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These Minorities Have Low Stem Cell Utilization Rates

Cancer; ePub 2017 May 4; Schriber, Hari, et al

Although stem cell transplantation utilization rate (STUR) has increased in patients with multiple myeloma, it is still significantly lower among Hispanics and blacks, according to a study involving more than 24,000 individuals.

Investigators calculated STUR, and then analyzed post autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes in participants who underwent melphalan-conditioned peripheral cell grafts between 2008 and 2014. Among the results:

  • STUR increased across all groups.
  • The increase was substantially lower in Hispanics and blacks, vs whites.
  • ~4 in every 10 Hispanic and black patients >60 years of age underwent transplantation, vs 56% of whites.
  • Karnofsky score <90% and a hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index score >3 were more common in blacks than whites.
  • 57% of Hispanics had stage III disease, vs 54% of blacks, and 52% of whites.
  • 48% of Hispanics had very good partial response or better before transplant, vs 45% of blacks and 44% of whites.
  • Race/ethnicity had no effect on post-AHCT outcomes.

Citation:

Schriber J, Hari P, Ahn K, et al. Hispanics have the lowest stem cell transplant utilization rate for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for multiple myeloma in the United States: A CIBMTR report. [Published online ahead of print May 4, 2017]. Cancer. doi:10.1002/cncr.30747.