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Zhong Q, Liu ZY, Shang-Guan ZX, Li YF, Li Y, Wu J, Huang Q, Li P, Xie JW, Chen QY, Huang CM, Zheng CH. Impact of chemotherapy delay on long-term prognosis of laparoscopic radical surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer: a pooled analysis of four randomized controlled trials. Gastric Cancer 2024:10.1007/s10120-024-01513-6. [PMID: 38809487 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-024-01513-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjuvant chemotherapy following curative surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC) significantly improves long-term patient prognosis. However, delayed chemotherapy (DC), in which patients are unable to receive timely treatment, is a common phenomenon in clinical practice for various reasons. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DC on the prognosis of patients with stage II-III locally AGC and explore the associated risk factors. METHODS Data from four prospective studies were included in the pooled analysis. The planned chemotherapy (PC) group was defined as the time interval between surgery and the first chemotherapy ≤ 49 d, while the DC group was defined as the time interval between surgery and chemotherapy > 49 d. The prognosis, recurrence, and risk factors were compared, and a nomogram for predicting DC was established. RESULTS In total, 596 patients were included, of whom 531 (89.1%) had PC and 65 (10.9%) had DC. Survival analysis revealed that the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were significantly lower in the DC group than those in the PC group (log-rank P < 0.001). Cox univariable and multivariable analyses showed that DC was an independent risk factor for OS and DFS in stage II-III patients (P < 0.05). Based on the significant factors for DC, a prediction model was established that had a good fit, high accuracy (AUC = 0.780), and clinical applicability in both the training and validation sets. CONCLUSION Delayed chemotherapy after gastrectomy is associated with poor long-term prognosis in patients with locally advanced stage II-III GC disease. But standardized, full-cycle adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery may play a remedial role, and can to a certain extent compensate the poor effects caused by delayed chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhong
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Shang-Guan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Fan Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ju Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian-Wei Xie
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi-Yue Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chang-Ming Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chao-Hui Zheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No. 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Olsson LT, Hamilton AM, Van Alsten SC, Lund JL, Stürmer T, Nichols HB, Reeder-Hayes KE, Troester MA. Patterns of chemotherapy receipt among patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 204:107-116. [PMID: 38070094 PMCID: PMC10979654 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07164-y] [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] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer chemotherapy utilization not only may differ by race and age, but also varies by genomic risk, tumor characteristics, and patient characteristics. Studies in demographically diverse populations with both clinical and genomic data are necessary to understand potential disparities by race and age. METHODS In the Carolina Breast Cancer Study Phase 3 (2008-2013), chemotherapy receipt (yes/no) and regimen type were assessed in association with age and race among hormone receptor (HR) positive and HER2-negative tumors (n = 1862). Odds ratios were estimated for the association between demographic factors and chemotherapy receipt. RESULTS Monotonic decreases in frequency of adjuvant chemotherapy receipt were observed over time during the study period, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy was stable. Younger age was associated with chemotherapy receipt (OR [95% CI]: 2.9 [2.4, 3.6]) and with anthracycline-based regimens (OR [95% CI]: 1.7 [1.3, 2.4]). Participants who had Medicaid (OR [95% CI]: 1.8 [1.3, 2.5]), lived in rural settings (OR [95% CI]: 1.4 [1.0, 2.0]), or were Black (OR [95% CI]: 1.5 [1.2, 1.8]) had slightly higher odds of chemotherapy, but these associations were non-significant with adjustment for stage and grade. Associations between younger age and chemotherapy receipt were strongest among women who did not receive genomic testing. CONCLUSIONS While race was not strongly associated with chemotherapy receipt, younger age remains a strong predictor of chemotherapy receipt, even with adjustment for clinical factors and among women who receive genomic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea T Olsson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Alina M Hamilton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah C Van Alsten
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jennifer L Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Til Stürmer
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Katherine E Reeder-Hayes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melissa A Troester
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Fwelo P, Yusuf ZI, Adjei A, Huynh G, Du XL. Racial and ethnic disparities in the refusal of surgical treatment in women 40 years and older with breast cancer in the USA between 2010 and 2017. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 194:643-661. [PMID: 35749020 PMCID: PMC9287205 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06653-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although surgical resection is the main modality of treatment for breast cancer, some patients elect to refuse the recommended surgery. We assessed racial and ethnic differences in women 40 years and older who received or refused to receive surgical treatment for breast cancer in the USA and whether racial disparities in mortality were affected by their differences in the prevalence of refusal for surgical treatment. METHODS We studied 277,127 women with breast cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data and performed multivariable logistic regressions to investigate the association between surgery status of breast cancer and race/ethnicity. Additionally, we performed Cox regression analyses to determine the predictors of mortality outcomes. RESULTS Of 277,127 patients with breast cancer, 1468 (0.53%) refused to receive the recommended surgical treatment in our cohort. Non-Hispanic Black women were 112% more likely to refuse the recommended surgical treatment for breast cancer compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts [adjusted odds ratio: 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82-2.47]. Women who underwent breast-conserving surgery [hazards ratio (HR) 0.15, 95% CI 0.13-0.16] and mastectomy (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.18-0.23) had lower hazard ratios of mortality as compared to women who refused the recommended treatment after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSION Race/ethnicity was associated with refusal for the recommended surgery, especially among non-Hispanic Black women. Also, surgery refusal was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and breast cancer-related mortality. These disparities stress the need to tailor interventions aimed at raising awareness of the importance of following physician recommendations among minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Fwelo
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Suite 2052-4, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Zenab I Yusuf
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Suite 2052-4, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abigail Adjei
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Suite 2052-4, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel Huynh
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xianglin L Du
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Suite 2052-4, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Kebede N, Shah R, Shah A, Corman S, Nwankwo C. Treatment patterns and economic burden among cervical and endometrial cancer patients newly initiating systemic therapy. Future Oncol 2022; 18:953-964. [PMID: 35094566 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate treatment patterns, healthcare resource use (HCRU) and all-cause healthcare costs among patients with cervical or endometrial cancer newly initiating systemic therapy. Methods: We identified patients with cervical or endometrial cancer newly initiating systemic therapy - a claims-based proxy for advanced disease - between 2014 and 2019, described them by line of therapy (LOT), and summarized the per patient per month (PPPM) HCRU and healthcare costs per LOT. Results: Among 1229 patients with cervical cancer and 2659 patients with endometrial cancer, LOT1 therapies included systemic only (cervical, 50.1%; endometrial, 83.2%) and systemic with radiation therapy (cervical, 49.9%; endometrial, 16.8%). Mean PPPM total costs were: LOT1 (cervical, $15,892; endometrial, $11,363), LOT2 ($20,193; $14,019) and LOT3+ ($16,576; $14,645). Conclusions: Overall, patients received guideline-concordant care and experienced significant economic burden, which increased with LOT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruchit Shah
- Open Health Evidence & Access, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Anuj Shah
- Open Health Evidence & Access, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Shelby Corman
- Open Health Evidence & Access, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Smith-Graziani D, Lei X, Giordano SH, Zhao H, Karuturi M, Chavez-MacGregor M. Delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with breast cancer. Cancer Med 2020; 9:6961-6971. [PMID: 32767723 PMCID: PMC7541132 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adjuvant chemotherapy benefits early‐stage breast cancer (BC) patients. Older women receive guideline‐adherent treatment less frequently and experience treatment delays more frequently. We evaluated factors associated with delaying adjuvant chemotherapy and the delays’ survival impact in a large population–based cohort of elderly BC patients. Methods Patients age >66 years diagnosed 2001‐2015 with localized or regional BC were identified in the SEER‐Medicare and Texas Cancer Registry‐Medicare databases. Time from surgery to chemotherapy (TTC) was categorized into four groups: 0‐30, 31‐60, 61‐90, and >90 days. We identified predictors of delays, estimated overall (OS) and BC‐specific (BCSS) survival, and determined the association between TTC and outcome adjusting for other variables. Results Among 28,968 women (median age 71 years), median TTC was 43 days. 10.7% of patients experienced TTC >90 days. Older age, Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, unmarried status, more comorbidities, hormone receptor‐positivity, mastectomy, Oncotype DX testing, and full state buy‐in were associated with increased risk of delay. Five‐year OS estimates by TTC group were 0.82, 0.81, 0.80, and 0.74, respectively (p<.001). BCSS demonstrated a similar trend (p<.001). Chemotherapy delay was associated with worse OS (HR=1.33, 95%CI 1.25‐1.40) and BCSS (HR=1.39, 95%CI 1.27‐1.53). In subgroup analysis, delayed chemotherapy was associated with worse OS and BCSS among patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR=1.56, 95%CI 0.97‐2.51), HER2‐positive (HR=1.99, 95%CI 1.04‐3.79), and triple‐negative (HR=2.15, 95%CI 1.38‐3.36) tumors. Conclusion Chemotherapy delays are associated with worse survival in older BC patients. Providers should avoid delays and initiate chemotherapy ≤90 days after surgery regardless of patients’ BC subtype or age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetria Smith-Graziani
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiudong Lei
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sharon H Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Meghan Karuturi
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mariana Chavez-MacGregor
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Zhao B, Lv W, Lin J. Delaying adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer patients: Risk factors and its impact on survival outcome. Curr Probl Cancer 2020; 44:100577. [PMID: 32418615 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2020.100577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvant chemotherapy following the curative resection could improve the survival outcome of advanced gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, it is unclear whether delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy had a negative impact on survival outcome in GC patients. The purpose of this study was to review current published literature about the impact of delaying adjuvant chemotherapy on survival outcome and summarize risk factors for delaying adjuvant chemotherapy. Delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy was quite frequent in GC patients who underwent gastrectomy due to postoperative complications, poor nutritional status, comorbid diseases and socioeconomic status. Therefore, it is important for these patients to have a sufficient and smooth transition from surgery to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. Based on current available evidence, there is no specific timing interval for the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy in GC patients. Earlier initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy (<4 weeks) may not be mandatory for GC patients who underwent curative resection. However, the patients should be recommended to receive adjuvant chemotherapy within 6-8 weeks if their performance status and nutritional status were deemed to be appropriate. Minimizing postoperative complications and providing requisite nutritional advice may be helpful for timely initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochao Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Wu Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, PR China.
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Rocque GB, Williams CP, Miller HD, Azuero A, Wheeler SB, Pisu M, Hull O, Rocconi RP, Kenzik KM. Impact of Travel Time on Health Care Costs and Resource Use by Phase of Care for Older Patients With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2019; 37:1935-1945. [PMID: 31184952 DOI: 10.1200/jco.19.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Many community cancer clinics closed between 2008 and 2016, with additional closings potentially expected. Limited data exist on the impact of travel time on health care costs and resource use. METHODS This retrospective cohort study (2012 to 2015) evaluated travel time to cancer care site for Medicare beneficiaries age 65 years or older in the southeastern United States. The primary outcome was Medicare spending by phase of care (ie, initial, survivorship, end of life). Secondary outcomes included patient cost responsibility and resource use measured by hospitalization rates, intensive care unit admissions, and chemotherapy-related hospitalization rates. Hierarchical linear models with patients clustered within cancer care site (CCS) were used to determine the effects of travel time on average monthly phase-specific Medicare spending and patient cost responsibility. RESULTS Median travel time was 32 (interquartile range, 18-59) minutes for the 23,382 included Medicare beneficiaries, with 24% of patients traveling longer than 1 hour to their CCS. During the initial phase of care, Medicare spending was 14% higher and patient cost responsibility was 10% higher for patients traveling longer than 1 hour than those traveling 30 minutes or less. Hospitalization rates were 4% to 13% higher for patients traveling longer than 1 hour versus 30 minutes or less in the initial (61 v 54), survivorship (27 v 26), and end-of-life (310 v 286) phases of care (all P < .05). Most patients traveling longer than 1 hour were hospitalized at a local hospital rather than at their CCS, whereas the converse was true for patients traveling 30 minutes or less. CONCLUSION As health care locations close, patients living farther from treatment sites may experience more limited access to care, and health care spending could increase for patients and Medicare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Harold D Miller
- 2Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Andres Azuero
- 1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Maria Pisu
- 1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Olivia Hull
- 1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Enewold L, Penn DC, Stevens JL, Harlan LC. Black/white differences in treatment and survival among women with stage IIIB-IV breast cancer at diagnosis: a US population-based study. Cancer Causes Control 2018; 29:657-665. [PMID: 29860614 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-018-1045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-Hispanic black (NHB) women with breast cancer have poorer survival than non-Hispanic white (NHW) women. Although NHB women are more often diagnosed at later stages, it is less established whether racial disparities exist among women diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, particularly when care is provided in the community setting. METHODS Treatment and survival were examined by race/ethnicity among women diagnosed in 2012 with stage IIIB-IV breast cancer using the National Cancer Institute's population-based Patterns of Care Study. Medical records were re-abstracted and treating physicians were contacted to verify therapy. Vital status was available through 2014. RESULTS A total of 533 women with stage IIIB-C and 625 with stage IV tumors were included; NHW women comprised about 70% of each group. Among women with stage IIIB-C disease, racial/ethnicity variations in systemic treatment were not observed but there was a borderline association indicating worse all-cause mortality among NHB women (hazard ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-2.41). In contrast, among women with stage IV disease, borderline associations indicating NHB women were more likely to receive chemotherapy (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.90-2.30) and, among those with hormone receptor-positive tumors, less likely to receive endocrine therapy (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.35-1.04). All-cause mortality did not vary by race/ethnicity for stage IV disease (hazard ratio 0.92; 95% CI 0.68-1.25). CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to identify additional factors associated with the potential survival disparities among women with stage IIIB-C disease and potential treatment disparities among women with stage IV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Enewold
- NCI/DCCPS/HDRP/HARB, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA. .,NCI/HDRP, Room 3E506, 9609 Medical Center Drive, MSC 9762, Bethesda, MD, 20892-9762, USA.
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9
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Influence of comorbidity on chemotherapy use for early breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 165:17-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4295-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Schroeder MC, Chapman CG, Nattinger MC, Halfdanarson TR, Abu-Hejleh T, Tien YY, Brooks JM. Variation in geographic access to chemotherapy by definitions of providers and service locations: a population-based observational study. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:274. [PMID: 27430623 PMCID: PMC4950719 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An aging population, with its associated rise in cancer incidence and strain on the oncology workforce, will continue to motivate patients, healthcare providers and policy makers to better understand the existing and growing challenges of access to chemotherapy. Administrative data, and SEER-Medicare data in particular, have been used to assess patterns of healthcare utilization because of its rich information regarding patients, their treatments, and their providers. To create measures of geographic access to chemotherapy, patients and oncologists must first be identified. Others have noted that identifying chemotherapy providers from Medicare claims is not always straightforward, as providers may report multiple or incorrect specialties and/or practice in multiple locations. Although previous studies have found that specialty codes alone fail to identify all oncologists, none have assessed whether various methods of identifying chemotherapy providers and their locations affect estimates of geographic access to care. Methods SEER-Medicare data was used to identify patients, physicians, and chemotherapy use in this population-based observational study. We compared two measures of geographic access to chemotherapy, local area density and distance to nearest provider, across two definitions of chemotherapy provider (identified by specialty codes or billing codes) and two definitions of chemotherapy service location (where chemotherapy services were proven to be or possibly available) using descriptive statistics. Access measures were mapped for three representative registries. Results In our sample, 57.2 % of physicians who submitted chemotherapy claims reported a specialty of hematology/oncology or medical oncology. These physicians were associated with 91.0 % of the chemotherapy claims. When providers were identified through billing codes instead of specialty codes, an additional 50.0 % of beneficiaries (from 23.8 % to 35.7 %) resided in the same ZIP code as a chemotherapy provider. Beneficiaries were also 1.3 times closer to a provider, in terms of driving time. Our access measures did not differ significantly across definitions of service location. Conclusions Measures of geographic access to care were sensitive to definitions of chemotherapy providers; far more providers were identified through billing codes than specialty codes. They were not sensitive to definitions of service locations, as providers, regardless of how they are identified, generally provided chemotherapy at each of their practice locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Schroeder
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 115 South Grand Ave, S525 PHAR, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Cole G Chapman
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Matthew C Nattinger
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Taher Abu-Hejleh
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Yu-Yu Tien
- Program in Pharmaceutical Socioeconomics, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - John M Brooks
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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Pondé N, Dal Lago L, Azim HA. Adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with breast cancer: key challenges. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2016; 16:661-71. [PMID: 27010772 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2016.1170595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Elderly women with early breast cancer (BC) form a heterogeneous and large subgroup (41.8% of women with BC are over 65). Decision making in this subgroup is made more difficult by lack of familiarity with their physical, cognitive and social issues. Adequate management depends on biological factors and accurate clinical evaluation through comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). CGA can help to better select and determine potential risks factors for patients who are candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy. It is still recently introduced in geriatric oncology and there is a lack of awareness of its importance. Available data on adjuvant chemotherapy for BC is limited but suggests it can be of benefit for well selected patients, though the risk of short and long-term toxicity is significant. Here we provide a discussion of the key practical issues in decision making in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Pondé
- a BrEAST Data Centre, Department of Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet , Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Lissandra Dal Lago
- b Medicine Department, Institut Jules Bordet , Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Hatem A Azim
- a BrEAST Data Centre, Department of Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet , Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
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Racial variation in adjuvant chemotherapy initiation among breast cancer patients receiving oncotype DX testing. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015. [PMID: 26216535 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It is unknown whether racial differences exist in adjuvant chemotherapy initiation among women with similar oncotype DX (ODX) risk scores. We examined whether adjuvant chemotherapy initiation varied by race. Data come from the Phase III, Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a longitudinal, population-based study of North Carolina women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. We used modified Poisson regression and report adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to estimate the association between race and adjuvant chemotherapy initiation across ODX risk groups among women who received the test (n = 541). Among women who underwent ODX testing, 54.2, 37.5, and 8.3% of women had tumors classified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. We observed no racial variation in adjuvant chemotherapy initiation. Increasing ODX risk score (aRR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.22, 1.58) and being married (aRR = 2.92, 95%CI = 1.12, 7.60) were independently associated with an increased likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy in the low-risk group. Among women in the intermediate-risk group, ODX risk score (aRR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.11, 1.20), younger age (aRR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.35, 2.81), larger tumor size (aRR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.22, 2.35), and higher income were independently associated with increased likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy initiation. No racial differences were found in adjuvant chemotherapy initiation among women receiving ODX testing. As treatment decision-making becomes increasingly targeted with the use of genetic technologies, these results provide evidence that test results may drive treatment in a similar way across racial subgroups.
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Reeder-Hayes KE, Wheeler SB, Mayer DK. Health disparities across the breast cancer continuum. Semin Oncol Nurs 2015; 31:170-7. [PMID: 25951746 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a brief overview of disparities across the spectrum of breast cancer incidence, treatment, and long-term care during the survivorship period. DATA SOURCES Review of the literature including research reports, review articles, and clinically based articles available through PubMed and CINAHL. CONCLUSION Minority women generally experience worse breast cancer outcomes despite a lower incidence of breast cancer than whites. A variety of factors contribute to this disparity, including advanced stage at diagnosis, higher rates of aggressive breast cancer subtypes, and lower receipt of appropriate therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Disparities in breast cancer care also extend into the survivorship trajectory, including lower rates of endocrine therapy use among some minority groups, as well as differences in follow-up and survivorship care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Breast cancer research should include improved minority representation and analyses by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. While we cannot yet change the biology of this disease, we can encourage adherence to screening and treatment and help address the many physical, psychological, spiritual, and social issues minority women face in a culturally sensitive manner.
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Park HS, Jung M, Kim HS, Kim HI, An JY, Cheong JH, Hyung WJ, Noh SH, Kim YI, Chung HC, Rha SY. Proper timing of adjuvant chemotherapy affects survival in patients with stage 2 and 3 gastric cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2014; 22:224-31. [PMID: 25081339 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-014-3949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with gastric cancer. However, the relationship between the timing of adjuvant chemotherapy and survival has not been investigated. METHODS Patients with D2-resected stage 2 and 3 gastric cancer that received adjuvant chemotherapy from 2005 to 2011 at Yonsei University Health System were included. The patients were grouped according to intervals between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS Among 840 patients, the interval from surgery to the start of adjuvant therapy was less than 4 weeks in 337 (40.1 %) patients (early group), 4-8 weeks in 467 (55.6 %) patients (intermediate group), and more than 8 weeks in 36 (4.3 %) patients (late group). The 5-year RFS was 55.7 % in the early group, 54.4 % in the intermediate group, and 43.6 % in the late group (p = 0.076). The corresponding 5-year OS rates were 63.4, 62.8, and 51.7 % (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence to suggest starting adjuvant chemotherapy within 4 weeks after surgery for patients with D2 resected stage 2 and 3 gastric cancer. However, delayed treatment of adjuvant chemotherapy after 8 weeks showed worse survival outcomes than early and intermediate treatment initiation, suggesting that adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered start within 8 weeks after radical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Soon Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Lamont EB, Yu M, He Y, Saltz L, Muss H, Zaslavsky AM. Hospital-based health care use correlates with incidence of adverse events among elderly Medicare patients treated in adjuvant chemotherapy trials (Alliance 70802). J Geriatr Oncol 2014; 5:230-7. [PMID: 24594119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medicare claims can be useful in chemotherapy-related comparative effectiveness research (CER) estimating survival, but methods for estimating patients' treatment morbidity are currently lacking. We sought to determine if patients' health care use in the claims is a marker of treatment morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS For 249 elderly Medicare patients with breast or colon cancer who were treated in two adjuvant clinical trials, we merged patients' National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTC AEs) trial data with their contemporaneous Medicare claims. We estimated associations of patients' grade ≥3 CTC AE counts and their use of two types of hospital-based health care in claims (i.e., emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations). RESULTS ER visits and hospitalizations were significantly positively associated with grade ≥3 CTC AE counts incurred by patients during the study. Eight percent of patients without any grade ≥3 CTC AEs had one or more hospitalizations during the observation period compared to 43% of patients with three or more grade ≥3 CTC AEs (p<0.01). Those who were hospitalized at least once had more than three times the rate of grade ≥3 CTC AEs (IRR 3.70, 95% CI: 2.53-5.40) compared to those who were not. With each hospitalization, the daily incidence rate of any grade ≥3 CTC AE more than doubled (IRR 2.10, 95% CI: 1.54-2.86). CONCLUSIONS Because hospitalization is strongly associated with clinically significant toxicity it may be a useful outcome for Medicare claim-based CER comparing treatment morbidity for elderly patients receiving different adjuvant chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B Lamont
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Menggang Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Yulei He
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonard Saltz
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hyman Muss
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alan M Zaslavsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Meyer AM, Reeder-Hayes KE, Liu H, Wheeler SB, Penn D, Weiner BJ, Carpenter WR. Differential receipt of sentinel lymph node biopsy within practice-based research networks. Med Care 2013; 51:812-8. [PMID: 23942221 PMCID: PMC4080805 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e31829c8ca4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are promising for accelerating not only research, but also dissemination of research-based evidence into broader community practice. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an innovation in breast cancer care associated with equivalent survival and lower morbidity, as compared with standard axillary lymph node dissection. We examined the diffusion of SLNB into practice and whether affiliation with the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), a cancer-focused PBRN, was associated with more rapid uptake of SLNB. RESEARCH DESIGN Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data were used to study women diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer in the years 2000-2005 and undergoing breast-conserving surgery with axillary staging (n=6226). The primary outcome was undergoing SLNB. CCOP affiliation of the surgical physician was ascertained from NCI records. Multivariable generalized linear modeling with generalized estimating equations was used to measure association between CCOP exposure and undergoing SLNB, controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS Women treated by a CCOP physician had significantly higher odds of receiving SLNB compared with women treated by a non-CCOP physician (OR 2.68; 95% CI, 1.35-5.34). The magnitude of this association was larger than that observed among patients treated by physicians operating in medical school-affiliated hospitals (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.30-2.39). CONCLUSIONS Women treated by CCOP-affiliated physicians were more likely to undergo SLNB irrespective of the hospital's medical school affiliation, suggesting that the CCOP PBRN may play a role in the rapid adoption of research-based innovation in community practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Meyer
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7293, USA.
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Wheeler SB, Reeder-Hayes KE, Carey LA. Disparities in breast cancer treatment and outcomes: biological, social, and health system determinants and opportunities for research. Oncologist 2013; 18:986-93. [PMID: 23939284 PMCID: PMC3780646 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2013-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Racial disparities in breast cancer mortality have been widely documented for several decades and persist despite advances in receipt of mammography across racial groups. This persistence leads to questions about the roles of biological, social, and health system determinants of poor outcomes. Cancer outcomes are a function not only of innate biological factors but also of modifiable characteristics of individual behavior and decision making as well as characteristics of patient-health system interaction and the health system itself. Attempts to explain persistent racial disparities have mostly been limited to discussion of differences in insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, tumor stage at diagnosis, comorbidity, and molecular subtype of the tumor. This article summarizes existing literature exploring reasons for racial disparities in breast cancer mortality, with an emphasis on treatment disparities and opportunities for future research. Because breast cancer care requires a high degree of multidisciplinary team collaboration, ensuring that guideline recommended treatment (such as endocrine therapy for hormone receptor positive patients) is received by all racial/ethnic groups is critical and requires coordination across multiple providers and health care settings. Recognition that variation in cancer care quality may be correlated with race (and socioeconomic and health system factors) may assist policy makers in identifying strategies to more equally distribute clinical expertise and health infrastructure across multiple user populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, and
| | - Katherine E. Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa A. Carey
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Is medical home enrollment associated with receipt of guideline-concordant follow-up care among low-income breast cancer survivors? Med Care 2013; 51:494-502. [PMID: 23673393 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e31828d4d0c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) initiated an innovative medical home program in the 1990 s to improve primary care in Medicaid-insured populations. CCNC has been successful in improving asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular outcomes but has not been evaluated in the context of cancer care. We explored whether CCNC enrollment was associated with guideline-concordant follow-up care among breast cancer survivors. METHODS Using state cancer registry records matched to Medicaid claims, we identified women 18 to 64 years old who were diagnosed with stage 0, I, II, or unstaged breast cancer from 2003 to 2007 and tracked their monthly CCNC enrollment. Using published American Society for Clinical Oncology guidelines to define our outcomes, we employed multivariate logistic regressions to examine, as a function of CCNC enrollment, receipt of mammogram and at least 2 physical examinations/history-taking visits within observational windows consistent with the guidelines. RESULTS Of the 840 women, approximately half were enrolled into the CCNC for some time during the study period. Between 40% and 85% received follow-up mammogram in accordance with guidelines, with significant variation by CCNC status, and 95% of women received at least 2 physical examinations/history-taking visits. In multivariate models, increasing months of CCNC enrollment was significantly positively associated with receipt of follow-up mammogram but not with physical examinations/history-taking visits. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that CCNC enrollment is associated with guideline-concordant follow-up care for Medicaid-insured survivors. Given the growing population of cancer survivors and increased emphasis on primary care medical homes, future studies should explore what factors are associated with medical home participation and whether similar findings are observed with extended follow-up.
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Adjuvant chemotherapy and differential invasive breast cancer specific survival in elderly women. J Geriatr Oncol 2013; 4:148-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wray CJ, Phatak UR, Robinson EK, Wiatek RL, Rieber AG, Gonzalez A, Ko TC, Kao LS. The effect of age on race-related breast cancer survival disparities. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20:2541-7. [PMID: 23435633 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-2913-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer survival disparities by race are likely multifactorial. In a small pilot cohort, we demonstrated a statistical interaction between age and race. The purpose of this study was to validate earlier findings in a larger, more diverse cohort and to test the hypothesis that breast cancer survival is influenced by the dependent relationship of age and race. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of a multi-institutional breast cancer database for patients treated between 1999 and 2009. Study variables included age and disease stage at diagnosis, race, treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy) and overall survival. Statistical analysis and regression models were performed by Stata software. RESULTS A total of 9,249 patients were included in this study. African American, Hispanic, and Asian patients were more likely to present at a younger age with metastases. African American and Hispanic race were associated with increased mortality after adjusting for stage, age, and treatment. A 2-way interaction between age and race was identified in the Cox regression model (p < 0.001). To further define this interaction, a postestimation analysis was performed to determine the predicted relative hazard for each race with age fixed at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 years. At younger ages, the predicted relative hazard was significantly higher for both African American and Hispanic race. CONCLUSIONS Despite adjusting for stage and treatment differences, African American and Hispanic race predicted poor survival. The effect of age and treatment on breast cancer survival differs across races. Additional research is needed to accurately determine the reasons for worsened survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis J Wray
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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