Racial disparities in quality of life in Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a key outcome for patients with Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL). The incidence of CTCL is higher in Black/African-American (Black/AA) compared to white patients. This study aims to identify if racial disparity in HRQoL exists among CTCL patients.

Methods

Patients who self identified as Black/AA were purposefully enrolled and patients who self identified as white were used as controls. Participants were ask to complete the FACT-G, SkinDex-29, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Itch Scale. The primary outcome evaluated was differences in health-related quality of life as assessed by the FACT-G/SkinDex-29, and VAS itch scale by race (Black/AA versus white/other).

Results

Seventy-one participants were enrolled, the median age was 62y. The cohort was predominately male with 39% identifying as Black/AA. The majority (86%) had MF and early-stage disease (IA-IIA). FACT-G scores were lower for Black/AA participants compared to white participants, with median scores of 77 and 92 {P=0.007}, respectively. Skindex-29 scores for Black/AA participants were higher compared to white participants, with median scores of 31 and 20 {P=0.035}, respectively. Black/AA participants also reported higher degrees of itch (2.2/10) than white participants (1.0/10).

Conclusion

In our cohort, participants with MF/SS identifying as Black/AA experienced worse HRQoL. The racial disparity in HRQoL was consistent across instruments and study sites. The reasons for this racial disparity are likely complex. Future studies should attempt to further discern underlying determinants contributing to these disparities.