Disparities in time to prescription fill for anti-myeloma drugs exist based on race and insurance type, researchers have found. In people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, high out-of-pocket costs or the burdensome insurance precertification process can delay the start of costly anti-myeloma agents and can lead some patients to resort to less-costly corticosteroids.
In a study of 723 adults newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma from 2017 through 2021, the cumulative incidences of prescription filled for anti-myeloma drugs excluding corticosteroids at 30 days was 40% in White patients, 28% in Black patients, and 17% in other races. Black patients were 37% less likely than White patients to have their prescription filled at 30 days.
“Understanding how race and social determinants of health affect delays in care is critical if we are to plan health policy initiatives and patient navigation programs aimed at achieving health equity,” the researchers noted.
See “Barriers to Care Delay Costly Multiple Myeloma Treatment” (June 13, 2024)
