Changing Blood Cancer Care: Research from a Black Hematologist on Improving Patient Lives

Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, significantly impact Black Americans, who constitute roughly 14 percent of the U.S. population yet represent 20 percent of multiple myeloma cases. Dr. Ruemu Birhiray, a hematology-oncologist at American Oncology Partners, highlights that only about 5 percent of clinical trial participants are Black, underscoring a critical lack of representation that could influence treatment outcomes. The absence of diverse groups in research risks overlooking vital data about drug efficacy across different ethnicities. Dr. Birhiray notes, "If we do not participate in clinical research...we do not know that a particular drug is safe or effective for our community." Historical mistrust, stemming from events like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, contributes to this reluctance. Yet, Dr. Birhiray reassures that modern trials adhere to stringent regulations and monitoring protocols. By participating, Black Americans can help advance medical breakthroughs, ensuring treatments are effective across various populations while advocating for their community’s health.