Factors Affecting Patient and Caregiver Preferences for Treatment of Myeloma and Indolent Lymphoma

Abstract

Purpose: Treatment options for myeloma and indolent lymphoma are increasing exponentially, with distinct efficacy, side effects, and cost. We aim to determine the factors influencing patient and caregiver treatment preferences.

Methods: Patients and caregivers of patients with myeloma and indolent lymphoma were recruited from two cancer centers in Singapore. Preferences were elicited using a discrete choice experiment. Attributes and levels were selected based on a previous qualitative study. The relative preference for levels within each attribute (part worth utility values) and the extent to which an attribute would influence decision making (relative importance) were calculated. Patient and caregiver participation in the treatment plan selection process were assessed using the Control Preference Scale.

Results: One hundred ninety-nine patients and 169 caregivers were recruited. Patients placed the highest importance on out-of-pocket costs (relative importance = 35%), followed by efficacy (25%), persistent side effects (19%), administration route (8%), treatment duration (7%), and short-term side effects (5%). Caregivers ranked efficacy (27%) as the most important attribute, over out-of-pocket costs (24%). Most patients preferred a collaborative role in the shared decision-making process, while similar proportions of caregivers favored active and collaborative roles.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that both patients and caregivers consider cost seriously when making treatment decisions. Furthermore, as patient and caregiver preferences may differ, there are implications for treatment selection and counseling, especially in cultures where caregivers have more prominent roles in treatment planning.