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Kakish H, Pawar O, Bhatty M, Doh S, Mulligan KM, Rothermel LD, Bordeaux JS, Mangla A, Hoehn RS. Disparities in the Receipt of Systemic Treatment in Metastatic Melanoma. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:239-245. [PMID: 38251734 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, immunotherapy and targeted therapy revolutionized melanoma treatment. However, inequities in their use may limit the benefits seen by certain patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients in the National Cancer Database for patients with stage IV melanoma from 2 time periods: 2004-2010 and 2016-2020, distinguishing between those who received systemic therapy and those who did not. We investigated the rates and factors associated with treatment omission. We employed Kaplan-Meier analysis to explore the impact of treatment on overall survival. RESULTS A total of 19,961 patients met the inclusion criteria: 7621 patients were diagnosed in 2004-2010 and 12,340 patients in 2016-2020, of whom 54.9% and 28.3% did not receive systemic treatment, respectively. The rate of "no treatment" has decreased to a plateau of ∼25% in 2020. Median overall survival was improved with treatment in both time periods (2004-2010: 8.8 vs. 5.6 mo [ P <0.05]; and 2016-2020: 25.9 vs. 4.3 mo [ P <0.05]). Nonmedical factors associated with the omission of treatment in both periods included low socioeconomic status, Medicaid or no health insurance, and treatment at low-volume centers. In the period from 2016 to 2020, patients treated at nonacademic programs were also less likely to receive treatment. CONCLUSIONS Systemic therapies significantly improve survival for patients with metastatic melanoma, but significant disparities exist with their receipt. Local efforts are needed to ensure all patients benefit from these revolutionary treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kakish
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
| | - Omkar Pawar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
| | - Maira Bhatty
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
| | - Susan Doh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
| | | | - Luke D Rothermel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
| | - Jeremy S Bordeaux
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University
| | - Ankit Mangla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Richard S Hoehn
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
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Wang X, Lian Z, Wu Q, Wu F, Zhang G, Liu J, Chen C, Sun J. Refusal of treatment among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China: a retrospective analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1305544. [PMID: 38303960 PMCID: PMC10832033 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1305544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is a need to update the understanding of treatment refusal among cancer patients in China, taking into account recent developments. This study investigated how public insurance coverage of the first breast cancer targeted therapy contributed to the changes in treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China. And it intensively examined and discussed additional barriers affecting patient utilization of innovative anticancer medicines based on the types and reasons for treatment refusal. Methods This retrospective study included female breast cancer patients diagnosed as HER2-positive who received treatment at a provincial oncology center in southern China between 2014 and 2020. Multivariable analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed with the same regression model. Results Among the 1,322 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received treatment at the study hospital between 2014 and 2020, 327 (24.55%) had ever refused treatment. Economic reasons were reported as the primary cause by 142 patients (43.43%). Patients diagnosed after September 2017, when the first breast cancer targeted therapy was included in the public health insurance, were less likely to refuse treatment (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.45 ~ 0.91, p = 0.01) compared to those diagnosed before September 2017. Patients enrolled in the resident health insurance were more likely to refuse treatment (OR = 2.43, 95% CI:1.77 ~ 3.35, p < 0.001) than those enrolled in the employee health insurance. Conclusion This study reveals a high rate of treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients, primarily attributed to financial factors. The disparity in public health insurance benefits resulted in a heavier economic burden for patients with less comprehensive benefits. Furthermore, the study identified challenges faced by patients seeking quality-assured cancer care in underdeveloped regions in China. By addressing economic barriers, promoting accurate health information, and improving cancer care capacity across the country can reduce the rate of treatment refusal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Lian
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiyou Wu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuanben Chen
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Coaston TN, Sakowitz S, Chervu NL, Branche C, Shuch BM, Benharash P, Revels S. Persistent racial disparities in refusal of resection in non-small cell lung cancer patients at high-volume and Black-serving institutions. Surgery 2023; 174:1428-1435. [PMID: 37821266 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical resection is the standard of care for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Black patients have higher surgical refusal rates than White patients. We evaluated factors associated with the refusal of resection and subsequent non-small cell lung cancer outcomes. METHODS We identified patients with non-small cell lung cancer stages IA to IIIA eligible for surgical resection (lobectomy or pneumonectomy) listed between 2004 and 2017 in the National Cancer Database. We stratified hospitals by the proportion of Black patients served and lung cancer resection volume. We used multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with refusal of resection and assessed 5-year mortality using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard modeling. RESULTS Of 221,396 patients identified, 7,753 (3.5%) refused surgery. Black race was associated with increased refusal (adjusted odds ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.90-2.22). Compared to White race, Black race was associated with increased refusal across the highest (adjusted odds ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 1.94-2.54), intermediate (adjusted odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.78-2.37), and lowest (adjusted odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.58-1.99) volume tertiles. Similarly, Black race was associated with increased refusal across the highest (adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.78-2.17), intermediate (adjusted odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.80-2.40), and lowest (adjusted odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.06) Black-serving tertiles. However, surgical resection yielded similar 5-year survival for Black and White patients. CONCLUSION Racial disparities in non-small cell lung cancer surgery refusal persist regardless of hospital volume or proportion of Black patients served. These findings suggest that a better understanding of patient and patient-provider level interventions could facilitate a better understanding of treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy N Coaston
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sara Sakowitz
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. https://twitter.com/sarasakowitz
| | - Nikhil L Chervu
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Corynn Branche
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Brian M Shuch
- Institute of Urologic Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Peyman Benharash
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sha'Shonda Revels
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.
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Kakish HH, Loftus AW, Ahmed FA, Elshami M, Ocuin LM, Rothermel LD, Hoehn RS. Patient and provider factors predict non-surgical management for complex upper gastrointestinal cancers. Surgery 2023; 174:618-625. [PMID: 37391325 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for non-metastatic upper gastrointestinal cancers. We analyzed patient and provider characteristics associated with non-surgical management. METHODS We queried the National Cancer Database for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers from 2004 to 2018 who underwent surgery, refused surgery, or for whom surgery was contraindicated. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with surgery being refused or contraindicated, and Kaplan-Meier curves assessed survival. RESULTS We identified 249,813 patients based on our selection criteria-86.3% had surgery, 2.4% refused, and for 11.3%, surgery was contraindicated. Median overall survival was 48.2 months for patients who underwent surgery versus 16.3 and 9.4 months for the refusal and contraindicated groups. Medical and non-medical factors predicted both surgery refusals and contraindications, such as increasing age (odds ratio = 1.07 and 1.03, respectively, P < .001), Black race (odds ratio = 1.72 and 1.45, P < .001), comorbidities (Charlson-Deyo score 2+, odds ratio = 1.18 and 1.66, P < .001), low socioeconomic status (odds ratio = 1.70 and 1.40, P < .001), no health insurance (odds ratio = 3.26 and 2.34, P < .001), community cancer programs (odds ratio = 1.43 and 1.40, P < .001), low volume facilities (odds ratio = 1.82 and 1.52, P < .001), and stage 3 disease (odds ratio = 1.51 and 6.50, P < .001). On subset analysis (excluding patients age >70, Charlson-Deyo score 2+, and stage 3 cancer), non-medical predictors of both outcomes were similar. CONCLUSION Refusal of and medical contraindications for surgery profoundly impact overall survival. The same factors (ie, race, socioeconomic status, hospital volume, and hospital type) predict these outcomes. These findings suggest variation and potential bias that may exist between physicians and patients discussing cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna H Kakish
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH. https://twitter.com/HannaKakish
| | - Alexander W Loftus
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH
| | - Fasih Ali Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH
| | - Mohamedraed Elshami
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH
| | - Lee M Ocuin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH
| | - Luke D Rothermel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH
| | - Richard S Hoehn
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, OH.
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Samuel D, Kwon D, Huang M, Zhao W, Roy M, Tabuyo-Martin A, Siemon J, Schlumbrecht MP, Pearson JM, Sinno AK. Disparities in refusal of surgery for gynecologic cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 174:1-10. [PMID: 37141816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with refusal of gynecologic cancer surgery and to estimate its effect on overall survival. METHODS The National Cancer Database was surveyed for patients with uterine, cervical or ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer treated between 2004 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations between clinico-demographic variables and refusal of surgery. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Trends in refusal over time were evaluated using joinpoint regression. RESULTS Of 788,164 women included in our analysis, 5875 (0.75%) patients refused surgery recommended by their treating oncologist. Patients who refused surgery were older at diagnosis (72.4 vs 60.3 years, p < 0.001) and more likely Black (OR 1.77 95% CI 1.62-1.92). Refusal of surgery was associated with uninsured status (OR 2.94 95% CI 2.49-3.46), Medicaid coverage (OR 2.79 95% CI 2.46-3.18), low regional high school graduation (OR 1.18 95% CI 1.05-1.33) and treatment at a community hospital (OR 1.59 95% CI 1.42-1.78). Patients who refused surgery had lower median overall survival (1.0 vs 14.0 years, p < 0.01) and this difference persisted across disease sites. Between 2008 and 2017, there was a significant increase in refusal of surgery annually (annual percent change +1.41%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Multiple social determinants of health are independently associated with refusal of surgery for gynecologic cancer. Given that patients who refuse surgery are more likely from vulnerable, underserved populations and have inferior survival, refusal of surgery should be considered a surgical healthcare disparity and tackled as such.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Samuel
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America.
| | - Deukwoo Kwon
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marilyn Huang
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Wei Zhao
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Molly Roy
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Angel Tabuyo-Martin
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - John Siemon
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Matthew P Schlumbrecht
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - J Matt Pearson
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Abdulrahman K Sinno
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Miami, FL, United States of America
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Lima HA, Alaimo L, Moazzam Z, Endo Y, Woldesenbet S, Katayama E, Munir MM, Shaikh C, Ruff SM, Dillhoff M, Beane J, Cloyd J, Ejaz A, Resende V, Pawlik TM. Disparities in NCCN Guideline-Compliant Care for Patients with Early-Stage Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma at Minority-Serving versus Non-Minority-Serving Hospitals. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:4363-4372. [PMID: 36800128 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial/ethnic disparities in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) outcomes may relate to receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline-compliant care. We assessed the association between treatment at minority-serving hospitals (MSH) and receipt of NCCN-compliant care. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who underwent resection of early-stage PDAC between 2006 and 2019 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). MSH was defined as the top decile of facilities treating minority ethnicities (Black and/or Hispanic). Factors associated with receipt of NCCN-compliant care and its impact on overall survival (OS) were assessed. RESULTS Among 44,873 patients who underwent resection of PDAC, most were treated at non-MSH (n = 42,571, 94.9%), while a smaller subset were treated at MSH (n = 2302, 5.1%). Patients treated at MSH were more likely to be at a younger median age (MSH 66 years versus non-MSH 67 years), Black or Hispanic (MSH 58.4% versus non-MSH 12.0%), and not insured (MSH 7.8% versus non-MSH 1.6%). While 71.7% (n = 31,182) of patients were compliant with NCCN care, guideline-compliant care was lower at MSH (MSH 62.5% versus non-MSH 72.2%). On multivariable analysis, receiving care at MSH was associated with not receiving guideline-compliant care [odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.74]. At non-MSH, non-white patients had lower odds of receiving guideline-compliant PDCA care (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.91). Failure to comply was associated with worse overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.46-1.54, all p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PDAC treated at MSH and minorities treated at non-MSH were less likely to receive NCCN-compliant care. Failure to comply with guideline-based PDAC treatment was associated with worse OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique A Lima
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laura Alaimo
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zorays Moazzam
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erryk Katayama
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chanza Shaikh
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha M Ruff
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joal Beane
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jordan Cloyd
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vivian Resende
- Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Kessels R, May AM, Koopman M, Roes KCB. The Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) study design in oncology: experience and methodological reflections. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:117. [PMID: 37179306 PMCID: PMC10183126 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) study design is a trial design that uses the infrastructure of an observational cohort study to initiate a randomized trial. Upon cohort enrollment, the participants provide consent for being randomized in future studies without being informed. Once a new treatment is available, eligible cohort participants are randomly assigned to the treatment or standard of care. Patients randomized to the treatment arm are offered the new treatment, which they can choose to refuse. Patients who refuse will receive standard of care instead. Patients randomized to the standard of care arm receive no information about the trial and continue receiving standard of care as part of the cohort study. Standard cohort measures are used for outcome comparisons. The TwiCs study design aims to overcome some issues encountered in standard Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). An example of an issue in standard RCTs is the slow patient accrual. A TwiCs study aims to improve this by selecting patients using a cohort and only offering the intervention to patients in the intervention arm. In oncology, the TwiCs study design has gained increasing interest during the last decade. Despite its potential advantages over RCTs, the TwiCs study design has several methodological challenges that need careful consideration when planning a TwiCs study. In this article, we focus on these challenges and reflect on them using experiences from TwiCs studies initiated in oncology. Important methodological challenges that are discussed are the timing of randomization, the issue of non-compliance (refusal) after randomization in the intervention arm, and the definition of the intention-to-treat effect in a TwiCs study and how this effect is related to its counterpart in standard RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Kessels
- Dutch Oncology Research Platform, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne M May
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, STR 6.131 , P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Miriam Koopman
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kit C B Roes
- Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Section Biostatistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Gheybi K, Buckley E, Vitry A, Roder D. Variations in colorectal cancer pattern of care by age and comorbidity in South Australia. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37084009 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced age is associated with decreased likelihood of colorectal cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the extent to which comorbidities are accountable for this lesser treatment. METHODS Using population-based datasets, the pattern of care among CRC cases in South Australia during 2004-2013 was investigated. Models were used to investigate associations of age with each treatment type, and differences in these associations were explored by comorbidity and cancer site. RESULTS The presence of comorbidity was associated with a significantly weaker relationship of age with surgery and chemotherapy. The association of age with surgery also varied for colon and rectal primary cancer sites. Individual comorbidity types varied in their associations with each treatment category. For example, dementia was associated with less chemotherapy provision, however, it was not significantly related to the likelihood of surgery. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the association of age with surgical treatment differed significantly by the CRC subsite. Comorbidity moderated the negative association of age with chemotherapy, and less so, with extent of surgery. Results were novel in indicating associations of multiple individual comorbidity types with CRC treatment modalities. The data suggest that different individual comorbidity types may have different effects on treatment and should be studied separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazzem Gheybi
- University of South Australia Allied Health and Human Performance, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Cancer epidemiology and population health, University of South Australia, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Buckley
- University of South Australia Allied Health and Human Performance, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Agnes Vitry
- University of South Australia Clinical and Health Sciences, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Roder
- University of South Australia Allied Health and Human Performance, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Cancer epidemiology and population health, University of South Australia, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Moodley Y, Govender K, van Wyk J, Reddy S, Ning Y, Wexner S, Stopforth L, Bhadree S, Naidoo V, Kader S, Cheddie S, Neugut AI, Kiran RP. Predictors of treatment refusal in patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:456-464. [PMID: 36754712 PMCID: PMC10023422 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review was conducted to investigate predictors of treatment refusal in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. An understanding of these predictors would inform statistical models for the identification of high-risk patients who might benefit from interventions that seek to improve treatment compliance. We performed a search of PubMed and Scopus to identify potentially relevant studies on predictors of treatment refusal in CRC patients that were published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2021. We screened manuscripts using predefined eligibility criteria. Information on study design, study location, patient characteristics, treatments, rates and predictors of treatment refusal, and the impact of treatment refusal on mortality or survival were collected from eligible studies. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score. The overall findings of the review process were summarized using descriptive statistics and a narrative synthesis. A total of 13 studies were included in this review. Ten studies reported on refusal of CRC surgery, refusal rate: 0.25%-3.26%; three studies reported on chemotherapy refusal (one of which reported on both surgery and chemotherapy refusal), refusal rate: 7.8%-41.5%; and one study reported on refusal of any cancer treatment, refusal rate: 8.7%. The bulk of the published literature confirmed the harmful association between treatment refusal and poor survival outcomes in CRC patients. Frequently cited predictors of treatment refusal included patient demographic characteristics (age, race, gender), clinical characteristics (disease stage, comorbidity), and factors that impact access to cancer care services (healthcare insurance, facility level). Potentially high rates of treatment refusal pose a challenge to CRC control. This review has identified several factors which must be considered when attempting to reduce treatment refusal in CRC patients. Furthermore, these factors should be tested as components of predictive risk models for this important outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshan Moodley
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Group, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Kumeren Govender
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline van Wyk
- School of Clinical Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Health Sciences Education, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Seren Reddy
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yuming Ning
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven Wexner
- Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Laura Stopforth
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Group, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shona Bhadree
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Group, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vasudevan Naidoo
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Group, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shakeel Kader
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Group, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shalen Cheddie
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Group, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Department of Medicine and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ravi P Kiran
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Pianka K, Zhao B, Lee K, Liu S, Eisenstein S, Ramamoorthy S, Lopez N. Factors associated with refusing surgery versus planned nonoperative management for rectal cancer. Surgery 2022; 172:1309-1314. [PMID: 36031444 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasingly, patients with rectal cancer receive nonoperative management. A growing body of retrospective evidence supporting the safety of this approach has likely contributed to its growing popularity. However, patients may also undergo nonoperative management because of refusal of surgical resection. We hypothesize that patients who refuse surgery are more likely to be from groups who traditionally face barriers accessing care. METHODS We used the National Cancer Database (2006-2017) to analyze patients with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent nonoperative management following radiation. We identified 2 groups: (1) planned nonoperative management and (2) nonoperative management because of refusal of surgery. We performed logistic regression to compare the groups along patient, socioeconomic, and facility-level factors. RESULTS In total, 9,613 and 2,039 patients were included in the planned nonoperative management and refused nonoperative management groups, respectively. Of the total study cohort (ie, planned nonoperative management + refused nonoperative management), 21% of these patients diagnosed in 2017 underwent refused nonoperative management, versus 12% in 2006. Patients who were Black (adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.71) or Asian/Pacific Islander (adjusted odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.18-1.92), age ≥65 years (adjusted odds ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.37-1.77), with more advanced disease stage (stage III adjusted odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.53), and government insurance (adjusted odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.36) were associated with increased utilization of refused nonoperative management. Conversely, lower education (adjusted odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.50-0.76) and female sex (adjusted odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.97) were associated with planned nonoperative management. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the refused nonoperative management group is demographically distinct. Outreach efforts to better understand the rationale behind patient decision making in rectal cancer will be paramount to ensuring appropriate implementation of nonoperative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Pianka
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Beiqun Zhao
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Katherine Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Shanglei Liu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Samuel Eisenstein
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Sonia Ramamoorthy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Nicole Lopez
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
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11
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Syvyk S, Roberts SE, Finn CB, Wirtalla C, Kelz R. Colorectal cancer disparities across the continuum of cancer care: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Surg 2022; 224:323-331. [PMID: 35210062 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparate colorectal cancer outcomes persist in vulnerable populations. We aimed to examine the distribution of research across the colorectal cancer care continuum, and to determine disparities in the utilization of Surgery among Black patients. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of colorectal cancer disparities studies was performed. The meta-analysis assessed three utilization measures in Surgery. RESULTS Of 1,199 publications, 60% focused on Prevention, Screening, or Diagnosis, 20% on Survivorship, 15% on Treatment, and 1% on End-of-Life Care. A total of 16 studies, including 1,110,674 patients, were applied to three meta-analyses regarding utilization of Surgery. Black patients were less likely to receive surgery, twice as likely to refuse surgery, and less likely to receive laparoscopic surgery, when compared to White patients. CONCLUSIONS Since 2011, the majority of research focused on prevention, screening, or diagnosis. Given the observed treatment disparities among Black patients, future efforts to reduce colorectal cancer disparities should include interventions within Surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomiya Syvyk
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA
| | - Sanford E Roberts
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA; Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caitlin B Finn
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Wirtalla
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA; Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Kelz
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA; Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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12
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Hu X, Ye H, Yan W, Sun Y. Factors Associated With Patient's Refusal of Recommended Cancer Surgery: Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results. Front Public Health 2022; 9:785602. [PMID: 35111717 PMCID: PMC8801711 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.785602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Most non-metastatic cancer patients can harvest a preferable survival after surgical treatment, however, patients sometimes refuse the recommended cancer-directed surgery. It is necessary to uncover the factors associated with patent's decision in taking cancer surgery and explore racial/ethnic disparities in surgery refusal. Methods Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-18 program, we extracted data of non-metastatic cancer patients who didn't undergo surgery. Ten common solid cancers were selected. Four racial/ethnic categories were included: White, black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander (API). Primary outcome was patient's refusal of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression models were used, with reported odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Among 318,318 patients, the incidence of surgery refusal was 3.5%. Advanced age, female patients, earlier cancer stage, uninsured/Medicaid and unmarried patients were significantly associated with higher odds of surgery refusal. Black and API patients were more likely to refuse recommended surgery than white patients in overall cancer (black-white: adjusted OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.11–1.26; API-white: adjusted OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.41–1.72); those racial/ethnic disparities narrowed down after additionally adjusting for insurance type and marital status. In subgroup analysis, API-white disparities in surgery refusal widely existed in prostate, lung/bronchus, liver, and stomach cancers. Conclusions Patient's socioeconomic conditions reflected by insurance type and marital status may play a key role in racial/ethnic disparities in surgery refusal. Oncological surgeons should fully consider the barriers behind patient's refusal of recommended surgery, thus promoting patient-doctor shared decision-making and guiding patients to the most appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglin Hu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xianglin Hu
| | - Hui Ye
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Wangjun Yan
- Department of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Wangjun Yan
| | - Yangbai Sun
- Department of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Yangbai Sun
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13
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Glushkov NI, Belyaev AM, Gorshenin TL, Dulaeva SK. Multidisciplinary Approach in the Treatment of Elderly and Senile Patients with Complications of Colon Cancer. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9774058 DOI: 10.1134/s2079057022040087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The article presents the results of the treatment of elderly and senile patients with complications of colon cancer, in the perioperative care of which a multidisciplinary approach is used. The peculiarity of patients of older age groups is caused by polymorbidity, the phenomenon of mutual burdening. This requires the use of a non-standard approach in the treatment of complicated colon cancer. A comparative analysis of the results of the treatment of 289 elderly and senile patients with complicated colon cancer with a traditional method and using a multidisciplinary approach is conducted. The patients are distributed into two groups (main and control). In addition to introducing the principles of a multidisciplinary approach, additional diagnostic methods for more specific determination of the type, severity of complications and functional operability are used in the main group. Taking into account the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach, the operations for patients of the main group are performed using endovideosurgical technologies. A more favorable course of the postoperative period with a decrease in post-surgical complications (from 44.9 to 27.8%) and mortality (from 8.9 to 5.3%) is noted in the group of patients, in which a multidisciplinary approach and modern methods of diagnostics and treatment are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. I. Glushkov
- Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, 191015 St. Petersburg, Russia ,Hospital for War Veterans, 193079 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A. M. Belyaev
- Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 197758 Pesochnyi, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - T. L. Gorshenin
- Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, 191015 St. Petersburg, Russia ,Hospital for War Veterans, 193079 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - S. K. Dulaeva
- Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, 191015 St. Petersburg, Russia ,Hospital for War Veterans, 193079 St. Petersburg, Russia
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14
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Warren JL, Noone AM, Stevens J, Wu XC, Hseih MC, Mumphrey B, Schmidt R, Coyle L, Shields R, Mariotto AB. The Utility of Pathology Reports to Identify Persons With Cancer Recurrence. Med Care 2022; 60:44-49. [PMID: 34812787 PMCID: PMC8720471 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer recurrence is an important measure of the impact of cancer treatment. However, no population-based data on recurrence are available. Pathology reports could potentially identify cancer recurrences. Their utility to capture recurrences is unknown. OBJECTIVE This analysis assesses the sensitivity of pathology reports to identify patients with cancer recurrence and the stage at recurrence. SUBJECTS The study includes patients with recurrent breast (n=214) or colorectal (n=203) cancers. RESEARCH DESIGN This retrospective analysis included patients from a population-based cancer registry who were part of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) Study, a project that followed cancer patients in-depth for 5 years after diagnosis to identify recurrences. MEASURES Information abstracted from pathology reports for patients with recurrence was compared with their PCOR data (gold standard) to determine what percent had a pathology report at the time of recurrence, the sensitivity of text in the report to identify recurrence, and if the stage at recurrence could be determined from the pathology report. RESULTS One half of cancer patients had a pathology report near the time of recurrence. For patients with a pathology report, the report's sensitivity to identify recurrence was 98.1% for breast cancer cases and 95.7% for colorectal cancer cases. The specific stage at recurrence from the pathology report had a moderate agreement with gold-standard data. CONCLUSIONS Pathology reports alone cannot measure population-based recurrence of solid cancers but can identify specific cohorts of recurrent cancer patients. As electronic submission of pathology reports increases, these reports may identify specific recurrent patients in near real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L. Warren
- National Cancer Institute/Division of Cancer Control and Population Science, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Anne-Michelle Noone
- National Cancer Institute/Division of Cancer Control and Population Science, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | | | - Xiao-Cheng Wu
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Mei-chin Hseih
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Brent Mumphrey
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | | | - Linda Coyle
- Information Management Services, Calverton, Maryland 20705
| | - Rusty Shields
- Information Management Services, Calverton, Maryland 20705
| | - Angela B. Mariotto
- National Cancer Institute/Division of Cancer Control and Population Science, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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15
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Bowen RC, Hansell S, Raval V, Davanzo JM, Singh AD. Uveal Melanoma: Refusal of Treatment. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2021; 7:361-367. [PMID: 34722493 DOI: 10.1159/000515559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore factors for refusing treatment in patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma and their subsequent clinical course. Methods This study included patients with uveal melanoma who refused standard of care treatment. Patient-reported reasons and pre-existing mental health diagnoses were assessed. The sociodemographic profile was compared with the controls. Ocular survival, metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results Nine patients with uveal melanoma declined ocular treatment (plaque brachytherapy, n = 7 [78%]; enucleation, n = 2 [22%]). The choroidal melanomas were small (n = 1 [11%]), medium (n = 5 [56%]), and large (n = 3 [33%]) in size (COMS criteria). The sociodemographic profile of the study patients was not different from those that accepted treatment. One patient (11%) had pre-existing mental health diagnosis. Five patients (56%) eventually accepted treatment following an average delay of 19 months (range: 4-55 months) due to neovascular glaucoma or severe vision loss. MFS could not be ascertained, and OS was 67% (6/9) at 4.2 years of follow-up (mean). Conclusions Refusal of initial recommended treatment is associated with poor ocular survival. The small sample size did not allow for an evaluation of the impact on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soto Hansell
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Vishal Raval
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Arun D Singh
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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16
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Racial Disparities in Treatment for Rectal Cancer at Minority-Serving Hospitals. J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 25:1847-1856. [PMID: 32725520 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-020-04744-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities exist in patients with rectal cancer with respect to both treatment and survival. Minority-serving hospitals (MSHs) provide healthcare to a disproportionately large percent of minority patients in the USA. We examined the effects of rectal cancer treatment at MSH to understand drivers of these disparities. METHODS The NCDB was queried (2004-2015), and patients diagnosed with stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma were identified. Racial case mix distribution was calculated at the institutional level, and MSHs were defined as those within the top decile of Black and Hispanic patients. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of receipt of standard of care treatment. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate adjusted risk of death. Analyses were clustered by facility. RESULTS A total of 68,842 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 63,242 (91.9%) were treated at non-MSH, and 5600 (8.1%) were treated at MSH. In multivariable analysis, treatment at MSH (OR 0.70 95%CI 0.61-0.80 p < 0.001) and Black race (OR 0.75 95%CI 0.70-0.81 p < 0.001) were associated with significantly lower odds of receiving standard of care. In adjusted analysis, Black patients had a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR 1.20 95%CI 1.14-1.26 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Treatment at MSH institutions and Black race were associated with significantly decreased odds of receipt of recommended standard therapy for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. Survival was worse for Black patients compared to White patients despite adjustment for receipt of standard of care.
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17
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Tsilimigras DI, Dalmacy D, Hyer JM, Diaz A, Abbas A, Pawlik TM. Disparities in NCCN Guideline Compliant Care for Resectable Cholangiocarcinoma at Minority-Serving Versus Non-Minority-Serving Hospitals. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:8162-8171. [PMID: 34036428 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial/ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes may relate to variations in receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline compliant care. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients undergoing resection of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) between 2004 and 2015 were identified using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Institutions treating Black and Hispanic patients within the top decile were categorized as minority-serving hospitals (MSH). Factors associated with receipt of NCCN-compliant care, and the impact of NCCN compliance on overall survival (OS), were evaluated. RESULTS Among 16,108 patients who underwent resection of CCA, the majority of patients were treated at non-MSH (n = 14,779, 91.8%), while a smaller subset underwent resection of CCA at MSH (n = 1329, 8.2%). Patients treated at MSH facilities tended to be younger (MSH: 65 years versus non-MSH: 67 years), Black or Hispanic (MSH: 59.9% versus non-MSH: 13.4%), and uninsured (MSH: 11.6% versus non-MSH: 2.2%). While overall compliance with NCCN care was 73.0% (n = 11,762), guideline-compliant care was less common at MSH (MSH: 68.8% versus non-MSH: 73.4%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, the odds of receiving non-NCCN compliant care remained lower at MSH (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.88). While white patients had similar odds of NCCN-compliant care with minority patients when treated at MSH (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.75-1.28), minority patients had lower odds of receiving guideline-compliant care when treated at non-MSH (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96). Failure to comply with NCCN guidelines was associated with worse long-term outcomes (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.52-1.69). CONCLUSIONS Patients treated at MSH had decreased odds to receive NCCN-compliant care following resection of CCA. Failure to comply with guideline-based cancer care was associated with worse long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Djhenne Dalmacy
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Madison Hyer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Adrian Diaz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alizeh Abbas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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18
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Hrebinko KA, Rieser C, Nassour I, Tohme S, Sabik LM, Khan S, Medich DS, Zureikat AH, Hoehn RS. Patient Factors Limit Colon Cancer Survival at Safety-Net Hospitals: A National Analysis. J Surg Res 2021; 264:279-286. [PMID: 33839343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safety-net hospitals serve a vital role in society by providing care for vulnerable populations. Existing data regarding oncologic outcomes of patients with colon cancer treated at safety-net hospitals are limited and variable. The objective of this study was to delineate disparities in treatment and outcomes for patients with colon cancer treated at safety-net hospitals. METHODS This retrospective cohort study identified 802,304 adult patients with colon adenocarcinoma from the National Cancer Database between 2004-2016. Patients were stratified according to safety-net burden of the treating hospital as previously described. Patient, tumor, facility, and treatment characteristics were compared between groups as were operative and short-term outcomes. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized to compare overall survival between patients treated at high, medium, and low burden hospitals. RESULTS Patients treated at safety-net hospitals were demographically distinct and presented with more advanced disease. They were also less likely to receive surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, negative resection margins, adequate lymphadenectomy, or a minimally invasive operative approach. On multivariate analysis adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics, survival was inferior for patients at safety-net hospitals, even for those with stage 0 (in situ) disease. CONCLUSION This analysis revealed inferior survival for patients with colon cancer treated at safety-net hospitals, including those without invasive cancer. These findings suggest that unmeasured population differences may confound analyses and affect survival more than provider or treatment disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Hrebinko
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Caroline Rieser
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ibrahim Nassour
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Samer Tohme
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lindsay M Sabik
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sidrah Khan
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David S Medich
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amer H Zureikat
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard S Hoehn
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Montiel Ishino FA, Odame EA, Villalobos K, Liu X, Salmeron B, Mamudu H, Williams F. A National Study of Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Disparities: A Latent Class Analysis Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Registries. Front Public Health 2021; 9:628022. [PMID: 33718323 PMCID: PMC7946972 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.628022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Long-standing disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes and survival between Whites and Blacks have been observed. A person-centered approach using latent class analysis (LCA) is a novel methodology to assess and address CRC health disparities. LCA can overcome statistical challenges from subgroup analyses that would normally impede variable-centered analyses like regression. Aim was to identify risk profiles and differences in malignant CRC survivorship outcomes. Methods: We conducted an LCA on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from 1975 to 2016 for adults ≥18 (N = 525,245). Sociodemographics used were age, sex/gender, marital status, race, and ethnicity (Hispanic/Latinos) and stage at diagnosis. To select the best fitting model, we employed a comparative approach comparing sample-size adjusted BIC and entropy; which indicates a good separation of classes. Results: A four-class solution with an entropy of 0.72 was identified as: lowest survivorship, medium-low, medium-high, and highest survivorship. The lowest survivorship class (26% of sample) with a mean survival rate of 53 months had the highest conditional probabilities of being 76-85 years-old at diagnosis, female, widowed, and non-Hispanic White, with a high likelihood with localized staging. The highest survivorship class (53% of sample) with a mean survival rate of 92 months had the highest likelihood of being married, male with localized staging, and a high likelihood of being non-Hispanic White. Conclusion: The use of a person-centered measure with population-based cancer registries data can help better detect cancer risk subgroups that may otherwise be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A. Montiel Ishino
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Emmanuel A. Odame
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kevin Villalobos
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bonita Salmeron
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hadii Mamudu
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Faustine Williams
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD, United States
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