Epidemiological Change of Multiple Myeloma in Korea

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic neoplasm with a unique and characteristic manifestation. This condition is responsible for 10% of hematologic malignancies, and thus represents 1% of all cases of cancer in the US. In Korea, unlike in Western society, myeloma has classically been relatively rare, due in part to racial differences. However, the incidence of this disease in Korea has increased steadily over the last 25 years. During this period, both the incidence of and mortality due to myeloma increased by up to 30-fold. Currently, incidence rate and mortality rate exceed 1.0/100,000. Possible reasons for this increase include better detection, as well as an actual increase, probably attributable to contributing factors, including pollution, exposure to chemicals, and socioeconomic change, all of which are related to rapid industrialization. Aging is another important factor contributing to this perceived increase. With the advent of targeted therapy, Korean myeloma study group was organized under the auspice of Korean society of hematology. In addition, Korean myeloma registry was established recently. In this study, epidemiological changes in the incidence and mortality of multiple myeloma in Korea are assessed and compared with the situations of the US and Japan. This article also claims the need for multicenter clinical trials as well as activation of basic researches in myeloma.

Molecular cytogenetic analysis of Korean patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia

“…The incidence of plasma cell neoplasm in Korea was relatively lower than that in Western countries as a result of racial difference. Although this disease has been increasing steadily over the last 25 years in Korea, the incidence and mortality rate of MM is now 1.0 per 100,000 persons per year [9]. Considering the relative scarcity of WM to MM, we have enrolled the major patients with WM in Korea onto our study.…”

Clinical Features and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Analysis of Web-Based Data from the Korean Myeloma Registry

“…However, the increasing use of autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) and the introduction of novel therapeutic agents, such as thalidomide and bortezomib, have improved the survival of myeloma patients [6]. Similarly, Korea has seen an increase in the number of myeloma patients [7], and an improvement in survival outcomes, as seen in other countries, is also expected. However, to date, there has been no nationwide study of survival outcomes and clinical disease features of MM in Korea.…”

Multiple myeloma in Korea: past, present, and future perspectives. Experience of the Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party

“…Indeed, the incidence and mortality of multiple myeloma in Korea have increased more than 30 times during past 30 years [5] (Fig. 1).…”

“…Moreover, the speed of aging in Korea is known to be fastest in the world. Thus, in the future, we expect more increasing aged population and the incidence of multiple myeloma, considering Japanese model [5]. The median age of the patients with multiple myeloma also increased from mid-fifties in 1980s to 66 years in 2007 [3].…”