Racial Disparities in Myeloma Care: Examining Access to Bispecific Therapies, Treatment Patterns and Outcomes among Minority Patients

IF 2.3 4区医学 Q1 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

Journal of the National Medical Association Pub Date : 2025-09-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.096

Jonathan Tyes, Christie Okoye, Christy Houde, Jay Hydren, Mason Barnes, Rachel Jensen, Jenny Ahlstrom, Jeffrey Zonder, Craig Cole

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Bi-specific antibody therapy represents a promising advancement in the treatment of multiple myeloma, offering targeted, off-the-shelf immunotherapy that may be more accessible than other cellular therapies. However, barriers such as treatment cost, complex care coordination, and the need for frequent clinical visits may still limit equitable access. Black patients—who experience higher incidence and earlier onset of multiple myeloma may face disproportionate challenges in receiving this therapy. While systemic inequities in cancer care are well documented, limited research has explored how patient-level perceptions, experiences, and social determinants influence access to bi-specific antibody treatment.

Objective

This study aims to characterize disparities in access to bi-specific antibody therapy among patients with multiple myeloma, with particular attention to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and social determinants of health. It also seeks to explore how these factors shape patient satisfaction, treatment decision-making, and perceived barriers to care.

Methods

This is a prospective, cross-sectional survey study involving patients with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, including those who are eligible for or have received bi-specific antibody therapy. Participants will be drawn from the HealthTree research registry and invited to complete a 25–35-minute electronic survey containing up to 46 questions. Topics include treatment access, care navigation, perceived barriers, and patient-reported outcomes. An additional 11 items will capture demographic and socioeconomic data, including race/ethnicity, education, insurance coverage, and neighborhood-level indicators. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses (e.g., chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA) will be used, along with multivariable modeling to examine associations between social determinants and disparities in access and outcomes.

Results (Trial in Progress)

As of June 2025, survey data collection is ongoing, with preliminary responses received from a diverse cohort of participants in the HealthTree registry.

Discussion

This study will generate real-world, patient-centered data on inequities in access to bi-specific antibody therapy for multiple myeloma. By incorporating lived experiences and perceptions, the findings aim to inform policy, improve provider awareness, and guide system-level changes to promote more equitable delivery of this emerging treatment modality

查看原文本刊更多论文

骨髓瘤治疗中的种族差异：少数族裔患者获得双特异性治疗、治疗模式和结果的检验

双特异性抗体治疗代表了多发性骨髓瘤治疗的一个有希望的进展，提供了靶向的、现成的免疫治疗，可能比其他细胞治疗更容易获得。然而，诸如治疗费用、复杂的护理协调和需要频繁的临床访问等障碍可能仍然限制公平获取。黑人患者的多发性骨髓瘤发病率高，发病早，在接受这种治疗时可能面临不成比例的挑战。虽然癌症治疗中的系统性不公平已被充分记录，但有限的研究探讨了患者层面的观念、经验和社会决定因素如何影响双特异性抗体治疗的获得。本研究旨在描述多发性骨髓瘤患者获得双特异性抗体治疗的差异，特别关注种族、民族、社会经济地位和健康的社会决定因素。它还试图探索这些因素如何塑造患者满意度，治疗决策和护理的感知障碍。方法：这是一项前瞻性横断调查研究，涉及诊断为多发性骨髓瘤的患者，包括那些有资格或已经接受双特异性抗体治疗的患者。参与者将从HealthTree研究注册表中抽取，并被邀请完成一份25 - 35分钟的电子调查，其中包含多达46个问题。主题包括治疗可及性、护理导航、感知障碍和患者报告的结果。另外11个项目将收集人口和社会经济数据，包括种族/民族、教育、保险覆盖率和社区水平指标。将使用描述性统计和比较分析（例如卡方检验、t检验、方差分析）以及多变量模型来检查社会决定因素与获取和结果差异之间的关联。结果（试验进行中）截至2025年6月，调查数据收集正在进行中，从HealthTree注册表的不同队列参与者那里收到了初步答复。本研究将产生真实世界的，以患者为中心的数据，以获得双特异性抗体治疗多发性骨髓瘤的不公平。通过结合生活经验和看法，研究结果旨在为政策提供信息，提高提供者的认识，并指导系统层面的变革，以促进更公平地提供这种新兴的治疗方式

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of the National Medical Association 医学-医学：内科

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

3.00%

发文量

139

审稿时长

98 days

期刊介绍： Journal of the National Medical Association, the official journal of the National Medical Association, is a peer-reviewed publication whose purpose is to address medical care disparities of persons of African descent. The Journal of the National Medical Association is focused on specialized clinical research activities related to the health problems of African Americans and other minority groups. Special emphasis is placed on the application of medical science to improve the healthcare of underserved populations both in the United States and abroad. The Journal has the following objectives: (1) to expand the base of original peer-reviewed literature and the quality of that research on the topic of minority health; (2) to provide greater dissemination of this research; (3) to offer appropriate and timely recognition of the significant contributions of physicians who serve these populations; and (4) to promote engagement by member and non-member physicians in the overall goals and objectives of the National Medical Association.