Clinical Profile of Patients With Multiple Myeloma Treated at a New Oncology Center: Evidence of Advanced-stage Diagnosis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Multiple myeloma remains a significant diagnostic challenge due to its often nonspecific initial clinical manifestations, such as bone pain, anemia, and fatigue. Delayed recognition favors the development of disease-related complications, particularly renal impairment and bone lesions, with a negative impact on morbidity and prognosis. Characterizing the clinical profile of patients at diagnosis may help identify weaknesses along the care pathway and support continuing education strategies targeted at Primary Care, favoring timely referral for specialized evaluation. Aim To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with multiple myeloma treated during the first months of operation of a new oncology center, assessing markers of advanced disease at diagnosis and discussing possible implications related to delayed referral for hematological evaluation. Methods: This is a single-center, observational, retrospective, longitudinal, and descriptive study based on the Hospital Cancer Registry of an Oncology Center. Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma and registered between November 2024 and July 2025 were included. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, the interval between the first consultation and diagnosis, time to treatment initiation, and staging according to the International Staging System (ISS) were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 116 patients were included, 61 (52.6%) of whom were male. Mean age was 69.5 years (median 70.7; range 47.4–90.5 years). The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (42%), cardiac arrhythmias (42%), diabetes mellitus (15%), chronic kidney disease (14%), and heart failure (4.3%). Among risk factors, 18% were smokers, 20% were alcohol users, and 14% had a family history of cancer. The mean interval between the first consultation and diagnosis was 63.3 days, and between diagnosis and treatment initiation, 72.5 days. Regarding staging, 22% of patients presented with ISS I, 31% with ISS II, and 38% with ISS III at diagnosis. Discussion: A high proportion of patients presented with advanced disease at diagnosis, associated with a substantial comorbidity burden. Although this profile may partly reflect the tertiary nature of the service, the high frequency of patients classified as ISS III is consistent with delayed referral for specialized evaluation. These findings underscore the need to strengthen the multiple myeloma care pathway, particularly through primary care training in the recognition of warning signs and the establishment of more agile referral pathways to hematological evaluation. Conclusion Patients with multiple myeloma treated during the first months of the service's operation showed a high frequency of advanced disease at diagnosis and a substantial comorbidity burden. This profile is consistent with delayed referral for specialized evaluation and reinforces the need to strengthen integration between primary care and hematology, promoting early disease recognition and reducing complications arising from diagnosis at advanced stages.
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223141316