Substantial racial inequalities despite frequent health care contact found in treatment for opioid use disorder

In the wake of an opioid-related event such as an overdose, infection, or detox admission, white patients received medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) up to 80% more frequently than Black patients and up to 25% more frequently than Hispanic patients, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Across racial groups, patients made a similar number of visits to health care providers in the six months following such an event—indicating that disparities in treatment are not explained by low contact with care.

Combination therapy outperforms chemotherapy in clinical trial for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chemotherapy has been the most effective treatment to date for young and fit patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The disease is the most common form of leukemia in the Western world, causing a substantial health burden on patients and society. It is currently incurable. Research led by researchers from Cologne University, Amsterdam UMC and Copenhagen University now shows that a chemo-free drug-combination therapy is more effective and produces fewer side effects. The results of this study are published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.