Conference Abstracts - Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD25)
Vol. 5, Issue Supplement 1, 2025 · S1-2
Limited Access: Real-World Cellular Therapy Experience in Aggressive Lymphomas and the Underrepresentation of Black Patients
Precious Idogun, MD,Ishmael Jaiyesimi, DO, MS, FACP, FASCO,Daniel Ezekwudo, MD., M.Sc., Ph.D
Submission received: 2025-02-14 / Accepted: 2025-02-23 / Published: 2025-04-24
Abstract
Background
Cellular therapy comprises Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE) therapy. As of June 2024, six CAR-T cell therapies have been approved, demonstrating efficacy in patients with B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma (1). Still, use of CAR-T has been limited for several reasons including toxicity, cost, patient hesitation, and absence of caregiver support (2). We assess real-life outcomes and referral/treatment patterns of patients at our community center.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients referred for treatment with cellular therapy at our center from December 2021 to May 2024. All patients who were referred were included. We summarized demographic and clinical characteristics using means, medians, and proportions as appropriate.
Results
45 total referrals were received; 61% were male. The average age of referred patients was 69 while the average age of treated patients was 72. 84% of referred patients were white (n=38) while 9% (n=4) were black. Other minorities comprised 7% (n=3). There were 29 advanced B-cell malignancies and 15 multiple myeloma cases.
64% of referred cases were able to receive treatment at our center. Males comprised 58% of treated patients.
12 patients received CAR-T: 10 for B cell malignancies and 2 for multiple myeloma. No black patients received CAR-T.
17 patients were treated with BiTE therapy, comprising 3 black patients and 1 of another ethnicity.
16 patients were unable to receive treatment at our center, and 1 was of unclear ethnicity. And 3 were black.
Conclusion
Our analysis highlights disparities in CAR-T therapy access for Black patients. Despite 9% of referrals being Black, none received CAR-T, while they comprised 20% of those unable to proceed. Barriers included early mortality, patient hesitation, and loss of follow-up. These findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to improve access and support for Black patients in cellular therapy.