Global perspectives on blood cancers: addressing disparities in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment
Sep 9, 2024
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Lalit Kumar, an expert in blood cancer management from Artemis Hospital in India, discusses the challenges of diagnosis and treatment in rural areas. Joseph Mikhael, from the Translational Genomics Research Institute, highlights racial disparities in multiple myeloma treatment in the U.S., emphasizing the need for education and trust. Other guests address socioeconomic barriers in clinical trial recruitment and the stark differences in care accessibility for chronic lymphocytic leukemia across various income countries, advocating for more equitable healthcare options.
The podcast highlights the vital need for improved blood cancer awareness and accessibility in India, particularly in rural areas to enhance diagnosis and treatment.
It addresses the critical racial disparities in multiple myeloma treatment in the U.S., emphasizing the urgent need for equitable healthcare access and resources for affected populations.
Deep dives
Awareness and Challenges in Blood Cancer Treatment in India
The podcast discusses the low awareness of blood cancers in India, alongside the challenges in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Research indicates that there is a significant lack of studies on blood cancer awareness, which contributes to delayed diagnoses, as many rural populations remain uninformed. For instance, while major hospitals follow international standards for diagnosis, smaller healthcare centers often struggle with limited resources, leading to late referrals. The introduction of affordable treatments like generics for imatinib has improved outcomes for chronic myeloid leukemia, yet disparities persist, as access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities remains limited for remote areas.
Racial Disparities in Multiple Myeloma Outcomes
A significant focus is placed on the racial disparities affecting the treatment of multiple myeloma in the United States, particularly among African American and Hispanic Latino populations. Evidence shows that these groups experience doubled rates of myeloma diagnosis, yet their survival rates are drastically lower compared to their white counterparts due to delayed diagnoses and barriers to treatment access. Patients often require multiple visits before receiving a definitive diagnosis, exacerbating health disparities. Collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing trust in the healthcare system and addressing social determinants of health are crucial for bridging these gaps and providing equitable care.
Global Disparities in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Resources
The conversation shifts to global disparities in access to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment and resources, emphasizing findings from a survey across 40 countries. High-income countries generally provide more educational resources and services than low- and middle-income nations, where financial limitations severely impact patient care. For instance, while nearly 61% of patients in high-income countries reported no financial barriers, only 21% in lower-income regions shared this experience. The study highlights the urgent need for improved access to treatment, mental health resources, and clinical trials in low and middle-income countries to address unmet patient needs effectively.
Welcome to the first episode of VJHemOnc’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month special series!
This episode focuses on global perspectives of blood cancers and addresses the disparities that exist in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. First, Lalit Kumar, MD, MBBS, Artemis Hospital, New Delhi, India, discusses challenges that exist in the management of blood cancers in India, and programs that are in place to address these. Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, then goes on to address racial disparities in the treatment of multiple myeloma in America. Amrutha Sridhar, MBBS, University College London Hospitals, London, UK, discusses socioeconomic and racial disparities in myeloma trial recruitment, followed by Brian Koffman, MDCM (retired), MS Ed, CLL Society, Inc., Chula Vista, CA, who shares insights into a survey investigating global disparities in access to treatment and resources for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in low-income countries.