Global burden of multiple myeloma among people aged 55 years and older: based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Problem considered & need for the study The global burden of multiple myeloma (MM) is increasing as a result of an aging population. However, a comprehensive, age-stratified analysis focusing on the most vulnerable demographic (adults ≥55 years) is lacking. Methods & study design This retrospective cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. Incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and risk factor exposure of MM at global, regional and national levels among people aged ≥55 years by age groups, genders and socio-demographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2021 were collected. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) values were calculated to determine the temporal trends. Results Over the past three decades, there has been a consistent upward trend in MM morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly affecting males and populations in high-income countries. In 2021, the United States of America had the highest cases of disease burden, with Monaco recording the highest rates. As SDI levels rose, the disease burden appeared relatively heavier. Across age groups of 65 to 79 years, incidence cases were consistently surpassed those in other age groups, notably with the 70-74 age group experiencing a relatively faster increase in 2021. Higher rates of death and DALYs are strongly associated with overweight and obesity. Conclusion This study quantifies a substantial and rising global burden of MM among adults ≥55 years, characterized by a 1.71-fold increase in incidence from 1990 to 2021, a pronounced male predominance, and the highest disease rates in high-SDI regions. The burden is growing fastest in the 70-74-year age group and is increasingly attributable to high body mass index (BMI). These findings underscore the urgent need for age-specific clinical strategies, resource allocation towards high-burden regions and demographics, and integrated public health policies targeting obesity to mitigate future risk.