Real-world Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Based on Interphase Fluorescent In situ Hybridization: A Retrospective Analysis

Limited data exist on interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (iFISH)-based survival outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) from India. To study the demographics and iFISH-based survival outcomes in NDMM patients treated with proteasome inhibitors from a community-based cancer setup. We reviewed the records of 25 patients treated with proteasome inhibitors between June 2017 and April 2023 using five high-risk (HR) iFISH markers based on mSMART 3.0. The median age was 60 years (range 34–87). HR iFISH was detected in 12 (48%) patients. With a median follow-up of 27 months, the overall response at the last follow-up was 80% (very good partial response - 52%, complete remission - 20%, and partial response - 8%), with 8 (32%) relapses. Twenty (80%) patients remain alive, with five deaths in HR (sepsis [ n = 3]). The 2.5-year overall survival in HR and standard risk was 55.6% ± 15.2% and 100% ( P = 0.01), and event-free survival was 32.4% ± 16.5% and 77.8% ± 13.8% ( P = 0.02), respectively. Using limited iFISH HR markers helps in the early and effective stratification of NDMM in the real world. Sepsis remains an important cause of mortality in an Indian setup.