This session will focus on uncovering how disparities in lymphoid cancers may be influenced by both the tumor microenvironment and genetic sequencing. By examining different types of lymphomas, the speakers will highlight how biological and genetic factors contribute to the disparities observed in Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma for specific populations. This session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact and shape treatment responses, survival rates, and disease progression, offering insights into reducing healthcare inequities. Together, these presentations will underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach—encompassing both the tumor environment and genetic profiling—to tackling disparities in lymphoma treatment and outcomes.

Dr. Cozen will discuss the critical role the tumor microenvironment plays in influencing disease outcomes, specifically focusing on how immune cells, stromal cells, and signaling molecules create conditions that vary across multiethnic cohorts. The presentation will explore how these variations may contribute to the disparities seen in survival and treatment response in both Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. She will also present recent findings that suggest the microenvironment's interaction with genetic and socioeconomic factors, shaping future approaches for research and interventions for these populations.

Dr. Flowers will delve into the role of tumor sequencing in identifying genetic mutations and biomarkers that may be disproportionately prevalent across ancestry groups. The presentation will also discuss the relationships between genomic data and disease phenotypes that can be modeled and may impact treatment efficacy and outcomes. He will discuss the implications of these findings for precision medicine, including the need for more inclusive genetic research to better understand and address these disparities.