Overview
Treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has advanced with the development of novel therapies like acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, and venetoclax-based regimens. However, access to these preferred treatments is not equitable across racial and ethnic groups.
This study analyzed data from the Flatiron Health Research Database, focusing on 4,452 CLL patients in the US. Researchers found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive novel therapies compared to White patients, and a significant portion of this disparity was mediated by social determinants of health (SDOH), particularly residential segregation.
Why this matters
The study highlights critical inequities in access to cutting-edge CLL treatments, driven largely by structural barriers like neighborhood deprivation and lack of resources. Understanding these barriers is crucial in designing interventions to ensure all patients have equal access to effective therapies. By improving the understanding of barriers, this research allows for targeted efforts to address systemic inequities and improve access to novel therapies.