DX08
Real-World Disease Burden and Treatment Experiences of Patients with MS in the US: Results from the Vsms Survey
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of MS, beliefs about MS, and treatment experiences of MS patients in the vsMS US subpopulation.
Methods: An electronic survey was completed by 605 patients with MS in the US during July/August 2015. Participation criteria included: age ≥18 years, literacy in local language, and diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS.
Results: Since diagnosis, many patients experienced worsening fatigue (74.0%), physical functioning (58.8%), ability to exercise (52.7%), and ability to fulfill professional goals (48.4%). 40.2% of patients reported increasing impact of MS on daily activities over the prior 24 months. A majority of patients reported that they did not believe that MS would cause a decrease in life expectancy (57.7%) or that relapses could lead to irreversible damage (51.2%). Patients (95.7%) agreed on the importance of regular visits to a health care provider (HCP). Accordingly, patients reported visiting HCPs frequently for their MS, including a neurologist (25.5% reported visiting once/year and 67.6% ≥2 times/year), primary care physician (24.1% and 41.8%, respectively), MS nurse (10.6% and 14.5%), nurse practitioner (5.0% and 12.6%), or physician assistant (5.6% and 8.3%). Although HCPs suggested immediate initiation of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to 67.6% of patients, only 38.2% began treatment immediately. 85.8% reported currently receiving a DMT, including interferon beta products (23.3%), glatiramer acetate (20.5%), dimethyl fumarate (16.0%), fingolimod (9.1%), natalizumab (7.5%), teriflunomide (3.8%), rituximab (0.7%), alemtuzumab (0.5%), or other/multiple therapies (4.3%). Efficacy and safety considerations drove choice of DMT. Patients’ expectations for therapy included reduction or prevention of relapses (66.4%), disease progression (55.9%), MRI lesions (53.9%), and disability progression (52.1%); fewer patients expected improvements in symptoms (33.9%) or mobility (26.9%).
Conclusions: These data show that MS negatively impacts activities of daily living, and identifies misconceptions about MS among patients in the US. Patients value healthcare visits, but have low expectations of therapy and frequently delay treatment. Patients on treatment expected their DMT to slow the disease process without leading to functional/symptom improvement.
Study Support: Sanofi.