Prognostic Impact of Early Disease Progression and Early Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Real-World Cohort Study - Report - MDSpire

Prognostic Impact of Early Disease Progression and Early Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Real-World Cohort Study

  • By

  • Vlaisavljević, Nada

  • Milosevic, Ivana

  • Sekulić, Borivoj

  • Nikolić, Jelena

  • Tomić, Velimir

  • Savić, Aleksandar

  • May 11, 2026

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Clinical Report: Prognostic Significance of Initial Disease Advancement in MM

Overview

This study identifies early disease progression within 18 months (POD18) as a critical prognostic marker for overall survival in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The findings suggest that integrating early progression with baseline disease and comorbidity factors enhances risk stratification in real-world settings.

Background

Multiple myeloma is a heterogeneous malignancy with unpredictable outcomes, necessitating improved prognostic models. Traditional static risk assessments may not adequately capture the dynamic nature of disease progression and patient outcomes. Understanding early disease kinetics is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient survival.

Data Highlights

MetricValue
POD18 Occurrence44.0%
POD24 Occurrence51.2%
Early Mortality Rate17.9%
HR for POD18 and OS9.38 (95% CI 5.98–14.70; p < 0.0001)
C-index for POD180.742
C-index for POD240.719

Key Findings

  • POD18 is a strong independent predictor of overall survival in MM patients.
  • 44.0% of patients experienced progression within 18 months of treatment initiation.
  • Early mortality was observed in 17.9% of patients, linked to advanced disease stage.
  • The prognostic impact of baseline staging diminishes over time, highlighting the dynamic nature of risk in MM.
  • POD18 outperforms POD24 in prognostic discrimination for survival outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should prioritize monitoring for early disease progression within the first 18 months of treatment to better predict patient outcomes. Integrating dynamic prognostic markers with baseline assessments can enhance risk stratification, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of early disease progression as a dynamic prognostic marker in multiple myeloma, advocating for its integration into clinical practice for improved patient management.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Blood Cancer Journal, 2025 -- Enhanced survival rates in multiple myeloma after early identification of precursor states
  2. The ASCO Post, 2026 -- Targeted Therapies Drive Long-Term Decline in Multiple Myeloma Mortality in the United States
  3. The ASCO Post, 2023 -- Patients With Multiple Myeloma May Experience Poorer Outcomes in the Real World Compared With Reported Outcomes From Clinical Trials
  4. Blood Cancer Journal, 2023 -- Survival Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma: The Influence of Prognostic Factors Over Time
  5. Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: ASCO–Ontario Health Living Guideline | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  6. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma | New England Journal of Medicine
  7. Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: ASCO–Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Living Guideline | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  8. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma | New England Journal of Medicine

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