Multiple myeloma in Armenia during the period 2006-2018: facts and discussion

Background: It is known that one of the reasons for the increased incidence of hematological malignancies is caused by the growth of multiple myeloma (MM). Worldwide, approximately 159,985 new cases of MM are diagnosed representing 0.9% of all cancer diagnoses and 106,105 patients will die from MM accounting for 1.1% of all cancer deaths per year. Despite significant advances in the MM treatment the mortality rates are still high. The presented study is the first accurate epidemiological study of ММ in Armenia for the period of 2006-2018.

Methods: The initial data for this retrospective cohort survey were derived from ambulance cards, hospitalization journals, and clinical data from the Registry of Blood Diseases at the Yeolyan Hematology Center.

Results: Data analysis showed that during 2006-2018 the average annual incidence for the MM was 1.2 per 100,000 population. A significant increase was observed in 2018 compared to 2006, 1.9 vs. 0.7 per 100,000 population. Interestingly, there were no sex differences in the overall MM incidence during the study period. According to the received data, during the period of the 2006-2009 and 2014-2018 the 1-year survival rate for both sexes decreased dramatically from 83 to 64.1% at age group 60 years and below and from 78.5 to 68.1% in group 60 years and over. The 1-year overall survival (OS) for both sexes decreased by 18.9% for patients (≤60 age group) and 10.4% (> 60 age group) in the period of 2006-2009 to the period of 2014-2018.

Conclusions: The incidence rates for the MM increased during the analyzed period. Our study showed that males and females in the age group 60 years and below had better 5-year overall survival compared to elder ones and females have better survival.