Equal Treatment and Outcomes for Everyone with Multiple Myeloma: Are We There Yet?

Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2017 Aug;12(4):309-316. doi: 10.1007/s11899-017-0393-y.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma treatment has changed tremendously over recent years leading to overall improvement in patient outcomes. With therapeutic advancements, patient care has become increasingly complex and variability is seen in healthcare delivery as well as outcomes when various patient subgroups are analyzed based on sociodemographic factors. It is imperative to understand this variability so that while overall the outcomes get better, specific focus is placed on subgroups that may remain disadvantaged and may not be able to fully access the advancements in therapeutics. Research in multiple myeloma has specifically looked at several such patient subgroups based on socioeconomic status, age, race/ethnicity, insurance carrier, and geographic location that may affect healthcare utilization and patient outcomes. Exploring and understanding these would certainly help address disparities and lead to further equity in healthcare access and, hopefully, patient outcomes.

Keywords: Disparity; Myeloma; Outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*