Aysegul Ozdogan BIRCAN, Eyup Naci TIFTIK, Gulhan Orekici TEMEL
The Atlantic Journal of Medical Science and Research - 2026;6(2):145-153
Aim: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. Prognosis varies according to several factors, including laboratory parameters, comorbidities, and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic markers and survival outcomes in patients with MM. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 180 patients diagnosed with MM at Mersin University Hospital between 2005 and 2017. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were collected at diagnosis. Patients were staged according to the International Staging System (ISS) and the Durie-Salmon classification. Prognostic and mortality analyses included demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters (e.g., hemoglobin, renal function, calcium, platelet count), disease stage, and treatment modalities. Results: Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients under 65 years of age compared to those aged 65 years and older (41.3 vs. 20.7 months, p<0.001), and in patients with hemoglobin levels >=10 g/dL compared to those with lower levels (38.5 vs. 23.0 months, p<0.001). Renal dysfunction, hypercalcemia, and platelet counts <140.000/muL were associated with shorter OS. Thrombocytopenia was identified as an independent predictor of mortality (OR 6.29, p<0.001). Patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had significantly improved OS compared to those who did not (50 vs. 25.5 months, p<0.001). Radiotherapy was associated with better survival, whereas the presence of osteolytic lesions and the need for dialysis were associated with poorer outcomes. Among first-line therapies, V AD-based regimens demonstrated superior OS compared to thalidomide-based regimens (p=0.004). Conclusion: In our study, we showed that low hemoglobin (<10 g/dL), impaired renal function (creatinine >=2 mg/dL) , hypercalcemia (calcium >=11.5 mg/dL), and low platelet count (<140.000/muL) were associated with poorer survival in MM. Age was also a significant prognostic factor. Patients who underwent ASCT had significantly better survival compared to those who did not, highlighting the prognostic impact of treatment strategies.
