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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.
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.