often as perceived BtA independent of practice setting (A, C), type of research engagement (physician investigator, research staff) and level of experience with MM-CT. Interestingly, the perception that patients must receive their treatment at the NCI designated treatment site and competing industry sponsored clinical trials were substantially more often cited as impeding accrual in academic centers compared to community centers and by physician investigators compared to research staff. The complexity of required diagnostic work up and the complexity of the treatment protocol and follow up testing were substantially more often cited as BtA in the community setting and by research staff compared to their peers in the academic setting and by physician investigators. The NCI MYSC AWG has proposed specific solutions to potentially lower perceived BtA. These include guidelines to allow protocol specific administration of commercially available agents by the patient‘s local oncologist, a simplified diagnostic work up and treatment plan and eligibility inclusion of patients who have received up to one cycle of specified urgent therapy prior to enrollment in MM-CT. Conclusions: We have queried experienced clinical investigators and research staff on 10 potential MM-CT specific BtA and found substantial consensus among responding participants in this survey. There are apparent differences in perceived BtA between the respondents from academic and community centers as well as between research staff and physician investigators. These data suggest that a structured approach to identification of BtA to clinical trials is feasible and creates opportunities to overcome them. This may have application to clinical trials across other diseases and may also lead to improvements in accrual. Disclosures: Barlogie: Celgene, IMF, MMRF, Millennium, Genzyme: Consultancy; Celgene, IMF, Millennium: Honoraria; Celgene, Novartis, NCI, Millennium, Onyx, Icon: Research Funding; GEP: Patents & Royalties.

The NCCN Guidelines for Multiple Myeloma provide recommendations for diagnosis, workup, treatment, follow-up, and supportive care for patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance, solitary plasmacytoma, smoldering myeloma, and multiple myeloma. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight some of the important updates and changes in the 1.2020 version of the NCCN Guidelines for Multiple Myeloma.