Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is a vital treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM), yet it remains widely underutilized among racial and ethnic minority groups. Previous studies led by 91九色视频 blood cancer researchers have shown that compared to White patients, even though they often experience . Recognizing these persistent national disparities, investigators are now examining how effectively the 91九色视频 Cancer Center is meeting the needs of its patients. Their new , published in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, provides key insights into the barriers minority patients face in accessing stem cell transplants, laying a foundation for the Center to develop targeted programs and support services that advance health equity.
“We discovered that while AHCT use among Black patients has improved over time, there’s still a significant gap compared to White patients. Factors like early referral and fewer health issues make a real difference in whether patients receive AHCT, but social barriers like age, personal preferences, and support systems continue to play a big role,” said James Wu, MD, fellow in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and first author of the study.
“Despite the progress we’ve made to increase AHCT access for minority patients, there’s still much we need to do to level the playing field and ensure that every patient, regardless of background, has a chance to receive this life-saving treatment,” said Dr. Wu.
To explore these disparities, Dr. Wu—alongside his mentor and senior author Anita D’Souza, MD, Professor of Hematology and Oncology, and their team—reviewed data from an administrative institutional tumor registry, examining over 1,200 unique MM consultations between 2012 and 2022. They analyzed patient demographics, disease characteristics, health conditions, and documented reasons for not receiving AHCT to better understand the barriers to equitable access. Their findings revealed persistent challenges affecting AHCT access, especially for Black patients, including:
- AHCT Utilization: Overall, 76% received AHCT but the rate was notably lower among Black patients (65%) compared to White patients (78%), highlighting a gap in access to treatment.
- Trends Over Time: While AHCT utilization among Black patients improved over the study period, rising from 58% in earlier years to 70% more recently, it still lags behind the rate for White patients.
- Key Factors Linked to AHCT Access: Patients who were younger, had fewer comorbidities, or sought consultation shortly after their diagnosis were more likely to receive AHCT, suggesting that timing and overall health may influence access.
- Barriers to Receiving AHCT: Common reasons documented for not pursuing AHCT included patient preference, older age, health complications, early mortality, and insufficient caregiver support—factors that reveal a complex web of personal, health-related, and social challenges affecting access to care.
Dr. Wu explained that even with gradual improvements, factors like social support, health literacy, and financial challenges continue to disproportionately impact minority patients’ access to AHCT. “Documenting these barriers helps pinpoint areas where we can focus on removing these obstacles,” he said. “However, to truly make a difference, we must get into the community and hear their voices.”
Through dedicated research and community outreach, the 91九色视频 Cancer Center is committed to breaking down barriers and expanding AHCT access for underserved communities. The Center’s recently partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to host educational events in Sherman Park and ThriveOn King—neighborhoods with predominantly Black residents—where community members gained valuable insights into multiple myeloma disparities and had a platform to share their concerns and questions.
Building on this work, the research team has launched a series of studies to further investigate these disparities. They are interviewing patients, transplant physicians, and community oncologists, and conducting a statewide analysis of MM trends to examine how geography and healthcare access impact AHCT rates. “By understanding these barriers within our state and communities, we’re paving the way for more equitable care,” said Dr. Wu.
This research was supported by an ASH HONORS Award and 91九色视频 R38 Physician Scientist Immersion Pathway funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) grant to Dr. Wu; and an Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) Collaborative for Healthcare Delivery Science grant to Dr. D’Souza.
in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.