Real-world data company COTA is partnering with University of Chicago Medicine, in a collaboration agreement aimed toward analyzing disparities in cancer care by race. With a focus on multiple myeloma patients, the effort is intended to increase understanding of the differences in diagnosis, treatment patterns, and outcomes for patients dealing with this particular variety of cancer.
Multiple myeloma, the second-most-common hematologic malignancy, strikes an estimated 34,920 new cases in the US each year, with about 12,410 deaths expected in the country this year. Research indicates the incidence of myeloma is up to three times higher in Black Americans than in other demographics, with death rates also comparatively higher.
"Black Americans are grossly underrepresented in clinical trials, and more data is needed to evaluate the best treatments for this population," said Benjamin Derman, University of Chicago Medicine. "It is critical that we understand optimal treatment pathways and risk prognostication in Black populations. Leveraging COTA's expertise in real-world data, we can evaluate reasons for racial disparities in multiple myeloma outcomes and improve the way we care for these patients moving forward."
Researchers at COTA and University of Chicago Medicine will use real-world data to examine potential disparities in clinical treatment pathways and outcomes. The University of Chicago Medicine is a not-for-profit academic medical health system, committed to addressing chronic conditions and other complex health needs in this region; COTA provides comprehensive oncology real-world data abstraction, curation, and analytics capabilities to healthcare organizations and life sciences companies developing cancer treatments.
"We are excited to be collaborating with the University of Chicago Medicine to generate inclusive research that can improve our understanding of multiple myeloma across all racial and ethnic groups," said C.K. Wang, COTA chief medical officer. "There is a significant need to address the persistent lack of diversity and inclusion in clinical trial participation and research; this collaboration aligns with COTA's mission to ensure that everyone touched by cancer has the clear path to the right care."
