Leukemia in Older Adults: Global, National, and Regional Disease Burden Patterns During 1990–2019 and Forecasted Trends to 2030

ABSTRACT Background Despite advances in understanding the principles of leukemia biology and therapeutic achievements, older patients with leukemia continue to face serious challenges. Thus, the diagnosis, treatment, and management of geriatric people with leukemia continue to be significant worldwide health issues. Methods We gathered data on acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphoid leukemia in older individuals (aged 60–89 years) from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of leukemia in older people from 21 regions and 204 countries and territories, using measures of morbidity, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs). Furthermore, we used BAPC (Bayesian age‐period‐cohort) modeling to project leukemia incidence rates from 2019 to 2030 for older adults, broken down by sex. We also looked at risk factors for leukemia‐related DALYs and deaths. Results Over the past 3 decades, the incidence, mortality, and DALYs associated with leukemia have increased markedly among the global population of older adults. Although chronic myeloid leukemia showed a reduced incidence rate and a decrease in mortality and DALYs, the disease burden of other forms of leukemia continues to escalate to different degrees, shaped by regional and national determinants. Importantly, sociodemographic index was associated with variations in leukemia incidence, mortality, and DALYs. Smoking persisted as a substantial risk factor for leukemia‐related death. Projecting the incidence of leukemia in older adults from 2019 to 2030, the incidence of leukemia will remain on the rise and be higher in men than in women. Conclusions Overall, leukemia continues to pose a major threat to health and quality of life among older adults. There is a pressing need for all sectors to collaborate globally to develop individualized treatment plans and advocate for scientific advancements.