Myeloma & Comorbidities: Outcome Disparities
- New research presented at the American Society of clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 annual meeting highlights significant disparities in multiple myeloma outcomes based on income, geographic location, and existing...
- One study analyzing incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates from 2000 to 2021 revealed that individuals in lower-income brackets face higher mortality rates. Those in households earning less than $40,000...
- The research also showed that people in rural areas experienced higher mortality rates (6.14 per 100,000) compared to those in metropolitan areas (5.94 per 100,000).while overall IBM rates...
Multiple myeloma outcomes are significantly impacted by income, location, and existing health conditions, according to new ASCO 2025 research. This data reveals disparities in multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment, with lower-income individuals and those in rural areas facing higher mortality rates. Factors like insurance coverage, access to therapies, and specialized healthcare contribute to these differences. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) also elevates the risk of poor myeloma outcomes. For insights into the impact of location, comorbidities, and other factors, news Directory 3 provides a full breakdown. Discover what’s next in myeloma research.
Income, Location Impact Multiple Myeloma Patient Outcomes
Updated June 28, 2025
New research presented at the American Society of clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 annual meeting highlights significant disparities in multiple myeloma outcomes based on income, geographic location, and existing health conditions. Despite treatment advances, not all patients benefit equally.
One study analyzing incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates from 2000 to 2021 revealed that individuals in lower-income brackets face higher mortality rates. Those in households earning less than $40,000 annually had an IBM rate of 7.3 per 100,000,nearly double the 5.31 per 100,000 rate for households earning over $120,000.
The research also showed that people in rural areas experienced higher mortality rates (6.14 per 100,000) compared to those in metropolitan areas (5.94 per 100,000).while overall IBM rates declined across all groups during the study period, the gap between lower-income or rural patients and their wealthier, urban counterparts remained.
These discrepancies are attributed to differences in insurance coverage, access to novel therapies, and fewer specialized healthcare resources in underserved communities. Rural patients often travel long distances for specialized care, while low-income individuals may delay treatment due to costs or inadequate insurance.
Another study, a retrospective chart review of 267 multiple myeloma patients, examined the impact of comorbidities on disease progression and survival. Researchers found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) was a significant risk factor for poor outcomes. patients with CKD were more likely to have high-risk myeloma and be diagnosed at a later stage.
Specifically, 8.4% of patients with CKD had high-risk multiple myeloma, compared to 1.7% without CKD. additionally, 11% of CKD patients were diagnosed at R-ISS stage III, versus onyl 1.4% of those without CKD.At