Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Utilization in Multiple Myeloma Have Persisted Over Time Even After Referral to a Transplant Center

Abstract

Despite the use of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) for almost 40 years and its persistence as standard of care in transplantation-eligible patients with MM even after the advent of novel agents, AHCT remains underutilized, especially in racial and ethnic minority populations. As part of a multipronged effort to quantify disparities in AHCT utilization in MM by race and ethnicity and over time in our own cancer center, we conducted an institutional review of all new patients seen at an academic transplant center for consultation for MM between 2012 and 2022, to calculate AHCT utilization and investigate the factors associated with AHCT utilization. Race and ethnicity were self-reported. Baseline characteristics were analyzed in 3 groups: non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Others. Reasons for not undergoing AHCT in the EHR were recorded. Multivariate analyses evaluated the effect of group on AHCT utilization, controlling for covariates related to patients not undergoing AHCT by overall cohort and consult period. Of the 1266 patients, 13.4% were NHB. The median age at consult was 66 (IQR, 23-97) years overall, 66 (IQR, 23-97) years for NHWs, 63 (IQR, 25-85) years for NHBs, and 59.5 (IQR, 31-79) years for Others (P < .01). AHCT utilization was 76% overall, 64.7% in NHBs, 76.8% in Others, and 77.8% in NHWs (P < .01). Age, cytogenetics, stage, comorbidities, and time from diagnosis to consult were associated with receipt of AHCT. From 2012-2017 to 2018-2022, NHB AHCT utilization increased from 57.5% to 69.8% (P = .10). For those who did not receive AHCT, patient preference, older age, comorbidity, early mortality, and lack of caregiver support were the most frequently documented reasons. The NHW group had greater AHCT utilization compared to the NHB group (odds ratio [OR], 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.17-5.08; P < .0001). Absent cardiac (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.35-2.62; P = .0002) or renal comorbidity (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.03-5.15; P < .0001) was associated with receipt of AHCT. Older age at consult (OR, .89; 95% CI, .87-.90; P < .0001) and longer time from diagnosis to consult (OR, .97; 95% CI, .95-.98; P < .0001) were associated with lower AHCT utilization. While AHCT utilization increased from 2012-2017 to 2018-2022 in NHBs compared to NHWs, it remained significantly lower. Racial and ethnic AHCT underutilization has improved over time, but disparities persist. Younger age at consult, shorter time from diagnosis to consult, and lack of cardiac and renal comorbidities also are associated with AHCT utilization.

Keywords: Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation; Ethnicity; Health disparities; Health equity; Healthcare access; Multiple myeloma; Race.