The burden of MM in Iran is increasing and geographically unequal, with central-western hotspots and forecasts of continued increases in incidence and prevalence through 2035.
In 2021, Iran recorded 767 new multiple myeloma cases, 2,006 prevalent cases, and 593 deaths, accounting for 15,873 DALYs.
Men consistently showed higher MM burden rates than women in Iran.
Spatial analysis identified central-western provinces as hotspots for MM incidence and prevalence, and Zanjan and Markazi as coldspots.
Mortality and DALY hotspots were concentrated in Isfahan, Hamedan, Alborz, and Qom, while Mazandaran and Ilam had lower burdens.
Forecasts project continued increases in MM incidence and prevalence in Iran through 2035.
Temporary declines in MM burden during 2020-2021 likely reflected COVID-19-related disruptions in diagnosis and reporting.
The authors conclude that MM burden in Iran is increasing and geographically unequal, calling for strengthened early detection, diagnostic capacity, treatment access, and region-specific control strategies.
This study used estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study to look at how common multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, has been in Iran from 1990 to 2021. In 2021, the country had an estimated 767 new cases and 593 deaths. Men had higher rates than women throughout the period. The researchers also mapped the burden by province. Central-western provinces such as Isfahan, Tehran, Alborz, Lorestan, and Qazvin had higher rates of new and existing cases, while Zanjan and Markazi had lower rates. Deaths and years of healthy life lost were concentrated in Isfahan, Hamedan, Alborz, and Qom. Mazandaran and Ilam had lower burdens. Projections suggest the rates of new cases and existing cases will keep rising through 2035. A dip in 2020-2021 probably reflects COVID-19 disruptions to diagnosis and reporting rather than a real decrease. This research suggests that Iran may need better early detection, diagnostic capacity, and access to treatment, with strategies tailored to the regions most affected. Because the data are modeled estimates rather than direct patient-level records, the findings should be interpreted with that limitation in mind.
Taherian M, Jorjani G, Kheiri G, Tavakoli S, Rouzbahani H, Shahrami B, et al.. (2026). Multiple Myeloma in Iran: National Spatiotemporal Trends, Geographic Hotspots, and Projections to 2035.. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.10.3765