Patient Preferences in Rare Diseases: A Qualitative Study in Neuromuscular Disorders to Inform a Quantitative Preference Study

A. Cecilia Jimenez-Moreno (), Eline Overbeeke, Cathy Anne Pinto, Ian Smith, Jenny Sharpe, James Ormrod, Chiara Whichello, Esther W. Bekker-Grob, Kristin Bullok, Bennett Levitan, Isabelle Huys, G. Ardine Wit and Grainne Gorman
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A. Cecilia Jimenez-Moreno: Newcastle University
Eline Overbeeke: University of Leuven
Cathy Anne Pinto: Merck & Co, Inc.
Ian Smith: Utrecht University
Jenny Sharpe: Muscular Dystrophy UK
James Ormrod: University of Brighton
Chiara Whichello: Erasmus University
Esther W. Bekker-Grob: Erasmus University
Kristin Bullok: Eli Lilly & Co.
Bennett Levitan: Janssen Research and Development
Isabelle Huys: University of Leuven
G. Ardine Wit: Utrecht University
Grainne Gorman: Newcastle University

The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, 2021, vol. 14, issue 5, No 13, 612 pages

Abstract: Abstract Introduction It has become increasingly important to include patient preference information in decision-making processes for drug development. As neuromuscular disorders represent multisystem, debilitating, and progressive rare diseases with few treatment options, this study aimed to explore unmet health care needs and patient treatment preferences for two neuromuscular disorders, myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and mitochondrial myopathies (MM) to inform early stages of drug development. Methods Fifteen semi-structured interviews and five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with DM1 and MM adult patients and caregivers. Topics discussed included (1) reasons for study participation; (2) disease signs/symptoms and their impact on daily lives; (3) top desired benefits; and (4) acceptability of risks and tolerance levels for a hypothetical new treatment. Data were analyzed following a thematic ‘code’ approach. Results A total of 52 participants representing a wide range of disease severities participated. ‘Muscle strength’ and ‘energy and endurance’ were the disease-related unmet needs most often mentioned. Additionally, improved ‘balance’, ‘cognition’ and ‘gut function’ were the top desired treatment benefits, while ‘damage to the liver, kidneys or eyes’ was the most concerning risk. Factors influencing their tolerance to risks related to previously having experienced the risk and differentiation between permanent and temporary risks. A few differences were elicited between patients and caregivers. Conclusions This qualitative study provided an open forum to elicit treatment-desired benefits and acceptable risks to be established by patients themselves. These findings can inform decisions for developing new treatments and the design of clinical trials for DM1 and MM.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00482-z

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