Health disparity in use of novel agents for first-line therapy in Black and White patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the Department of Veterans Affairs

Kana Tai Lucero, Obiageri O. Obodozie-Ofoegbu, Zohra Nooruddin, Kellie Ryan, Alyssa Castillo, Amanda M. Moore, Xavier Jones, Christopher R. Frei

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Novel agents (NAs) (ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax) were first introduced in 2013 as therapeutic options to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). OBJECTIVES: To determine if the uptake of NAs for first-line treatment was similar in Black and White patients with CLL treated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adults with CLL managed in the VA from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2017. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic data, and appropriate bivariable statistical tests were used to compare NA use, baseline characteristics, health outcomes, and complications. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with uptake of NAs. The study included 565 patients; 86% were White and 14% were Black. Black patients were younger than White patients (median age [66 vs 69 years; P<0.01]) but had similar median baseline Charlson comorbidity scores (4 vs 5). RESULTS: Overall, Black patients were less likely to receive NAs than White patients (14% vs 26%; P=0.02). The gap narrowed over the study period: 4% vs 17% (2014), 13% vs 25% (2015), 17% vs 33% (2016), and 31% vs 33% (2017). Black race (P=0.02) and fiscal year (P<0.01) were the only variables significantly associated with NA use in the multivariable model. Health outcomes and most complications were similar for Black and White patients despite the difference in prescribing patterns. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to identify a potential health disparity with respect to use of NAs among Black and White patients with CLL treated in the VA. Fortunately, health outcomes and most complications were similar for Black and White patients despite the difference in prescribing patterns.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)420-430
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2023
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy
  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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