Survival rates for people with myeloma, a type of blood cancer, have nearly doubled in recent years, according to new research led by the University of York.
The study, led by the University of York and funded by Cancer Research UK and Blood Cancer UK, found median survival for people with myeloma rose from 2.4 years in 2005 to 4.5 years in 2019.
The findings, published in Haematologica, are based on data from more than 3,700 UK patients in England and co-authored by members of NIHR Leeds BRC’s Haematological Theme.
Our colleague Professor Alexandra Smith, Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at the University of York and lead author of the study, said:
“Thanks to research, someone diagnosed with myeloma now has far better prospects than they would have two decades ago.
“New treatments are kinder, less toxic, and more effective, allowing every patient – including the most vulnerable – to benefit.
“But we can’t stop here. Survival for myeloma remains devastatingly low – which is why continued research into new ways to treat the disease, and diagnose it sooner, is so vital.”
Our Haematology theme leads Professor Eve Roman and Professor Gordon Cook were also co-authors on the study into myeloma, which historically has a low survival rate compared to many cancer types, partly due to limited options for treatment.
Experts believe recent progress is largely due to the adoption of new innovations – such as bortezomib, a drug which is more targeted and has less side-effects than chemotherapy. Another key drug, cyclophosphamide, was discovered and developed by Cancer Research UK scientists.
Patients aged 80 and over have seen the biggest gains in net survival, with the proportion of people in this age group surviving their disease for five years or more increasing by five-fold since 2005. This is partly due to their increased participation in clinical trials, and the availability of kinder treatments that more frail patients can tolerate.
Earlier diagnosis of myeloma could also be a factor driving progress. However, identifying the disease at an early stage remains difficult as some people may not experience symptoms, whilst others have symptoms that are vague and hard to spot – such as bone pain and tiredness.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Myeloma affects around 6,300 people in the UK every year. Currently there is no cure, but treatment can help to manage symptoms and extend life.