Trends in multiple myeloma presentation, management, cost of care, and outcomes in the Medicare population: A comprehensive look at racial disparities.

Background: Outcomes have improved significantly in multiple myeloma (MM), but racial disparities in health care access and survival exist. A comprehensive analysis exploring MM care and racial disparities is warranted.

Methods: Patients with MM from 1991 to 2010 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database were evaluated for racial trends in clinical myeloma-defining events (MDEs), the receipt of treatment (drugs and stem cell transplantation; [SCT]), the cost of care, and overall survival (OS).

Racial disparity in utilization of therapeutic modalities among multiple myeloma patients: a SEER-medicare analysis.

Outcomes have improved considerably in multiple myeloma (MM), but disparities among racial-ethnic groups exist. Differences in utilization of novel therapeutics are likely contributing factors. We explored such differences from the SEER-Medicare database.