Closing the Gap: Uncovering Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in CLL Treatment Outcomes through Real-World Research

Dr. Ira Zackon, a hematologist/oncologist with New York Oncology Hematology and a senior medical director with Ontada, a data science company part of McKesson, discusses a 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 analyzed data from over 12,000 patients with CLL from 2015 to 2023, a period that coincided with the introduction of new and effective CLL therapies such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, and antibodies. These advancements have significantly improved the lives of patients with CLL. However, the study also aimed to explore how social determinants of health, beyond medical treatments, can affect patient outcomes.

The study utilized the iKnowMed electronic health record, part of the US Oncology Network, which is the largest aggregated group of community oncologists in the country. By examining data from a large and geographically diverse database, 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.