Presentation, treatment and clinical outcomes in young multiple myeloma patients treated at a tertiary care centre in a low middle-income country
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy, predominantly affects individuals aged 65-74 years.However, its occurrence in younger populations (<55 years) is rare, posing unique challenges.This study explores the clinical presentation, outcomes and treatment regimens for MM patients aged 30-55, aiming to unravel agespecific patterns.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at Aga University Hospital, Karachi, focusing on MM patients aged 30-55 years.Data included patient demographics, clinical features, treatment modalities and outcomes.Statistical analysis employed STATA version 16.0, incorporating survival estimates, log-rank tests and Cox proportional survival regression models.Results: This study encompassed 68 confirmed MM patients, categorised by age groups: 30-40 years (13.23%),41-50 years (44.11%) and 51-55 years (42.64%).Predominantly male (1.3:1 ratio), bone pains were prevalent among all groups, with 51-55 years exhibiting the highest pathological fracture rate.30-40 years group showed higher renal impairment rates and lactate dehydrogenase levels.Velcade, thalidomide and dexamethasone were commonly used first-line regimens in the entire cohort in 41.17% of patients, closely followed by cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone in 29.41%.Partial response was predominant in the 30-40 years group, while other age groups showed varied responses.The younger patients demonstrated lower deep treatment response rates than their older counterparts.Progression-free survival was 37, 52 and 45 months orderly in each group, with a p-value of <0.001.The median overall survival (OS) for the entire group was 50.6 months (4.2 years), with OS rates of 77.8% (CI: 95%), 90.0% (CI: 95%) and 86.2% (CI: 95%), respectively, with a p-value of <0.001.Median OS in months was 45, 55.5 and 52, with a p-value of 0.08.Conclusion: This single-center study sheds light on younger MM patients' unique challenges and treatment patterns.Despite the rarity of this age group's affliction, the findings underscore significant differences in clinical presentations, treatment responses and outcomes compared to the typical elderly MM population.The study highlights the Research
Source: ecancermedicalscience
Authors: Tasneem Dawood, Sahar Fatima Rizvi, Syed Muhammad Kashif Kazmi, Saqib Raza, Insia Ali, Munira Moosajee
Institution: Aga Khan University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,226
OpenAlex ID: W4413831938