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Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports
Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports 3/2019

01-06-2019 | Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia | Health Economics (N Khera, Section Editor)

Disparities in Survival and Health Outcomes in Childhood Leukemia

Authors: Lena E. Winestone, Richard Aplenc

Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature on pediatric leukemia disparities with attention to not only racial and ethnic disparities, but also socioeconomic disparities. We focus on disparities in survival as well as other health-related outcomes, including end-of-life care and late effects.

Recent Findings

While progress has been made in decreasing some disparities, most notably in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, disparities along many axes persist. Proposed etiologies include differences in the genomic alterations of the leukemia itself to differences in access to care that operate through socioeconomic status, insurance, and geographic location.

Summary

As approaches to therapy become increasingly technical and complex, particular attention to the equitable distribution of these personalized therapeutic interventions is essential. Moving beyond simple descriptive studies to focus on mechanisms of existing disparities will allow for design of interventions to reduce or eliminate disparities in pediatric leukemia.
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Metadata
Title
Disparities in Survival and Health Outcomes in Childhood Leukemia
Authors
Lena E. Winestone
Richard Aplenc
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1558-8211
Electronic ISSN: 1558-822X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-019-00515-x

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