Incidence trends and five-year survival of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms in Girona, Spain: a population-based study, 1994–2020

Abstract

Abstract Multiple myeloma is the most common malignant tumor originating in plasma cells. Its incidence varies across populations according to demographic and environmental factors, although its exact etiology remains unclear; reports on survival and advances in treatment are lacking in some geographic areas. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence, trends, and survival of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms (MM and other PCNs) using data from the Girona Cancer Registry between 1994 and 2020. Incidence trends, observed survival (OS), and net survival (NS) were evaluated using Joinpoint regression, Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression, and the Pohar-Perme method. A total of 1137 cases were identified, with a median age of 72 years [IQR 63.0–79.0]. Incidence trends remained stable in both men and women, with annual percent changes (APCs) of 0.2% [95% CI −1.1; 1.4] and −0.7% [95% CI: −1.9; 0.5], respectively. Median net survival significantly increased from 2.58 to 4.17 years between 1994–2001 and 2010–2016, respectively. Five-year net survival increased from 31.9% [95% CI 24.6–41.3] to 46.5% [95% CI 40.6–53.3] between 1994–2001 and 2010–2016, respectively. Incidence trends remained stable during the study period, whereas myeloma survival improved significantly. The impact of new immunotherapies on future myeloma survival remains promising.