Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma treatment has improved significantly in recent years. However, mortality early in the course of the disease is still common. This study focuses on discovering trends in early mortality. The researchers sought to better understand demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with early mortality, which can then be used to better target resources for those...

Disparities in outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma have been linked to socioeconomic barriers. This study, published in Leukemia Research, aimed to provide further insight into the nature of these disparities to ensure equitable treatment. Specifically, the study focuses on the association between insurance status and survival in patients with multiple myeloma. This study relied...

Timeliness of treatment is an important metric for multiple myeloma treatment. This study, published in Anticancer Research, focuses on the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on initial treatment delay for patients with multiple myeloma.  The researchers relied on data from the National Cancer Database and included patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2004 and 2016....

Multiple myeloma primarily affects older adults. Yet, this population is less likely to participate in clinical trials and is thus less likely to benefit from treatment advances. This study, published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology, focuses on the treatment and outcome differences experienced by younger adults and older adults with multiple myeloma.   The study included...

Patients with cancer have been shown to experience disparate outcomes based on socioeconomic disparities. This study, published in Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, sought to explore the relationship between socioeconomic status and survival outcomes among patients with multiple myeloma who were not considered for first-line hematopoietic stem cell transplant.  Data were taken from the National Cancer...

Racial minority patients have been found to utilize novel agents for multiple myeloma less often than white patients. This finding has been hypothesized to be the result of increased drug costs and socioeconomic disparities. This study, published in Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, compared rates of bortezomib and lenalidomide use between Black and white patients with multiple...

In the past two decades, treatment advancements for multiple myeloma have significantly improved patient outcomes. Now, multiple lines of treatment are available, and patients enjoy greater life expectancy. However, not all patients receive treatment in a timely manner, which is needed to avoid end-organ damage. This study, published in JCO Oncology Practice, focuses on disparities in...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with oncologist Dr. Onyemaechi Okolo, we discuss her treatment strategy for multiple myeloma. We also discuss the newest treatment for multiple myeloma and how to diversify cancer clinical trials. MD Newsline: What is your treatment strategy for multiple myeloma, and how is it tailored to each patient? How do these...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with oncologist Dr. Onyemaechi Okolo, we discuss how Black/African American patients with multiple myeloma fare compared to patients of other racial/ethnic backgrounds. We also discuss the role of medical education in reducing health disparities. MD Newsline: How do Black/African American patients with multiple myeloma fare compared to patients of...