Multiple myeloma in young population

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is overall the 14th most common malignancy and is generally diagnosed in patients over the age of 60 years. Interestingly, MM is rarely observed in younger patients, less than 40 years of age. Only a few cases of MM afflicting young patients have been reported thus far with 2% on average. In this study, we discussed on the distribution, demographic, laboratory data and clinical presentation of the young population (≤40 years old) affected by MM. A retrospective institutional record review of patients ≤40 years from January 2019–December 2021 was reviewed. Total of 106 samples was screened for MM using Serum and Urine Protein Electrophoresis (SUPE) and immunofixation (IFX). SUPE and IFX were carried out on Sebia Hydrasys 2 Scan and HYDRAGEL 2 IF by following the manufacturer’s protocol. Heavy and light chain of M protein, demographic data on age, ethnicity, gender and clinical presentation features were collected. Out of 106 young patients, 23 (21.6%) showed the presence of M protein. IgG kappa was predominant followed by light chain lambda, IgM lambda and dimeric G lambda. Clinical presentation shows the majority presented with bone pain (11/23), followed by bone fracture (6/23) and anaemia (6/23). The median age is 37 years old at diagnosis with a ratio of 1:1.2 male to female. The disease is predominant in Malay, followed by Indian and Chinese ethnic.