Overview
Recent advances in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have significantly improved patient outcomes. However, there is limited research on how social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to disparities in these outcomes for patients with DLBCL.
This study used data from over 6,800 adults with DLBCL to examine how SDOH—like economic status, healthcare access, neighborhood resources, and racial segregation—impact survival. Researchers found that patients living in the most socially deprived areas had a significantly higher risk of death, even after accounting for clinical and demographic factors. The greatest risks were seen in communities with high social deprivation, limited healthcare access, low private insurance, and poor access to technology
Why this matters
Despite therapeutic progress in DLBCL, social and community factors remain critical drivers of patient outcomes. Addressing these social inequities is essential to ensure all patients have the best chance at survival, and future efforts should focus on reducing these barriers to care.