Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: June 16, 2025

RFK Jr Sweeps Clean CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel, Aiming to Bolster Public Confidence

Last week, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr dismissed all current members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing the need to restore public trust in vaccine policy and alleging conflicts of interest within the committee. Critics, including former ACIP member Paul Offit and leaders from the American College of Physicians, warn that recent actions taken by the department further politicize vaccine guidance and undermine confidence in public health. With the departure of respected figures and a shifting stance on vaccine recommendations, experts fear the overhaul and chosen replacements could jeopardize the scientific integrity that has long underpinned US immunization efforts.

Dual-Biomarker Approach Best for Equitable Kidney Disease Risk Assessment, New Data Find

A new analysis raises concerns that widely adopted race-free equations for estimating kidney function may underestimate the risk of kidney failure and death in Black adults, potentially obscuring critical disparities. The study, which analyzed data from over 62,000 adults, found that while all estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations linked lower kidney function to worse outcomes, the commonly used creatinine-only race-free equation significantly reduced apparent racial differences in risk, possibly leading to under-referral for Black patients. In contrast, equations that included both creatinine and cystatin C maintained these disparities and offered more accurate risk prediction, suggesting a more equitable approach. Researchers caution that while removing race from medical algorithms aims to reduce bias, doing so without incorporating more precise biomarkers like cystatin C may unintentionally harm those already facing a disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease.

Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Linked to Allergy Development

A large, multicohort study identified 5 distinct patterns of atopic dermatitis (AD) progression in childhood: transient early, early with potential recurrence, late-onset, persistent, and minimal/none, each with varying risks for developing allergic conditions like asthma, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis. Analyzing data from over 5300 children across 12 US-based cohorts, researchers found that persistent AD was most strongly associated with comorbid asthma and high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), while early and recurrent forms were more common among high-risk groups, including Black and multiracial children, those with family histories of asthma, and children with peanut sensitization. The findings emphasize that AD phenotypes are influenced by genetic, environmental, and demographic factors, and understanding these patterns may support precision medicine strategies to prevent or manage AD and its associated allergic diseases.

Lower Socioeconomic Status Tied to Worse Quality of Life in R/R Multiple Myeloma: Francesco Sparano, MSc

In an interview at the 2025 European Hematology Association Congress, Francesco Sparano, MSc, discussed findings from the GIMEMA-CLARITY study, which examined the impact of socioeconomic inequalities on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in countries with universal healthcare, such as Italy and the UK. Using patient-reported outcomes and socioeconomic data—based on education level, employment status, and living arrangements—patients were grouped into low, middle, and high socioeconomic status categories. The study found that patients with lower socioeconomic status consistently reported worse quality of life, more frequent and severe symptoms, and greater functional impairments, highlighting a clear gradient in HRQoL that worsens with socioeconomic disadvantage despite access to care.

Unaddressed Adverse Effects Undermine Patient Confidence in Lymphoma, CLL Care Plans: Lorna Warwick

In another interview at the 2025 European Hematology Association Congress, Lorna Warwick, CEO of the Lymphoma Coalition, discussed the burden of adverse effects, particularly fatigue, on patients with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and how unaddressed symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and confidence in care. Presenting findings from the 2024 Global Patient Survey, which included responses from over 11,000 individuals, Warwick highlighted that more than 6600 patients who experienced treatment-related adverse effects were analyzed for this study. Results showed that when patients felt their concerns were not adequately addressed by clinicians, their confidence in both their doctor and treatment plan declined, leading to worse health outcomes, more hospitalizations, and diminished ability to self-manage care. Warwick emphasized that even when symptoms can’t be fully resolved, open, empathetic communication between clinicians and patients plays a critical role in maintaining trust and improving care experiences.