By: Pramilla Krishnamurthy, MD
Date: January 12, 2024
Pramilla Krishnamurthy, md, a consultant hematologist at King’s College Hospital in London, engaged in a comprehensive discussion during a recent conference. The focus of her discourse was to scrutinize potential inequities in outcomes for patients diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Dr. Krishnamurthy delved into the intricate interplay of factors contributing to these differential outcomes, highlighting disease biology as a primary determinant.
She emphasized the multifaceted nature of the issue, considering variables such as age, with particular attention to teenagers and young adults who might face comparatively worse outcomes. Dr. Krishnamurthy also explored the impact of race and ethnicity, citing data indicating potential disparities between ethnic minority backgrounds and their white counterparts. In addition, she delved into socioeconomic status, geography, and the global disparities in access to advanced medical technologies and treatments between richer and lower to middle-income countries.
Throughout her presentation, Dr. Krishnamurthy demonstrated a commitment to identifying and addressing barriers within their day-to-day medical practices that contribute to outcome disparities. The overarching goal was to level the differences and enhance the overall quality of patient outcomes.
The conference served as an enriching platform, featuring talks on innovative treatments for AML. Dr. Krishnamurthy highlighted a noticeable shift from traditionally intensive treatments to more non-intensive options, even for what are considered fit patients. This transition is driven by advancements in targeted therapies, an influx of new drugs, and an improved understanding of the genomic profile of AML.
Expressing enthusiasm for the collaborative environment fostered by such events, Dr. Krishnamurthy underscored the importance of networking and idea-sharing among experts from various regions, including the United States and Europe. She acknowledged the differences in drug accessibility across countries and saw this as an opportunity to learn from diverse practices. Dr. Krishnamurthy recognized the potential for cross-country collaboration in developing clinical trials to evaluate new combinations effectively. The discussion also touched on the utilization of MRD (Minimal Residual Disease) techniques to guide treatment decisions and optimize outcomes.
In essence, Dr. Pramilla Krishnamurthy’s engagement in the conference showcased her dedication to unraveling the complexities of AML outcomes, addressing disparities, and leveraging global expertise to enhance patient care.