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Multiple Myeloma in Young Patients: A Scoping Review
Mary Steinbach1, Karun Neupane2, Muhammad Aziz3
1Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
Abstract:
Data on the disease course, presenting features, outcomes, and prognosis of younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are lacking. Younger patients with MM have historically been considered to have better outcomes primarily based on better tolerance of treatment and lack of medical comorbidities, but the specific age range of this population has not been uniformly defined. Given the lack of consistent data reporting in patients considered to be young MM patients, we performed a scoping review to highlight the research currently available to start drawing conclusions about these patients and highlight unmet areas of need to focus on further investigation. We searched Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and the OVID version of MEDLINE including broad terms that embody the concept of young patients with MM. Our final review included 201 studies which were then categorized according to age group, number of patients, outcomes, and comparators to older patients, along with location and database when available. We have chosen to categorize 3 age groupings: <50: young adults with MM (YA MM), 50 to 65: mid-life adults with multiple myeloma (ML MM) and 65+: older adults with multiple myeloma (OA MM). This review demonstrates the heterogeneity that exists in defining and describing young patients with MM, highlights the lack of studies specifically addressing the unique needs of younger patients, and emphasizes areas of future research unique to this population.
Insights
Younger patients with multiple myeloma (MM) lack sufficient research data. This review highlights the heterogeneity in defining young MM patients and identifies critical unmet needs for future studies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Limited data exists on the disease course, presentation, outcomes, and prognosis for younger multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
- Historically, younger MM patients were presumed to have better outcomes due to treatment tolerance and fewer comorbidities, but a precise age definition is lacking.
- Inconsistent data reporting necessitates a comprehensive review of existing research on young MM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of current research on young patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
- To identify and highlight research gaps and unmet needs concerning this demographic.
- To propose age-based categorizations for future research: young adults (<50), mid-life adults (50-65), and older adults (65+).
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review was performed across multiple databases: Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE.
- Search terms encompassed a broad range of concepts related to young patients with MM.
- A total of 201 studies were included and categorized by age group, patient numbers, outcomes, comparators, and study location.
Main Results:
- The review identified significant heterogeneity in the definition and description of young MM patients across studies.
- A notable lack of research specifically addresses the unique needs and characteristics of younger MM patient populations.
- The categorization revealed distinct age groups: young adults with MM (<50), mid-life adults with MM (50-65), and older adults with MM (65+).
Conclusions:
- There is a considerable heterogeneity in defining and describing young patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
- Current research inadequately addresses the specific needs of younger individuals diagnosed with MM.
- Future research should focus on the unique aspects of MM in younger populations, guided by defined age categories.
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