Age of Onset of Multiple Myeloma: A Paradigm shift in Indian patients

Meher Lakshmi Konatam; A.Praveen; G.Sadashivudu

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2016

Age of Onset of Multiple Myeloma: A Paradigm shift in Indian patients

Meher Lakshmi Konatam, A. Praveen, G. Sadashivudu

Abstract :

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a clonal disorder of plasma cells with age having a major impact on treatment plan and outcome. While young patients are transplant eligible, tolerate therapy well and have better outcome, older patients are intolerant to intense therapy. Young age of onset also reflects an early exposure to inciting factors triggering myeloma. A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in our institution from January 2010 to December 2015 is performed. A total of 302 patients are diagnosed with MM as per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Criteria in this period. Median age of diagnosis is 54years, range being 28–84years. Age of onset of Myeloma in Indian patients is a decade earlier compared to the West. Further studies to understand the triggering factors for early onset of MM in Indian patients are warranted.