Characteristics and survival of African American (AA) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients (Pts): A report from the Connect MM Registry.

e19529 Background: MM incidence in AA is twice that of Caucasians (CA) yet differences in disease biology and healthcare utilization may impact treatment (Tx) and outcomes in AA pts. Connect MM is a prospective, observational, US, multicenter registry designed to characterize the natural history and management of pts with NDMM in the era of novel Tx. Methods: From September 2009 to December 2011, 1493 pts with NDMM (diagnosed ≤ 2 mo before study entry) were enrolled at 234 sites. We analyzed data collected through June 30, 2014. Baseline pt and disease characteristics and initial Tx were assessed by multivariate analysis with outcomes to evaluate the impact of ethnicity. Results: Of 1,493 pts, 198 (13%) were AA and 1,223 (82%) were CA. AA pts were younger than CA (median, 64 vs 67 y) and a lower proportion was male (49% vs 59%). Differences between AA and CA pts were noted for Hb 2 mg/dL (24% vs 17.6%), hypertension Hx (68% vs 5...