Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the commonest hematological malignancies of public health importance in sub-Saharan Africa. Though primarily a disease of the bone marrow, it often poses a diagnostic dilemma for the orthopedic surgeons because of the frequent bone manifestations. Consequently, misdiagnosis and late presentation are often common contributory factors to the poor prognosis and survival of victims in Nigeria. There is dearth of information on the survival outcome of myeloma patients on chemotherapy in Nigeria prompting the embark on this study. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed and managed for myeloma, over a period of ten years (2003-2013) in three hospitals in eastern Nigeria. Variables examined in the study included subjects' medical history, investigations, and chemotherapy. Result: The median age of patients was 60.6 years with male/female ratio of 2.3/1. 61.5%, 30.8% and 7.7% presented in Durie Salmon (DS) stages 3, 2 and 1 respectively. The mean survival interval was 39.2 months (95% CI, 32.0-47.2 months). 84.5% and 8% were on Melphalan plus Prednisolone (MP) and Cyclophosphamide plus prednisolone (CP) combination chemotherapies respectively while 7.5% were on triple regimen. The longest survival interval of 70 months was recorded by MP plus Bortezomib (VMP) triple regimen. Conclusion: The prognosis in multiple myeloma patients on chemotherapy is poor in eastern Nigeria. However, favorable outcome is recorded with triple regimen containing Thalidomide and Bortezomib.
