1546 Background: Approximately 58,970 new cancer diagnoses are projected for 2022 in Georgia (GA), contributing to 18,750 deaths. African Americans (AA) make up about one-third of Georgia’s population compared to 14% of the national population. Cancer survival rates are lower for AA than non-AA for almost all cancer types. Biological factors do not account for all these differences. We explore the impact of racial disparities on cancer care in Georgia. Methods: We used 2020 behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) data to capture patient-reported data on various demographic and health coverage variables. Oncology patients in the stage of Georgia were selected for our analysis. We evaluated the effect of racial disparities on clinical services received. Results: In the state of GA, 9,090 participants responded to the 2020-BRFSS, of which 400 partcipants had a history of cancer diagnosis other than skin cancer. Males and females comprised 37% and 63%, respectively. AA represented 15.8% of the respondents. The majority of the oncology respondents reported having health care coverage (96%) and having insurance coverage for all cancer treatments (96.8%) despite having 81.9% of the participants unemployed. Compared to non-AA, AA participants reported lower rates of health insurance payment for cancer treatment (84% v 99.3%, P = 0.0022) and lower levels of annual incomes (percentage of annual income <50,000$/year was 72.3% vs 51.5%, P = 0.0151). AA participants were four times less likely to have full coverage for cancer-related treatment than non-AA (odds ratio=4.31). There was no statistically significant difference in secondary education rates, health care coverage, the inability to see a physician due to cost, receipt of summary of treatment or written instructions, denial of insurance coverage due to cancer, and clinical trial participation. Participants with at least secondary education were more likely to have full insurance coverage for all cancer treatment expenses (P = 0.0206). Conclusions: Among cancer patients in Georgia, income rates were lower in AA than in non-AA. They were also less likely to have full coverage for cancer-related treatment. Analysis suggests secondary education increases the likelihood of having full insurance coverage. Education and income disparity may have a bearing on the accessibility and quality of cancer care. Addressing these inequities on a societal level will be key in ensuring high-quality oncology care for all. [Table: see text]
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable clonal B-cell malignancy that usually presents with neoplastic monoclonal plasma cells in either bone or soft tissues. Central nervous system involvement of the myeloma (CNS-MM), such as dural myeloma or intraparenchymal infiltration, or diffuse leptomeningeal involvement, is uncommon. Dural involvement of myeloma without parenchymal or leptomeningeal disease is even rarer, with only seven cases reported previously.We present a case of epidural myeloma in a 50-year-old man with known kappa light chain MM, presenting with multiple episodes of subdural hemorrhage and progressive neurological deficits. He initially presented with severe back pain, hypercalcemia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Further evaluation showed lytic bone lesions and elevated kappa light chains, and bone marrow biopsy showed 32% of clonal plasma cells. He was initially treated with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone combination, followed by pomalidomide and daratumumab. Eventually, he developed two episodes of subdural hemorrhage and leftsided seventh cranial nerve palsy, which was treated conservatively and monitored by computed tomography (CT) of the head. However, he gradually developed multiple cranial nerve palsies, weakness, and urinary incontinence. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated protein without any aberrant immunophenotype. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed diffuse smooth dural enhancement with extensive calvarial and skull base marrow replacement; MRI of the spine showed diffuse epidural enhancement in thoracic and lumbar regions, findings consistent with epidural myeloma. The patient received three doses of cranial irradiation but, unfortunately, could not tolerate further treatment and opted for hospice care.Intracranial hemorrhage is common in MM patients, and it is important to consider CNS involvement in patients presenting with recurrent subdural hemorrhage and to perform imaging (preferably MRI) earlier in the disease course. Due to its rarity, the treatment of CNS-MM is very heterogeneous. Thus, case reporting is important to accumulate data on this rare presentation.
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