Disparities in access to hematopoietic cell transplant persist at a transplant center

Disparities in access to hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) are well established. Prior studies have identified barriers, such as referral and travel to an HCT center, that occur before consultation. Whether differences in access persist after evaluation at an HCT center remains unknown. The psychosocial assessment for transplant eligibility may impede access to transplant after evaluation. We performed a single-center retrospective review of 1102 patients who underwent HCT consultation. We examined the association between race/ethnicity (defined as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Other) and socioeconomic status (defined by zip code median household income quartiles and insurance type) with receipt of HCT and Psychosocial Assessment of Candidates for Transplantation (PACT) scores. Race/ethnicity was associated with receipt of HCT (p = 0.02) with non-Hispanic Whites comprising a higher percentage of HCT recipients than non-recipients. Those living in higher income quartiles and non-publicly insured were more likely to receive HCT (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). PACT scores were strongly associated with income quartiles (p < 0.001) but not race/ethnicity or insurance type. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status impact receipt of HCT among patients evaluated at an HCT center. Further investigation as to whether the psychosocial eligibility evaluation limits access to HCT in vulnerable populations is warranted.