Study Highlights Socio-Racial Characteristics’ Effect on Outcomes of Primary Myelofibrosis Patients

Socio-Racial Characteristics and Outcome

Results from a study presented at the Society of Hematologic Oncology Annual Meeting showed that socio-racial characteristics may have an impact on the outcomes of patients with primary myelofibrosis.

The study also found a similar distribution of mutations among Black patients and patients of other races with primary myelofibrosis. This suggests that genetic differences may not be the primary explanation for varying outcomes among patients of different racial backgrounds.

Efforts to Address Disparities

M. Bakri Hammami of Jacobi Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine emphasized the need to focus on addressing social disparities to ensure equitable access to high-quality care for all patients with primary myelofibrosis. Efforts to mitigate these disparities could include tailored treatment strategies, improved patient education, and enhanced access to healthcare resources.

About Primary Myelofibrosis

Primary myelofibrosis is an aggressive subtype of BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by bone marrow fibrosis and clonal proliferation.

Research Approach

The study reviewed SEER data from 2000 to 2020 to evaluate socio-racial characteristics and survival data for patients with primary myelofibrosis. The study included 5,403 patients with primary myelofibrosis.

Key Findings

• The estimated overall survival rates at 2 years and 5 years were 69% and 42% respectively.
• Black race was associated with poorer survival outcomes compared to non-Black race.
• Older age and male sex were also factors associated with poorer survival.

Comparison with Medical Records

The study compared the SEER findings with data from medical records of 51 patients with primary myelofibrosis treated at their own institution. The breakdown by race was 35% white, 20% Black, 10% Asian, and 35% other/unknown.

The genetic mutation