Majid Jaberi-Douraki, PhD from Kansas State University, and Shahzad Raza, MD from the Cleveland Clinic, conducted a study to evaluate global disparities in multiple myeloma (MM) through data mining of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
The study aimed to assess adverse events (AEs) associated with FDA-approved MM drugs from 2003 to 2022 and stratify patient data based on age, sex, and geographical regions.
The researchers analyzed data from 381,378 MM patients across North America (NA), Europe (EU), Asia (AS), Africa (AF), Oceania (OC), and Latin America & the Caribbean (LA), sourced from 129 countries.
They focused on AEs that occurred in more than 0.1% of the total cases and categorized them based on phenotypic systems and organs.
The results revealed notable disparities in AE incidence across different regions.
Cardiotoxicities and vascular toxicities were more commonly reported in North America (Males) and Europe (Males) compared to other regions.
Nephrotoxicity was higher in Africa (Males) than in Asia (Males), Europe (Males), and North America (Males).
Peripheral neuropathies were frequent among Europe (Females) and Oceania (Males). Mortality rates were higher in Asia and Europe compared to North America and Oceania.
The researchers also observed secondary neoplasms in the FAERS data. Skin neoplasms were more frequent in Oceania and Europe, while breast neoplasms were highest in Europe (Females) and lowest in Oceania (Females).
Gastrointestinal neoplasms were more common in Asia, Europe, and Oceania (Males). Lymphomas were predominant in Asia (Males) and Oceania (Males), while leukemias were significantly higher in Europe (Males) and Europe (Females).
Respiratory tract and mediastinal neoplasms were more common in Asia, Europe, and Oceania (Males).
The study concludes that FAERS can provide valuable insights into global cancer disparities.
The observed variations in MM AEs can be influenced by factors such as gender and geographical location, including genetics, dosing/regimen, comorbidities, age, and sex.
Further investigations into these variables are necessary to enhance patient care, develop strategies for AE reduction and mortality reduction, and optimize the allocation of healthcare resources.
In summary, this study underscores the importance of considering global perspectives in evaluating drug toxicity trends in multiple myeloma.
By understanding the disparities in adverse events associated with MM drugs, healthcare providers can tailor treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
