The key factors influencing patients in selecting autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation as the main therapy for multiple myeloma: A population-based epidemiological study

Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is one of the most effective therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we explored factors influencing patients in selecting ASCT by analyzing population-based epidemiological data on patients’ sociodemographic and clinical variables. This multicenter study was conducted across 14 medical centers in Zhejiang Province in China. Patient survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, or online completion of questionnaire with patients’ informed consent. Patients were divided into transplantation (TR) and non-transplantation (non-TR) groups. The difference in education levels, occupational status, and annual income between the TR group and non-TR group was significant (P < 0.01). The main reasons that patients had chosen transplantation were "to delay recurrence, improve quality of life, prolong survival" and "trust the treatment provided by doctors", the main reason that patients had rejected transplantation was "worried about the physical condition”, followed by “risk of relapse”, “side effects” and “family burden”. In addition to discussing therapy with their primary physician, patients in TR group tended to obtain relevant information from other sources. Education levels, occupational status, and annual income were the main factors affecting transplantation therapy choice among patients with MM.