Race/ethnicity in systemic AL amyloidosis: perspectives on disease and outcome disparities

Blood Cancer J. 2020 Nov 10;10(11):118. doi: 10.1038/s41408-020-00385-0.

Abstract

In marked contrast to multiple myeloma, racial/ethnic minorities are underrepresented in publications of systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. The impact of race/ethnicity is therefore lacking in the narrative of this disease. To address this gap, we compared disease characteristics, treatments, and outcomes across racial/ethnic groups in a referred cohort of patients with AL amyloidosis from 1990 to 2020. Among 2416 patients, 14% were minorities. Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) comprised 8% and had higher-risk sociodemographic factors. Hispanics comprised 4% and presented with disproportionately more BU stage IIIb cardiac involvement (27% vs. 4-17%). At onset, minority groups were younger in age by 4-6 years. There was indication of more aggressive disease phenotype among NHBs with higher prevalence of difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains >180 mg/L (39% vs. 22-33%, P = 0.044). Receipt of stem cell transplantation was 30% lower in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic White (NHWs) on account of sociodemographic and physiologic factors. Although the age/sex-adjusted hazard for death among NHBs was 24% higher relative to NHWs (P = 0.020), race/ethnicity itself did not impact survival after controlling for disease severity and treatment variables. These findings highlight the complexities of racial/ethnic disparities in AL amyloidosis. Directed efforts by providers and advocacy groups are needed to expand access to testing and effective treatments within underprivileged communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Ethnicity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis / ethnology*
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis / mortality*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Survival Rate