A new research paper has been published in Volume 17. onco target April 28, 2026, titled “Targeted Therapies and U.S. Population-Level Mortality Trends in Multiple Myeloma: A SEER-Based Analysis from 1975 to 2023.”
The study was led by lead author and corresponding author Navkirat Kahlon of the Large General Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglas Hospital, in collaboration with researchers at multiple institutions in the United States. In this study, researchers used population-level data from the SEER database to examine how multiple myeloma mortality trends in the United States have changed over nearly 50 years. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells, has historically had a low survival rate, but treatment options have evolved dramatically over time.
This analysis revealed clear changes in mortality trends that closely parallel advances in major treatments. From 1975 to the mid-1990s, mortality rates steadily increased, reflecting the limited effectiveness of initial treatments such as alkylating agents and corticosteroids. A turning point occurred in the 1990s with the introduction of autologous stem cell transplantation, which significantly improved survival outcomes for the first time.
Over the next few years, the development of targeted therapies, such as immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, led to more pronounced reductions in mortality. These treatments have introduced new mechanisms of action, such as immunomodulation and enhanced apoptosis of cancer cells, and have significantly improved disease control.
Further advances have been made in recent years with the introduction of monoclonal antibodies, maintenance therapy, and combination treatment strategies. Of note, the steepest decline in mortality occurred between 2021 and 2023, coinciding with the clinical adoption of advanced immunotherapies such as CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. These treatments have shown the ability to induce deep and long-lasting responses even in well-pretreated patients.
”Our findings highlight the real-world impact of targeted therapies on population-level outcomes and highlight the urgent need for care models that ensure accessibility, affordability, and long-term sustainability in the era of precision oncology.. ”
Importantly, while these therapeutic advances have improved survival rates, they have also created new challenges. Currently, many patients require long-term treatment, which can be associated with cumulative toxicity and significant economic burden. Furthermore, access to these treatments remains uneven, influenced by geographic, socio-economic, and health system factors.
Overall, this study provides a comprehensive and realistic perspective on how advances in cancer treatment have led to measurable improvements in survival at the population level. At the same time, it also emphasizes the need to ensure these benefits are sustainable and available to all patients as the field continues to evolve.
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Reference magazines:
Carlon N. Others. (2026). Targeted therapies and U.S. population-level mortality trends in multiple myeloma: A SEER-based analysis from 1975 to 2023. onco target. DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28877. https://www.oncotarget.com/article/28877/text/
