Exploring Health Disparities in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Study on Race, Socioeconomic Factors, and Outcomes in Community Oncology Settings

Dr. Ira Zackon, a hematologist/oncologist with New York Oncology Hematology and senior medical director at Ontada, a data science company part of McKesson, discusses the real-world study that aimed to uncover racial and socioeconomic disparities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study focused on comparing CLL outcomes for Black and White patient populations in community oncology settings, analyzing how race and socioeconomic factors may impact treatment and outcomes.

The research utilized data from over 12,000 patients with CLL from 2015 to 2023, during which time new and effective CLL therapies such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, and antibodies were introduced. These advancements have significantly improved the lives of patients with CLL. However, the study also explored the impact of social determinants of health beyond medical treatments on patient outcomes.

By examining data from a large and geographically diverse database through the iKnowMed electronic health record system part of the US Oncology Network, researchers were able to identify trends in CLL treatment and outcomes over an 8-year period. This analysis provided valuable insights into the impact of race and socioeconomic factors on CLL care in real-world community oncology settings.