Characteristics and outcome of multiple myeloma patients presenting with anaemia only: A retrospective multi-centre study

Leuk Res. 2021 Feb:101:106498. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106498. Epub 2020 Dec 31.

Abstract

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) patients presenting with anaemia as their sole clinical manifestation are rare and not fully defined.

Methods: Retrospective multi-site study comparing the characteristics and outcome of MM patients with anaemia only with matched patients, presenting with multi-organ disease.

Results: Anaemia-only patients had a higher percentage of bone marrow monoclonal plasma cells group (median 60% [IQR 42-80%] vs. 37% [IQR 17-65%], respectively; p < 0.001), and a lower responsiveness to treatment (≥VGPR rates were 54% vs 74%, p = 0.049). Median survival in anaemia only patients was 65.9 ± 6.9 vs 83.4 ± 8.8 months in matched control patients (P = n.s).

Conclusions: MM patients presenting with anaemia only represents a unique, potentially less favorable population.

Keywords: Anemia; Myeloma.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anemia* / mortality
  • Anemia* / therapy
  • Autografts
  • Bortezomib / administration & dosage*
  • Bortezomib / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma* / mortality
  • Multiple Myeloma* / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Bortezomib