Research cuts may widen racial disparities for common blood cancer, multiple myeloma

Understanding Multiple Myeloma: A Personal Journey

At the age of 72, Diane Hunter began experiencing a myriad of symptoms that puzzled her doctors. From pain in her spine and hips to nausea, exhaustion, thirst, and frequent urination, her primary care physician initially attributed her ailments to the natural process of aging, ruling out diabetes as the cause. However, months of intense back pain eventually led her to the emergency room, where a doctor suspected she might have multiple myeloma, a cancer that develops in bone marrow plasma cells.

For Hunter, a Black woman living in Montgomery, Alabama, the road to diagnosis was fraught with challenges. Her primary care doctor dismissed recommendations for further testing, including a bone marrow biopsy, despite concerning protein counts in her blood. Frustrated and determined to find answers, Hunter sought out a new doctor who confirmed her diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is not only one of the most common blood cancers but also the most diagnosed among African Americans. Studies have shown that societal factors such as socioeconomic status and lack of access to healthcare services contribute to delays in diagnosis for Black patients. Monique Hartley-Brown, a multiple myeloma researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlighted the disparities in timely diagnosis and treatment for Black patients, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and access to care.

Jim Washington, a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, had a different experience with multiple myeloma. At the age of 61, excruciating hip pain led him to seek medical attention, where he was promptly diagnosed with the disease. With the support of his concierge doctor and premium health insurance, Washington underwent high-dose chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant, ultimately achieving remission.

Despite the challenges faced by Black patients in accessing cutting-edge treatments, Washington was able to benefit from the latest advancements in multiple myeloma therapy. In 2021, the FDA approved CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of multiple myeloma, offering new hope for patients like Washington.

While disparities in clinical trial participation and access to innovative treatments persist, patients like Washington and Hunter remain optimistic about the future of multiple myeloma treatment. Hunter, now a support group co-leader and patient advocate, shares stories of hope and resilience within the multiple myeloma community, emphasizing the progress that has been made in understanding and treating the disease.

As research funding cuts threaten to hinder advancements in multiple myeloma treatment, the voices of patients like Hunter and Washington serve as a reminder of the importance of continued investment in cancer research. By addressing disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and access to care, we can work towards a future where multiple myeloma is not only treatable but potentially curable.