Skeletal-Related Events in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: A Comprehensive Retrospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) patients face significant risks of skeletal-related events (SREs), such as fractures and bone surgery.
• Real-world data on the incidence and risk factors of SREs in MM patients are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and identify risk factors for SREs in a large cohort of Korean MM patients.
• To provide insights for assessing and managing bone health in MM.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, nationwide cohort study utilizing the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database from 2007 to 2018.
• Analysis of 6,717 patients diagnosed with symptomatic MM, with a median follow-up of 35.1 months.

Main Results:

• 43.6% of MM patients experienced SREs, with 20.0% having pathologic fractures within the first year.
• The median time to the first SRE was 9.6 months.
• Risk factors for SREs included female sex, age ≥50, cerebrovascular disease, chemotherapy without bortezomib/lenalidomide, and prior SREs with bisphosphonate use.

Conclusions:

• This is the first population-based study to report SRE incidence and risk factors in Korean MM patients.
• Findings can inform bone health management strategies for MM patients.
• Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early intervention and improved patient outcomes.