Hematology AdvisorASH 2023: Reducing Inequities in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Outcomes

How can novel therapies impact the role of social determinants?

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the disparities in survival rates among patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). It emphasizes the worse outcomes for Black patients and the significant role of Social Determinants of Health (SDHs) in these outcomes. The article also explores the potential of novel therapies in reducing these inequities.

Key Points:

• Survival rates among patients with MCL remain suboptimal despite an increase in available therapeutic options.
• Black patients, both younger and older than 65 years, have inferior survival rates compared to their White counterparts.
• Nonbiological factors, known as Social Determinants of Health (SDHs), significantly impact these outcomes.
• Novel therapies, including BTK and BCL2 inhibitors, have improved survival rates.
• Studies into novel treatment paradigms, such as the combination of the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib with rituximab, show promising results.
• A phase 2 trial into the combination of zanubrutinib, obinutuzumab, and venetoclax (BOVen) showed a complete response rate of 88% at a median follow-up of 16.1 months among patients with TP53-mutated disease.

HCN Medical Memo
According to the American Cancer Society, the overall 5-year survival rate for people with MCL is about 71%, but survival rates can vary widely depending on the stage of the disease.

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