Population-Based Testing and Treatment Characteristics for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Area of Science:

• Hematology/Oncology
• Cancer Registries
• Public Health

Background:

• Practice guidelines recommend BCR-ABL gene testing for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) diagnosis.
• BCR-ABL testing facilitates appropriate treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe population-based testing and treatment practices for CML patients.
• To identify characteristics associated with BCR-ABL testing and TKI treatment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 2011 CML cases from 10 state cancer registries (CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries).
• Description of BCR-ABL gene testing completeness and TKI treatment availability.
• Examination of factors associated with testing and treatment receipt.

Main Results:

• 55% of 685 CML cases had documented BCR-ABL testing (96% positive).
• 54% of patients received TKI treatment, with only 43% having documented BCR-ABL testing.
• BCR-ABL testing and TKI therapy decreased with increasing age (OR 0.97 for both).

Conclusions:

• Significant state-level variation exists in CML data collection.
• While most patients received appropriate testing and treatment, age-related disparities were observed.
• Further research is needed to understand and address CML coding, testing, and treatment disparities.