A recent article, which appeared in JAMA Network Open has provided information regarding the provision of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) treatment which is usually administered in the case of blood cancers to different ethnicities and races in the US. Author Dr. Theresa Hahn and colleagues are very affirmative about success but at the same time make alarming revelations regarding the discrimination and accessibility of a treatment that has the potential to save many lives.
Key Findings
- Overall Increase in HCT Use: It was found in the study that there was an increase in the use of HCT for blood cancers among all the racial and ethnic categories in the years 2009 to 2018. This is good news since it means that a wider group of patients is receiving this very critical treatment option.
- Narrowing Gaps for Some Groups: There were considerable increases in HCT utilization rates for Hispanic patients and younger patients (i.e., less than 40 years of age). In several instances, by the conclusion of the period of study, their HCT use rates were on par with those of non-Hispanic White patients.
- Persistent Disparities for Black Patients: The study however also found that black patients remain less likely to utilize HCT compared to white patients for some blood cancer types such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and multiple myeloma.
- Age-Related Differences: The research showed that compared to older patients (40-84 years old) younger patients (0-39 years old) had more availed HCT for diseases such as AML.
Why This Matters
Hepatic Cellular Transplantation (HCT) which covers bone marrow transplants as well stem cell transplants is an important treatment for a variety of blood cancers. It can give patients the maximum prospects for long remissions if not eradication of disease. HCT disparities therefore can lead to a significant difference in the survival chances of the patient after treatment.
Calls for Action
The researchers highlight that further research is required to understand why these disparities exist. They propose that structural and systemic racism may be some of the reasons why HCT is not accessible to certain patient groups.
There is a call from Dr. Hahn and her team for targeted to increase the usage of HCT especially among Black patients and older adults who have specific blood cancers. This may involve tackling such concerns as:
- Enhancing referral intermediaries to transplant centers
- Heightening knowledge of patients on HCT as a management option
- Mitigating social economi c factors that inhibit seeking specialized treatment
- Diversity in donor registries
The Bottom Line
Although the study shows that some of the inequalities have been closed, it is apparent that more efforts are required in ensuring that all patients who can benefit from HCT get it in a fair manner. As the research advances and further understanding of the disease develops, it is hoped that these deficiencies in care will continue to diminish and bring improvements for all blood cancer patients, no matter the race or age.
