Improved access to HCT with reduced racial disparities through integration with leukemia care and haploidentical donors
Asad Bashey, Xu Zhang, Lawrence E. Morris, H. Kent Holland, Lizamarie Bachier‐Rodriguez, Scott R. Solomon, Melhem Solh
Abstract
Few patients with nonfavorable risk (NFR) acute leukemia and myeloid dysplasia syndrome (AL/MDS) undergo allogeneic transplantation (HCT). We assessed whether this could be improved by integrating HCT/leukemia care and the use of haploidentical donors. Of 256 consecutive patients aged <75 years who received initial therapy at our center for NFR AL/MDS from 2016 to 2021, 147 (57%) underwent planned HCT (70% for patients aged <60 years). In the logistic regression analysis, age (OR 1.50 per 10-year increment; P < .001) and race (Black vs White [OR 2.05; P = .023]) were significant factors for failure to receive HCT. Reasons for no HCT included comorbidities (37%), poor KPS, lack of caregiver support, refractory malignancy (19% each), and patient refusal (17%). Lack of donor or insurance were rarely cited (3% each). In older patients (≥60 years), comorbidities (49 vs 15%; P < .001) and KPS (25% vs 10%; P = .06) were more common, and lack of caregivers was less common (13% vs 30%; P = .031). In Black vs White patients, lack of caregivers (37% vs 11%; P = .002) was more frequent. The median time from initial treatment to HCT was 118 days and was similar for Black and White patients. Landmark analysis showed that HCT within 6 months of the initial treatment produced better survival. Multivariable analysis showed that HCT resulted in a significant survival benefit (HR 0.60; P = .020). With the above approach, most of the currently treated patients aged <75 years can access planned HCT. Black patients remain at greater risk of not receiving HCT.