A Closer Look at A Study on the Global and Regional Burden of Myeloma Among Patients Aged 40 and Over  

A recent study published in Scientific Reports, Trends and projections of the global and regional burden of multiple myeloma in adults aged 40 and over, 1990-2044 (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96981-w), takes a deep dive into data from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2021 to analyze global, regional, and national trends in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of multiple myeloma in adults ages 40 and older.

Recent reports have revealed an estimated 176,404 new cases of myeloma, with 117,077 related deaths. Globally, multiple myeloma accounts for 0.9% of new cancer cases and 1.2% of cancer deaths, with incidence sharply increasing after age 40 and peaking in those aged 65–69. 

This growing burden with age highlights the need for comprehensive global analysis to guide health policy, resource allocation, and patient care. Myeloma also causes significant economic and disability-related burdens, especially in low-resource settings where access to timely diagnosis and advanced treatments is limited. 

Here are some of the key points of this important study: 

 

What the study investigated 

The study examined data from 1990 to 2021 on the incidence of myeloma in people over 40 and used global data to track how myeloma rates have changed over time. 

 

What methods were used 

• GBD 2021 data on multiple myeloma (MM) for adults aged 40 and above was divided into specific age groups.  
• Evaluated metrics include incidence, prevalence, mortality, DALYs and their rates. 
• Data collected via the Global Health Data Exchange were myeloma-specific; covered all regions, both genders, and all years available; and were categorized by socio-demographic index (SDI) levels. 
• Joinpoint regression was used to calculate Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPC). Trends were examined by age, gender, region, and socio-demographic index (SDI).  
• Using the Nordpred model, projections to the year 2044 were made. 

 

What the main findings are (1990-2021)

• The study determined that myeloma cases have been increasing across the globe, with especially higher growth in countries with low and middle levels of development (low to middle SDI). 
• Global increases were noted in: 
  • Incidence (AAPC: 0.53%) 
  • Prevalence (AAPC: 1.2%) 
  • Mortality (AAPC: 0.19%) 
  • DALYs (AAPC: 0.15%) 
• Middle SDI countries had the most rapid increase in incidence (AAPC: 2.34%), over four times the global average. 
• Due to advanced treatments, richer countries have better survival rates compared to poorer countries that struggle with late diagnoses and limited access to treatment. 

 

Why the incidence of myeloma is rising 

• The rise in the incidence of myeloma is due to aging populations, with people living longer.   
• This is also attributed to poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, less exercise, and more pollution.  
• On a positive note, better diagnostic tools and technology have enabled doctors to screen and detect myeloma earlier and more frequently. 

 

Improvements in treatment and therapy 

• New treatments like stem cell transplants, targeted drugs, and CAR-T therapy help patients live much longer. 
• In the past, average survival was 33 months; now it can be over 10 years with new treatments. 

 

Problems in poorer regions 

• In poorer regions, there is a lack of doctors, myeloma specialists, and proper diagnostic equipment.  
• Often, myeloma is misdiagnosed and confused with other diseases such as infections or nutritional issues.   
• Access to newer treatments is also limited, leading to inadequate care. 

 

Limitations of the study 

• Some data in the study is estimated, not exact.  
• Additionally, some poor countries don’t have good records of cancer cases, so the numbers may have been underreported.  
• Notably, the study didn’t look at how the stage of cancer or early screenings affect outcomes. 

 

Conclusion 

Multiple myeloma is becoming more common worldwide, especially in poorer areas. Countries need to focus more on treating and preventing myeloma, especially in older adults and in places with fewer resources.

 

Looking Ahead: 2022 and Beyond 

The incidence rates of myeloma may decrease slightly but will remain a major health issue. Efforts should focus on preventing myeloma and improving healthcare systems worldwide. 

To know more about the study, read the full abstract. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96981-w) 

Reference: 

Liu, X., Zhuang, H., Li, F. et al. Trends and projections of the global and regional burden of multiple myeloma in adults aged 40 and over, 1990–2044. Sci Rep 15, 13595 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96981-w  (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96981-w )