Multiple myeloma (MM) is twice as common in African American (AA) patients with a higher mortality rate as compared to Whites. Increased use of stem cell transplantation and availability of highly effective, novel therapies have resulted in significantly improved survival in White patients with MM, while it is still lagging in AA. However, when provided with equal access to therapies, AA with MM have similar or even better outcomes compared to Whites. This underscores the role of race as a social construct and not merely a biologic entity in MM, and the need to better understand and address these health care disparities to achieve equal outcomes. This session will highlight recent research that enhances our understanding of the multiple mechanisms by which racial disparities influence the differential outcomes in AA with MM, and potential measures to bridge this health inequity.

Dr. Yvonne Efebera will discuss the role of race in healthcare disparities in AA with MM. She will provide an overview of the interplay of various factors including biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and systemic determinants impacting access to healthcare and outcomes in patients with MM. Dr. Efebera will discuss ongoing scientific research and emerging concepts that support equitable care as a means to tackle the greater burden of MM in AA.

Dr. Srinivas Devarakonda will address the significance of the need for representation of AA in scientific research in MM to reduce the outcome disparities. Enrollment of AA into genomic studies and clinical trials is vital to study the unique tumor and host biology, and increase the applicability of the research behind approved MM therapies. Dr. Devarakonda will discuss the barriers to accrual and various methods to improve the clinical trial enrollment of AA with MM including redesigning the trials to increase their eligibility.