Forum Series / Video Library / Forum 2024 / Forum 2: Genetic Findings Driving Blood Cancer in Latinos

Forum 2, 2024: Genetic Findings Driving Blood Cancer in Latinos

Held 09/27/24

2024 Forum Series

Duration: 90 min
This Forum examines the elevated burden of blood cancers in Latino communities, exploring the genetic, metabolic, and systemic factors that contribute to higher incidence rates and disparate outcomes. Researchers present findings on why Hispanic/Latino children and adults experience acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a blood cancer, at rates 1.4-2x higher than non-Hispanic Whites, including inherited genetic differences more common in people with indigenous American ancestry and their role in disease susceptibility. The discussion addresses the complex interplay of genetic risk factors, obesity-related metabolic influences, and access barriers—from insurance challenges limiting stem cell transplants to communication gaps and trust issues affecting clinical trial participation among Latino families. We also heard from Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) on their successful on-site and online programs, which reached 87,000 Spanish-speakers in 2024.
 

Key Topics Include:

  • Genetic variants (IKZF1, GATA3, CRLF2) associated with increased ALL risk in Latinos
  • The relationship between obesity, glucose metabolism, and leukemia outcomes
  • Insurance and healthcare system barriers to advanced therapies
  • Communication challenges, cultural factors, and family decision-making in pediatric cancer care
  • Community outreach approaches by Blood Cancer United

Speakers include Dr. Noah Merin MD, PhD (Cedars-Sinai); Dr. Adam de Smith, PhD (USC Keck School of Medicine); Henry Garcia, EdD (USC Rossier School of Education); and Charoh Hernandez Ortiz and Javier Macias from Blood Cancer United (formerly, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LLS).

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