Fewer Black patients and older adults get blood or marrow transplants (BMT)
There has been some progress in increasing access to BMT for different racial and ethnic groups. However, the study shows that we need to improve access for Black patients and older adults.
Age0-84 years old
Number of Participants136,280
Research GoalIncrease Access
A blood or marrow transplant (BMT) can treat many blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma.
In the past, studies showed that more people were getting a BMT. But, there were differences in who got a BMT based on race, ethnicity or age. Researchers wanted to see if these differences still exist.
The study looked at over 136,000 patients in the U.S. who got a BMT between 2008 and 2018.
Results
- BMT use increased during the study for all diseases, races, ethnicities and ages.
- BMT use increased at a similar rate for patients who were:
- American Indian
- Asian
- Hispanic or Latino
- Non-Hispanic White
- Between 2017 and 2018, BMT rates were lower for Black patients aged 40 to 84 with AML or MDS.
- Allogeneic BMT rates were lower in diseases that typically affect older patients, like MDS.
Impact
- There has been some progress in increasing access to BMT for different racial and ethnic groups. However, the study shows that we need to improve access for Black patients and older adults.
- This information can help doctors and healthcare providers make changes to improve access to care.