Presented By Bristol Myers Squibb
Dr. Amany Keruakous, MD, shared vital information about multiple myeloma with the audience at the Black Health Matters 2025 Health Summit & Expo.
Multiple myeloma disproportionately impacts the Black community in major ways. According to the Journal of Blood Advances, “AAs have a higher risk of MM and the precursor condition monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance compared with White individuals.”
Multiple myeloma is a chronic disease but is not a hopeless one. “There are so many treatment options available,” said Keruakous. “The 10-year survival has significantly gotten better than what it was 20 years ago.”
Keruakous explained that the jarring statistics regarding adverse outcomes of Black patients with multiple myeloma could be a result of improper care and not inherently low chances of successfully fighting the condition. “If it’s treated properly, they do better,” she said. “Unfortunately, because of lack of resources for African-American patients. The survival rates for African-Americans, they have not kept pace.”
Access to care makes a significant difference in the outcome of multiple myeloma cases, according to research done by Keruakous. “Data shows that under equal opportunity treatment settings. The African-American patients, they actually do better than caucasian when they’re treated properly,” she said.
Proper treatments can not be developed and implemented without the type of information obtained from clinical trials. Trials that do not include Black patients prevent Black people from being fully involved in medical innovations.
Bristol Meyers Squibb and SparkCures have partnered on a screening tool that can help healthcare providers determine whether their patients are available to participate in studies.
Keruakous shared information about her research on fighting multiple myeloma, including a cooperative group study. “These two studies actually have a goal of enrolling African-American patients specifically,” she said. She was inspired to diversify participation by the facts surrounding the outcomes in the Black community. “The prognosis is poor if they’re not treated properly,” Keruakous added.
What Do You Need To Know About Multiple Myeloma?
Treatments for Multiple Myeloma are Advancing.
“There have been remarkable improvements in myeloma, research, and treatment, and myeloma will continue to improve,” said Keruakous.
She explained that structures are in place to keep these pricey treatments accessible to those fighting multiple myeloma. “The treatments are extremely expensive, but it is all covered by your insurance, and even if it’s not covered by your insurance, all of the drug companies, they actually have a financial assistance program,” said Keruakous. “I have never had any problems giving the care that we need to our patients, and even if the drug is expensive for the patient, we ask for financial assistance programs to help get the right treatment to the patients.”
There is No Stage Four
Popular culture frequently reinforces the idea that cancer comes in four stages, but Keruakous clarified that does not apply to every type of cancer. “Myeloma has only three stages,” she explained. “Three is the worst. But even with stage three, the treatments are very promising.”
Understanding the details of multiple myeloma’s progression can empower patients to speak confidently with their doctors.
Multiple Myeloma Can Look Like Other Things
Multiple myeloma can be deceptive, according to Keruakous. “Symptoms of myeloma mimic many other conditions,” she said. She cited kidney issues, bone lesions, and anemia as some of the symptoms that could be confused by patients unaware that they are dealing with multiple myeloma.
“60% of people present with anemia, which comes with weakness, fatigue, losing energy, and recurrent infections,” she said.
Screenings Save Lives
Keruakous advised those in the room to take action to mitigate their risk of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma suddenly by ensuring that they are being screened appropriately. The presence of a family member facing multiple myeloma can be a sign to move up one’s screening. She explained that multiple myeloma runs in families due to its pervasiveness. “There is really no conclusive evidence for myeloma being an inherited disease,” she said. “It actually runs in the family just because it’s more common in this race.”
“If you have any relative who has multiple myeloma, go ask your doctor to be screened,” she said passionately. “Just tell your doctor I need to be checked for multiple myeloma.”
Age At Diagnosis Can Impact Outcomes
Keruakous revealed that the majority of diagnoses occur in older patients.
According to the Journal of Blood Advances, “Age at onset affects prognosis for patients with MM, with younger patients generally having better outcomes compared with older patients.”
