Science Highlights
Published on April 30, 2024
Effect of socioeconomic disparities on post-HCT outcomes in AML
by Nature.com
Olivieri DJ, Othus M, Orvain C, et al. Impact of Socioeconomic Disparities on Outcomes in Adults Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Leukemia. 2024; (doi: 10.1038/s41375-024-02172-3).
Socioeconomic disparities may narrow access to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but new research suggests these factors have little impact on post-transplant outcomes. As part of a retrospective, single-site study, researchers analyzed 1,024 adults with AML who underwent allo-HCT between May 2006 and October 2021. Overwhelmingly, general and personal socioeconomic factors, plus non-biologic factors such as race/ethnicity, marital status, household size, and distance traveled did not correlate to non-relapse mortality (NRM), overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival, or relapse. Exceptions included married status — which was associated with improved NRM — and lack of insurance, which was linked to poorer OS. The sample was fairly homogeneous in terms of racial makeup, yet investigators documented an association between Asian race and improved NRM. Another pattern that emerged was higher relapse risk in the American Indian/Alaskan Native population. More study is warranted, the authors concluded, to understand and address disparities among patients eligible for allo-HCT.
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