Beyond the numbers: Dissecting racial and gender disparities in myeloma mortality.

Abstract

e19547 Background: Myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy with increasing global incidence and mortality, disproportionately affecting certain populations. While advances in therapies have improved outcomes for many, disparities in survival outcomes remain poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate incidence-based mortality (IBM) trends in myeloma by sex and race from 2000 to 2021 to identify inequities and inform equitable healthcare strategies. Methods: IBM data for myeloma were extracted from the SEER database (17 registries, Nov 2023 submission). Rates were stratified by sex (male, female) and race (Non-Hispanic White [NHW], Non-Hispanic Black [NHB], Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native [NHAI/AN], Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander [NHA/PI], and Hispanic of all races [HA]). Trends were analyzed using Joinpoint Regression software to assess changes over time. Results: Males exhibited a higher IBM rate (7.9 per 100,000) compared to females (4.58 per 100,000). Among racial groups, NHB had the highest IBM rate (12.94 per 100,000), followed by NHAI/AN (5.87), HA (5.86), NHW (5.48), and NHA/PI (3.36). A significant decline in IBM rate trends between 2001 and 2005 was observed for all groups except NHAI/AN. Additionally, males and NHW experienced another notable decrease in IBM rates between 2005 and 2007, a trend not seen in other groups. Conclusions: This study highlights stark disparities in myeloma mortality across sex and racial groups, with males and NHB populations disproportionately affected. The observed differences, particularly the additional improvement for NHW and males, suggest disparities in access to novel therapies or healthcare resources. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted research and interventions to address inequities in myeloma care and outcomes.