Dr. Mesa on Racial Disparities in MPN, MDS, and AML Clinical Trials

Ruben A. Mesa, MD, director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses racial disparities in clinical trials for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPNs), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Clinical trials for patients with MPNs, MDS, and AML lack diversity, says Mesa. Notably, these challenges are similar to those faced in solid tumor studies. 

Some contributing factors ​to the lack of diverse patient accrual include lack of access to clinical trials and financial limitations. 

Moreover, if travel is required, patients must have the financial flexibility to do so​, along with the ability to request time off of work. ​Lack of awareness and ​limited health literacy ​could also be barriers to enrolling a diverse group of patients, Mesa concludes.