Diabetes May Contribute to Disparities in Multiple Myeloma

Diabetes mellitus may contribute to the higher incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) seen in Black patients, according to a study published in Blood Advances.

Researchers conducted this retrospective study to look for possible correlations between diabetes and MM. The study included 5383 patients with MM, 15% of whom had diabetes.

Diabetes was present in 25% of Black patients and 12% of White patients (P <.001). The highest prevalence of diabetes was seen in Black men (32%).

Diabetes disproportionately affected Black patients who were younger and of normal weight, the researchers noted. For example, the prevalence of diabetes was 20% in Black patients aged 45 to 60 years and 14% in White patients older than 60 years. Diabetes was seen in 19% of Black patients with normal weight and 21% of White patients with obesity.

A univariate analysis showed that patients with diabetes had worse overall survival (OS) than patients without it (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% CI, 1.17-1.54; P <.0001). This was true in White patients (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.69; P <.0001) but not in Black patients (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.83-1.45; P =.48).

A multivariate analysis showed similar results. Patients with diabetes had worse OS in the overall cohort (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.47; P <.001) and in the White cohort (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.15-1.59; P <.001) but not in the Black cohort (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.81-1.44; P =.58). There was no significant difference in OS between White and Black patients overall (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77-1.01; P =.059).

The researchers also evaluated the link between diabetes and MM by examining the growth of MM xenografts in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. The team found that tumors grew larger and more quickly in diabetic mice than in control mice.

“Our results suggest that DM [diabetes mellitus] may contribute to the higher incidence of MM in Black patients, and, to improve survival in MM, DM management cannot be ignored,” the researchers concluded.

Disclosures: Some study authors declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. Please see the original reference for a full list of disclosures.

This article originally appeared on Cancer Therapy Advisor