Risk of AML death varies by region

However, it is not clear why the disparities continued even after the researchers controlled for regional factors like poverty and education. The team believes other factors could be involved, such as the providers’ experience with treating rare or complex diseases or how supportive care is delivered.

Although there was not a significant association between survival and treatment at an NCI-designated center, there may be other features of treatment facilities, such as patient volume and academic affiliation, that are important for patient outcomes.

The researchers said their next step is to identify those factors and develop programs to try to close the gaps.

“The message here is that acute myeloid leukemia is representative of diseases that are uncommon, involve high-complexity care, and have high risk for morbidity and mortality,” Dr Wood said.

“If we can figure out how to coordinate and improve delivery of effective interventions for this disease throughout the state of North Carolina, then we may be able to develop a model for improving outcomes in many other diseases throughout the state as well.”