CML: Disparities in Care and How to Fight Them
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) disparities in care
Although CML is now considered a highly treatable cancer, with the development of targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), there remain disparities in care that affect patient outcomes. Some of the key disparities in CML care include:
-Racial/ethnic disparities: Studies have shown that African American and Hispanic patients with CML have lower survival rates and higher rates of treatment discontinuation compared to white patients. This is likely due to several factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to specialized care, and differences in treatment adherence.
-Socioeconomic disparities: Patients with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be diagnosed with CML at a later stage, have less access to specialized care, and experience higher rates of treatment-related toxicities. This is likely due to limited access to healthcare insurance, transportation issues, and other barriers to care.
-Geographic disparities: Patients who live in rural areas or areas without access to specialized CML care centers may have difficulty getting the timely and appropriate treatment they need. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and worse outcomes.
-Age disparities: Older adults with CML may be less likely to receive the most aggressive treatment options due to concerns about toxicity and age-related comorbidities. This can lead to suboptimal outcomes and a lower quality of life.
How to fight disparities in CML care
There are several things that can be done to address disparities in CML care and ensure that all patients have access to the same high-quality care. These include:
- Increasing awareness of CML and its disparities: Raising awareness of CML and the unique challenges faced by certain populations can help to identify and address disparities in care. This can be done through public health campaigns, community outreach, and education of healthcare professionals.
- Improving access to care: Expanding access to specialized CML care centers, providing transportation assistance, and offering financial assistance can help to ensure that all patients have access to the care they need.
- Developing targeted interventions: Developing targeted interventions to address the specific needs of underserved populations can help to improve outcomes for these patients. This may include culturally appropriate education and support, navigation assistance, and case management.
- Encouraging clinical research: Encouraging clinical research that includes diverse populations can help to identify new and more effective treatments for CML and ensure that all patients have access to the latest advances in care.
By addressing disparities in CML care, we can ensure that all patients have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.