1
|
Doll KM, Pike M, Alson J, Williams P, Carey E, Stürmer T, Wood M, Marsh EE, Katz R, Robinson WR. Endometrial Thickness as Diagnostic Triage for Endometrial Cancer Among Black Individuals. JAMA Oncol 2024:2820528. [PMID: 38935372 PMCID: PMC11211989 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.1891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Importance Poor performance of the transvaginal ultrasonography triage strategy has been suggested as a contributor to racial disparity between Black individuals and White individuals in endometrial cancer (EC) stage at diagnosis in population-level simulation analyses. Objectives To examine the false-negative probability using ultrasonography-measured endometrial thickness (ET) thresholds as triage for EC diagnosis among Black individuals and assess whether known risk factors of EC modify ET triage performance. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective diagnostic study of merged abstracted electronic health record data and secondary administrative data (January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020) from the Guidelines for Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Detection of Early Endometrial Cancer sample assessed Black individuals who underwent hysterectomy in a 10-hospital academic-affiliated health care system and affiliated outpatient practices. Data analysis was performed from January 31, 2023, to November 30, 2023. Exposure Pelvic ultrasonography within 24 months before hysterectomy. Main Outcome and Measures Ultrasonography performed before hysterectomy as well as demographic and clinical data on symptom presentation, endometrial characterization, and final EC diagnosis were abstracted. Endometrial thickness thresholds were examined for accuracy in ruling out EC diagnosis by using sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value. False-negative probability was defined as 1 - sensitivity. Accuracy measures were stratified by risk factors for EC and by factors hypothesized to influence ET measurement quality. Results A total of 1494 individuals with a uterus (median [IQR] age, 46.1 [41.1-54.0] years) comprised the sample, and 210 had EC. Fibroids (1167 [78.1%]), vaginal bleeding (1067 [71.4%]), and pelvic pain (857 [57.4%]) were the most common presenting diagnoses within 30 days of ultrasonography. Applying the less than 5-mm ET threshold, there was an 11.4% probability that someone with EC would be classified as not having EC (n = 24). At the 4-mm (cumulative) threshold, the probability was 9.5%, and at 3 mm, it was 3.8%. False-negative probability at the 5-mm threshold was similar among EC risk factor groups: postmenopausal bleeding (12.4%; 95% CI, 7.8%-18.5%), body mass index greater than 40 (9.3%; 95% CI, 3.1%-20.3%); and age 50 years or older (12.8%; 95% CI, 8.4%-18.5%). False-negative probability was also similar among those with fibroids on ultrasonography (11.8%; 95% CI, 6.9%-18.4%) but higher in the setting of reported partial ET visibility (26.1%; 95% CI, 10.2%-48.4%) and pelvic pain (14.5%; 95% CI, 7.7%-23.9%). Conclusion and Relevance These findings suggest that the transvaginal ultrasonography triage strategy is not reliable among Black adults at risk for EC. In the presence of postmenopausal bleeding, tissue sampling is strongly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kemi M. Doll
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Mindy Pike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Julianna Alson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Patrice Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Erin Carey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Til Stürmer
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Mollie Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Erica E. Marsh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Ronit Katz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Whitney R. Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hicks ML, Hicks MM, Mathews RP, Khabele D, Clare CA, Balogun O, Lawson YR, Tillman RH, Butler R, Spann CO, Parham GP. Racial disparities in endometrial cancer: Where are we after 26 years? Gynecol Oncol 2024; 184:236-242. [PMID: 38382150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female genital tract malignancy in the United States of America. Racial disparities surrounding this particular disease have been extensively investigated for over 26-years. We sought to determine if research in this area has led to any significant improvements in this disparity. METHODS We performed a rapid systematic review of English language publications on racial disparities in endometrial cancer among African American (AAW) and white American women (WAW), from 1997 to 2023. We looked at trends in incidence and survival; impact of known poor prognostic factors (stage at diagnosis, histological subtypes, grade); co-morbidities; differences in treatment (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy); socioeconomic factors; differences in biological and genetic markers; and policies/declarations. RESULTS During the period under review (1997-2023), there was a notable increase in both disease incidence (39%) and mortality (26%) rates for AAW, in comparison to WAW among whom the incidence rates increased by 2% and mortality rates rose, but 9% less than for AAW. It should be noted that the current incidence rate of 29.4% in AAW represent a reversal of what is was 26-years ago, when the incidence rate was 17.8%. In comparison to WAW, AAW had a higher prevalence of poor prognostic variables, more co-morbidities, lower income levels, less insurance coverage, and were more frequently under treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. To date no actionable molecular/genetic markers have been identified. We were unable to locate any published recommendations or active programs of implementation strategies/policies designed to effectively mitigate the documented racial disparity. CONCLUSION Racial disparities in disease incidence and mortality in endometrial cancer rates between WAW and AAW have widened during a 26-year period of robust research, suggesting that current research alone is not enough to eliminate this disparity. Based on this rapid systematic review we have identified and analyzed the impact of causation variables on this disparity. Additionally, we have made strong and pertinent recommendations for the benefit of mitigating this escalating racial disparity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Hicks
- St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Cancer Center, Michigan Cancer Institute, 44405 Woodward Ave, Suite 202, Pontiac, MI 48324, USA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Dr. Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
| | - Maya M Hicks
- Anne Arundel Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Belcher Pavilion, Ste 309, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
| | - Roland P Mathews
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Washington University, School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Mailstop 86064-37-1005, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Camille A Clare
- SUNY Downstate Health Science University, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, 450 Clarkson Ave, MSC-24, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Onyinye Balogun
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Radiation Oncology, 525 East Street, Stich Radiation Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yolanda R Lawson
- Made Well Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2509 Thomas Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
| | - Ronda Henry Tillman
- University of Arkansas Medical Center, Winthrop P. Rockerfeller Cancer Institute, 449 Jack Stephens Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Raleigh Butler
- Princess Margaret Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 102 Thompson Blvd Nassau, Bahamas
| | - Cyril O Spann
- Piedmont Hospital, 1800 Howell Mill Road Northwest, suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
| | - Groesbeck P Parham
- Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1731 E 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fife AJ, Najor AJ, Aspir TB, Haines KE, Vilardo NA, Isani SS, Cowan M, Gressel GM, Ye KQ, Nevadunsky NS, Kuo DY, Lin KY. Reduced healthcare access contributes to delay of care in endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 182:115-120. [PMID: 38262233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize delays to care in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer and the role healthcare access plays in these delays. METHODS A chart review was performed of patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer who presented with postmenopausal bleeding at a diverse, urban medical center between 2006 and 2018. The time from symptom onset to treatment was abstracted from the medical record. This interval was subdivided to assess for delay to presentation, delay to diagnosis, and delay to treatment. RESULTS We identified 484 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The median time from symptom onset to treatment was 4 months with an interquartile range of 2 to 8 months. Most patients had stage I disease at diagnosis (88.6%). There was no significant difference in race/ethnicity or disease stage at time of diagnosis between different groups. Patients who had not seen a primary care physician or general obstetrician-gynecologist in the year before symptom onset were more likely to have significantly delayed care (27.7% vs 14.3%, p = 0.02) and extrauterine disease (20.2% vs 4.9%, p < 0.01) compared to those with established care. Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to experience significant delays from initial biopsy to diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Delays exist in the evaluation of endometrial cancer. This delay is most pronounced in patients without an established outpatient primary care provider or obstetrician-gynecologist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Fife
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America.
| | - Anna J Najor
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Tori B Aspir
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin E Haines
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Nicole A Vilardo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Sara S Isani
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Matthew Cowan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Gregory M Gressel
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Spectrum Health Cancer Center, 145 Michigan St NE, Suite 6300, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States of America
| | - Kenny Q Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Block Building Room 310, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Nicole S Nevadunsky
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Dennis Y Kuo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Ken Y Lin
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1695 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu YL, Gordhandas S, Arora K, Rios-Doria E, Cadoo KA, Catchings A, Maio A, Kemel Y, Sheehan M, Salo-Mullen E, Zhou Q, Iasonos A, Carrot-Zhang J, Manning-Geist B, Sia TY, Selenica P, Vanderbilt C, Misyura M, Latham A, Bandlamudi C, Berger MF, Hamilton JG, Makker V, Abu-Rustum NR, Ellenson LH, Offit K, Mandelker DL, Stadler Z, Weigelt B, Aghajanian C, Brown C. Pathogenic germline variants in patients with endometrial cancer of diverse ancestry. Cancer 2024; 130:576-587. [PMID: 37886874 PMCID: PMC10922155 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35071] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities in outcomes exist in endometrial cancer (EC). The contribution of ancestry-based variations in germline pathogenic variants (gPVs) is unknown. METHODS Germline assessment of ≥76 cancer predisposition genes was performed in patients with EC undergoing tumor-normal Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets sequencing from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2021. Self-reported race/ethnicity and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry data classified patients into groups. Genetic ancestry was inferred from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets. Rates of gPV and genetic counseling were compared by ancestry. RESULTS Among 1625 patients with EC, 216 (13%) had gPVs; 15 had >1 gPV. Rates of gPV varied by self-reported ancestry (Ashkenazi Jewish, 40/202 [20%]; Asian, 15/124 [12%]; Black/African American (AA), 12/171 [7.0%]; Hispanic, 15/124 [12%]; non-Hispanic (NH) White, 129/927 [14%]; missing, 5/77 [6.5%]; p = .009], with similar findings by genetic ancestry (p < .001). We observed a lower likelihood of gPVs in patients of Black/AA (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.81) and African (AFR) ancestry (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18-0.85) and a higher likelihood in patients of Ashkenazi Jewish genetic ancestry (OR, 1.62; 95% CI; 1.11-2.34) compared with patients of non-Hispanic White/European ancestry, even after adjustment for age and molecular subtype. Somatic landscape influenced gPVs with lower rates of microsatellite instability-high tumors in patients of Black/AA and AFR ancestry. Among those with newly identified gPVs (n = 114), 102 (89%) were seen for genetic counseling, with lowest rates among Black/AA (75%) and AFR patients (67%). CONCLUSIONS In those with EC, gPV and genetic counseling varied by ancestry, with lowest rates among Black/AA and AFR patients, potentially contributing to disparities in outcomes given implications for treatment and cancer prevention. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Black women with endometrial cancer do worse than White women, and there are many reasons for this disparity. Certain genetic changes from birth (mutations) can increase the risk of cancer, and it is unknown if rates of these changes are different between different ancestry groups. Genetic mutations in 1625 diverse women with endometrial cancer were studied and the lowest rates of mutations and genetic counseling were found in Black and African ancestry women. This could affect their treatment options as well as their families and may make disparities worse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying L Liu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sushmita Gordhandas
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kanika Arora
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Rios-Doria
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen A Cadoo
- St. James's Hospital, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amanda Catchings
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anna Maio
- Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yelena Kemel
- Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret Sheehan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erin Salo-Mullen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexia Iasonos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jian Carrot-Zhang
- Department of Computational Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Beryl Manning-Geist
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tiffany Y Sia
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pier Selenica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chad Vanderbilt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maksym Misyura
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alicia Latham
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chaitanya Bandlamudi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael F Berger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jada G Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vicky Makker
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nadeem R Abu-Rustum
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lora H Ellenson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth Offit
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Diana L Mandelker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zsofia Stadler
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carol Aghajanian
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carol Brown
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Illah O, Adeeko D, Olaitan A, Gentry-Maharaj A. Racioethnic Disparities in Endometrial Cancer Outcomes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:417. [PMID: 38396458 PMCID: PMC10887632 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040417] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Black women are twice as likely to die from endometrial cancer (EC) compared with white women. This represents one of the worst racioethnic disparities amongst all cancers globally. Compared with white women, black women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced EC, have more barriers to accessing care and experience increased delays in obtaining an EC diagnosis and commencing treatment. Histological and molecular differences place black women at higher risk of being diagnosed with more aggressive EC subtypes that carry less favourable outcomes. Furthermore, EC diagnostic pathways are less reliable in black women, and black women are less likely to receive evidence-based treatment for EC. This racioethnic disparity in EC outcomes exists both in the UK and US, despite differences in healthcare systems. This review methodically describes the key factors along the patient journey that contribute to the disparity in black women and proposes multifaceted approaches to lessen these gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ojone Illah
- Department of Women’s Cancer, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Deborah Adeeko
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - Adeola Olaitan
- Department of Women’s Cancer, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Aleksandra Gentry-Maharaj
- Department of Women’s Cancer, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London WC1V 6LJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stewart CE, Nañez A, Ayoola-Adeola M, Chase D. Reducing health disparities in endometrial cancer care in 2024. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:18-22. [PMID: 37902961 PMCID: PMC10883863 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000924] [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: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the most recent publications explaining disparities among patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and identify areas of improvement. RECENT FINDINGS Racial disparities in endometrial cancer care have been identified along the cancer continuum including risk, diagnosis, access to treatment, and overall survival. The mortality gap in endometrial cancer is one of the top five widest Black-White mortality gaps among all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Many publications have demonstrated that the disparities exist, the aim of this review is to identify actionable areas of improvement. To mitigate racial disparities, we must acknowledge that Black patients are at higher risk of high-risk subtypes of endometrial cancer, and their presentation can vary from what is considered typical for the most common type of endometrial cancer. We must address that practice recommendations for diagnosis may not be generalizable to all races and ethnicities, and that racism has an impact on how providers approach a work-up for Black vs. White patients. Finally, we must improve access to appropriate treatment by steadfastly adhering to recommended practice guidelines regardless of race/ethnicity and improving efforts to enroll a diverse patient population to clinical trials. SUMMARY In this review, we sought to identify specific and actionable areas of improvement to reduce racial disparities in endometrial cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Stewart
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Grubman J, Mora V, Nguyen M, Ladwig N, Chen LM, Jacoby V. Impact of abnormal uterine bleeding care in premenopausal patients prior to endometrial malignancy diagnosis. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2023; 50:101292. [PMID: 37868015 PMCID: PMC10587729 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Literature evaluating the management of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal patients prior to endometrial malignancy diagnosis is lacking. Objective To evaluate predictors and consequences of inadequate evaluation and management of abnormal uterine bleeding and time to endometrial sampling in premenopausal patients prior to endometrial malignancy diagnosis.Study Design.This was a retrospective cohort study of premenopausal individuals with endometrioid endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia at a single institution from 2015 to 2020.. Complete noninvasive management encompassed pelvic exam, ultrasound, and progestin treatment before or in conjunction with the endometrial sampling of diagnosis. Multivariable logistic and ordinal odds models were used to evaluate predictors and outcomes. Results 152 subjects were included, 80.3 % with cancer and 19.7 % with atypical hyperplasia. The majority of patients had anovulatory bleeding, obesityand recent health care. Only 20.4 % had complete nonvinvasive management, and only 12.5 % had complete noninvasive management or endometrial sampling within 2 months of presentation with abnormal bleeding. Class III obesity reduced the likelihood of complete assessment and increased time to sampling, while age 45 and up and parity reduced time to sampling. Most patients had partial workup but no progestin treatment and long intervals before endometrial sampling after presentation to a provider with abnormal bleeding. Incomplete workup correlated to worse cancer grade and stage. Conclusion Despite high clinical risk and health care contact, most patients had insufficient gynecologic management preceding a diagnosis of endometrial malignancy. Inadequate care correlated to worse oncologic outcomes and demonstrates missed opportunities for early detection and prevention of endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Grubman
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Gynecologic Subspecialties, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Mora
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - May Nguyen
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Ladwig
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lee-may Chen
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Jacoby
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Gynecologic Subspecialties, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee NK, Tiro JA, Odunsi K. Disparities in Gynecologic Cancers. Cancer J 2023; 29:343-353. [PMID: 37963369 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gynecologic cancer disparities have different trends by cancer type and by sociodemographic/economic factors. We highlight disparities in the United States arising due to poor delivery of cancer care across the continuum from primary prevention, detection, and diagnosis through treatment and identify opportunities to eliminate/reduce disparities to achieve cancer health equity. Our review documents the persistent racial and ethnic disparities in cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer outcomes, with Black patients experiencing the worst outcomes, and notes literature investigating social determinants of health, particularly access to care. Although timely delivery of screening and diagnostic evaluation is of paramount importance for cervical cancer, efforts for ovarian and uterine cancer need to focus on timely recognition of symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, and delivery of guideline-concordant cancer treatment, including tumor biomarker and somatic/germline genetic testing.
Collapse
|
9
|
Anastasio MK, Gupta A, Akinyemiju TF, Previs RA. Healthcare access dimensions and uterine cancer survival: a national cancer database study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1263371. [PMID: 37869101 PMCID: PMC10585829 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1263371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Disparities exist throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survival for Black patients with uterine cancer. There is limited data on how several healthcare access (HCA) dimensions contribute to these disparities in patients with advanced stage uterine cancer. Methods Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified patients aged 40-89 years with Stage III-IV uterine cancer between 2004-2015 who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Race/ethnicity were classified as non-Hispanic (NH)-Black, Hispanic, and NH-White. Variables defined in the NCDB were used to assess HCA affordability, availability, and accessibility. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze overall survival. Results Of 43,134 patients, 78.8% of the cohort identified as NH-White, 15.3% NH-Black, and 5.9% Hispanic. NH-Black patients were the most likely to have type II (75.6% vs. 53.9% and 55.4%) and stage IV (40.8% vs. 30.7% and 32.3%) disease compared to NH-White and Hispanic patients. NH-Black patients were more likely than NH-White and Hispanic patients to have government funded insurance (58.6% vs. 50.3% and 50.4%), live in low-income areas (46.4% vs. 14.2% and 29.9%), and receive only chemotherapy (53.5% vs. 43.1% and 46.2%). Having private insurance and receiving treatment at an academic facility were positive predictors of survival. NH-Black patients had worse survival than NH-White patients after adjusting for clinical characteristics and healthcare access dimensions (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.24, 1.34). Conclusion While HCA affordability and availability predicted survival in patients with advanced stage uterine cancer, additional factors contribute to racial disparities. Compared to NH-White patients, NH-Black patients had more aggressive disease, received only chemotherapy rather than combined therapy, and had worse survival regardless of cancer subtype. Additional dimensions of healthcare access must be explored to remedy uterine cancer disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Katherine Anastasio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anjali Gupta
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Tomi F. Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Previs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, United States
- Labcorp Oncology, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Najor A, Melson V, Lyu J, Fadadu P, Bakkum-Gamez J, Sherman M, Kaunitz A, Connor A, Destephano C. Disparities in Timeliness of Endometrial Cancer Care: A Scoping Review. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:967-977. [PMID: 37734095 PMCID: PMC10510803 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We use the person-centered Pathway to Treatment framework to assess the scope of evidence on disparities in endometrial cancer stage at diagnosis. This report is intended to facilitate interventions, research, and advocacy that reduce disparities. DATA SOURCES We completed a structured search of electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Included studies were published between January 2000 and 2023 and addressed marginalized population(s) in the United States with the ability to develop endometrial cancer and addressed variable(s) outlined in the Pathway to Treatment. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION Our database search strategy was designed for sensitivity to identify studies on disparate prolongation of the Pathway to Treatment for endometrial cancer, tallying 2,171. Inclusion criteria were broad, yet only 24 studies addressed this issue. All articles were independently screened by two reviewers. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included: 10 on symptom appraisal, five on help seeking, five on diagnosis, and 10 on pretreatment intervals. Quality rankings were heterogeneous, between 3 and 9 (median 7.2) per the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We identified three qualitative, two participatory, and two intervention studies. Studies on help seeking predominantly investigate patient-driven delays. When disease factors were controlled for, delays of the pretreatment interval were independently associated with racism toward Black and Hispanic people, less education, lower socioeconomic status, and nonprivate insurance. CONCLUSIONS Evidence gaps on disparities in timeliness of endometrial cancer care reveal emphasis of patient-driven help-seeking delays, reliance on health care-derived databases, underutilization of participatory methods, and a paucity of intervention studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Given that PROSPERO was not accepting systematic scoping review protocols at the time this study began, this study protocol was shared a priori through Open Science Framework on January 13, 2021 (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V2ZXY), and through peer review publication on April 13, 2021 (doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01649-x).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Najor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York; the Alix School of Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, and the University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sage L, Dwyer E, Gray DA, Oluloro A, Williams PA, Katz R, Qualls NJ, Doll KM. Endometrial Cancer Knowledge and Guideline-Concordant Practice Patterns Among First-Line Providers. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:1104-1110. [PMID: 37527205 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Provider uncertainty about the appropriate guideline-concordant evaluation of endometrial cancer (EC) symptoms may be a factor in racial inequities in EC. To evaluate the relationship between EC knowledge and reported practice patterns in a nationally representative survey of first-line providers for initial EC symptoms. Materials and Methods: This was a mailed cross-sectional survey of physicians and nurse practitioners from professional organization roster of providers from Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. It queried demographics, practice characteristics, EC knowledge, and guideline-concordant practice patterns via three case vignettes. Regions of low response were retargeted to ensure strong representation among providers caring for Black women patients. EC knowledge was analyzed via a composite score (range: -3 to 10, with higher scores representing more EC knowledge), and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) used to test the association between knowledge and reported practice patterns. Results: Among 531 returned surveys (response rate = 38%), OBGYN had highest (53%) frequency of >6 (median) EC knowledge score, and Emergency Medicine had the lowest (15%) (p < 0.001). Nonguideline-concordant practice patterns were reported in 14%, 41%, and 35% of the three EC cases presented. Providers with knowledge >6, (n = 205) were significantly more likely to report guideline-concordant care on case vignettes (PR 1.28-1.36). Conclusions: In a national survey of multi-specialty backgrounds, there were basic knowledge gaps about EC and EC risk factors among providers, and a sizeable proportion reported nonguideline concordant practices. These findings indicate the importance of targeted education and training for first-line providers, as EC incidence rises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liz Sage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Erin Dwyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dorender A Gray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ann Oluloro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Patrice A Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ronit Katz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Noah J Qualls
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kemi M Doll
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xu X, Chen L, Nunez-Smith M, Clark M, Wright JD. Timeliness of diagnostic evaluation for postmenopausal bleeding: A retrospective cohort study using claims data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289692. [PMID: 37682914 PMCID: PMC10490884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is a common gynecologic condition. Although it can be a sign of uterine cancer, most patients have benign etiology. However, research on quality of diagnostic evaluation for PMB has been limited to cancer patients. To extend this research, we examined the timeliness of diagnostic evaluation for PMB among patients with benign conditions. METHODS Using the 2008-2019 MarketScan Research Databases, we identified 499176 patients (456741 with commercial insurance and 42435 with Medicaid insurance) who presented with PMB but did not have gynecologic cancer. For each patient, we measured the time from their PMB reporting to the date of their first diagnostic procedure. The association between patient characteristics and time to first diagnostic procedure was examined using Cox proportional hazards models (for the overall sample and then stratified by insurance type). RESULTS Overall, 54.3% of patients received a diagnostic procedure on the same day when they reported PMB and 86.6% received a diagnostic procedure within 12 months after reporting PMB. These percentages were 39.4% and 77.1%, respectively, for Medicaid patients, compared to 55.7% and 87.4%, respectively, for commercially insured patients (p<0.001 for both). Medicaid patients had an 18% lower rate of receiving a diagnostic procedure at any given time point than commercially insured patients (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.81-0.83). Meanwhile, older age and non-gynecologic comorbidities were associated with a lower rate whereas concomitant gynecologic conditions and recent use of preventive care were associated with a higher rate of receiving diagnostic procedures. Analysis stratified by insurance type identified additional risk factors for delayed diagnostic procedures (e.g., non-metropolitan versus metropolitan location for commercially insured patients and Black versus White race for Medicaid patients). CONCLUSION A sizable proportion of patients did not receive prompt diagnostic evaluation for PMB. Both clinical and non-clinical factors could affect timeliness of evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marcella Nunez-Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Mitchell Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jason D. Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doll KM. Endometrial Cancer and Reproductive Justice. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:477-480. [PMID: 37590979 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Black individuals with EC have had a more than 90% higher 5-year mortality risk than White people while being subject to lower quality care across the entire disease process. In this commentary, I offer the perspective that EC is part of the reproductive justice movement, as a representation of threat to reproductive health independent of childbearing. With this work, I want to place EC squarely among the discursive arguments that reproductive justice makes in the interconnectedness of fertility, reproductive health, parenthood, and, ultimately, life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kemi M Doll
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Taylor KN, Li A, Manuel M, Rimel BJ, Kim KH. The association of black race with receipt of hysterectomy and survival in low-risk endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 175:156-162. [PMID: 37390596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether Black race is associated with treatment and survival among women with low-risk endometrial cancer. METHODS Black and White women with Stage IA grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma diagnosed from 2010 to 2016 in the SEER 18 dataset were identified (n = 23,431), and clinical and socioeconomic attributes obtained. Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and relative survival (RS) were calculated using SEER*Stat 8.3.9. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of overall survival (OS) and CSS. RESULTS There was a significantly higher proportion of Black women who did not have surgery compared to White women (3% vs 1%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Residing in the South, being insured with Medicaid, and residing in a county with low median income were also associated with non-receipt of surgery. Black women remained less likely to undergo hysterectomy on multivariable analysis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.60). Non-receipt of hysterectomy was predictive of decreased CSS (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.09-0.21) and OS (HR 0.18, 95% 0.14-0.23) on adjusted analysis. Black race was also an independent predictor of increased cancer-specific death (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.50-2.86) as well as death from any cause (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.44-2.09) on adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS Black women with low-risk endometrial cancer were less likely to undergo hysterectomy and experienced decreased survival relative to White women. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the socioeconomic, geographic, and biologic factors that influence this disparity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Taylor
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, 127 South San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Andrew Li
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, 127 South San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael Manuel
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, 127 South San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Bobbie Jo Rimel
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, 127 South San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Kenneth H Kim
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, 127 South San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu X, Chen L, Nunez-Smith M, Clark M, Wright JD. Racial disparities in diagnostic evaluation of uterine cancer among Medicaid beneficiaries. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:636-643. [PMID: 36788453 PMCID: PMC10248843 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To inform reasons contributing to Black-White disparity in early diagnosis of uterine cancer, we compared the quality of diagnostic evaluation received by Black vs White patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) ultimately diagnosed with uterine cancer. METHODS Using 2008-2019 MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid Database, we identified Black (n = 858) and White (n = 1749) patients with uterine cancer presenting with AUB. Quality of diagnostic evaluation was measured by delayed diagnosis (>1 year after AUB reporting), not receiving guideline-recommended diagnostic procedures, delayed time to first diagnostic procedure (>2 months after AUB reporting), number of diagnostic procedures received, and number of evaluation and management visits for AUB. The association between race and quality indicators was examined by multivariable regressions adjusting for patient characteristics. RESULTS Black patients were more likely than White patients to experience delayed diagnosis (11.3% vs 8.3%, P = .01; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27 to 2.29) or to not receive guideline-recommended diagnostic procedures (10.1% vs 5.0%, P < .001; adjusted OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.40 to 2.68). Even when they did receive recommended diagnostic procedures, Black patients were more likely than White patients to experience delay in time to the first diagnostic procedure (adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.97). In addition, Black patients underwent more evaluation and management visits for AUB before getting diagnosed compared with White patients (adjusted mean ratio = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.23). CONCLUSIONS Black and White patients with uterine cancer differed in the quality of diagnostic evaluation received. Improving equity in this area may help reduce Black-White disparity in stage at diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mitchell Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jason D Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boyd AE, Grizzard PJ, Hylton Rorie K, Lima S. Lipidomic Profiling Reveals Biological Differences between Tumors of Self-Identified African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2238. [PMID: 37190166 PMCID: PMC10136787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In the US, the incidence and mortality of many cancers are disproportionately higher in African Americans (AA). Yet, AA remain poorly represented in molecular studies investigating the roles that biological factors might play in the development, progression, and outcomes of many cancers. Given that sphingolipids, key components of mammalian cellular membranes, have well-established roles in the etiology of cancer progression, malignancy, and responses to therapy, we conducted a robust mass spectrometry analysis of sphingolipids in normal adjacent uninvolved tissues and tumors of self-identified AA and non-Hispanic White (NHW) males with cancers of the lung, colon, liver, and head and neck and of self-identified AA and NHW females with endometrial cancer. In these cancers, AA have worse outcomes than NHW. The goal of our study was to identify biological candidates to be evaluated in future preclinical studies targeting race-specific alterations in the cancers of AA. We have identified that various sphingolipids are altered in race-specific patterns, but more importantly, the ratios of 24- to 16-carbon fatty acyl chain-length ceramides and glucosylceramides are higher in the tumors of AA. As there is evidence that ceramides with 24-carbon fatty acid chain length promote cellular survival and proliferation, whereas 16-carbon chain length promote apoptosis, these results provide important support for future studies tailored to evaluate the potential roles these differences may play in the outcomes of AA with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April E. Boyd
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Pamela J. Grizzard
- Tissue and Data Acquisition and Analysis Core, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | | | - Santiago Lima
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Erdemoglu E, Serel TA, Karacan E, Köksal OK, Turan İ, Öztürk V, Bozkurt KK. Artificial intelligence for prediction of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer risks in pre- and postmenopausal women. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2023; 3:100154. [PMID: 36691400 PMCID: PMC9860482 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current approach to endometrial cancer screening requires that all patients be able to recognize symptoms, report them, and carry out appropriate interventions. The current approach to endometrial cancer screening could become a problem in the future, especially for Black women and women from minority groups, and could lead to disparities in receiving proper care. Moreover, there is a lack of literature on artificial intelligence in the prediction and diagnosis of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVE This study analyzed different artificial intelligence methods to help in clinical decision-making and the prediction of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer risks in pre- and postmenopausal women. This study aimed to investigate whether artificial intelligence may help to overcome the challenges that statistical and diagnostic tests could not. STUDY DESIGN This study included 564 patients. The features that were collected included age, menopause status, premenopausal abnormal bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, endometrial thickness, and history of breast cancer. Endometrial sampling was performed on all women with postmenopausal bleeding and asymptomatic postmenopausal women with an endometrial thickness of at least 3 mm. Endometrial biopsy was performed on premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding and asymptomatic premenopausal women with suspected endometrial lesions. Python was used to model machine learning algorithms. Random forest, logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, Catboost, Xgboost, and Naive Bayes methods were used for classification. The synthetic minority oversampling technique was used to correct the class imbalance in the training sets. In addition, tuning and boosting were used to increase the performance of the models with a 5-fold cross-validation approach using a training set. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and F1 score were calculated. RESULTS The prevalence of endometrial or preuterine cancer was 7.9%. Data from 451 patients were randomly assigned to the training group, and data from another 113 patients were used for internal validation. Of note, 3 of 9 features were selected by the Boruta algorithm for use in the final modeling. Age, body mass index, and endometrial thickness were all associated with a high risk of developing precancerous and cancerous diseases, after fine-tuning for the multilayer computer to have the highest area below the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve, 0.938) to predict a precancerous disease. The accuracy was 0.94 for predicting a precancerous disease. Precision, recall, and F1 scores for the test group were 0.71, 0.50, and 0.59, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study found that artificial intelligence can be used to identify women at risk of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer. The model is not contingent on menopausal status or symptoms. This may be an advantage over the traditional methodology because many women, especially Black women and women from minority groups, could not recognize them. We have proposed to include patients to provide age and body mass index, and measurement of endometrial thickness by either sonography or artificial intelligence may help improve healthcare for women in rural or minority communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evrim Erdemoglu
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey (Drs Erdemoglu, Turan, and Öztürk),Corresponding author: Evrim Erdemoglu, MD.
| | | | | | | | - İlyas Turan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey (Drs Erdemoglu, Turan, and Öztürk)
| | - Volkan Öztürk
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey (Drs Erdemoglu, Turan, and Öztürk)
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ran X, Yang H, Yu XQ, Lu L, Wang Y, Ji JS, Xu M, Wei W, Li B, Zeng H. Patterns and trends in the cause of death for patients with endometrial cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkac082. [PMID: 36420983 PMCID: PMC9808774 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities in endometrial cancer have been reported in the United States, but trends and the underlying causes are not well understood. We aimed to examine the trends and contributing factors in racial disparities for causes of death among endometrial cancer patients. METHOD In this population-based cohort study, we identified 139 473 women diagnosed with first, primary endometrial cancer between 1992 to 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. We used the "Fine and Gray" method to calculate the cumulative incidence of all-cause and specific-cause death. We used proportional subdistribution hazard (PSH) and cause-specific hazard (CSH) models to quantify the relative risk of Black-White disparities. We performed a mediation analysis to assess the contribution of potential factors to disparities. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of all-cause death decreased in endometrial cancer patients, with estimates at 5 years of 26.72% in 1992-1996 and 22.59% in 2007-2011. Compared with White patients, Black patients persistently had an increased risk of death due to endometrial cancer (PSH hazard ratio [HR] = 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90 to 2.22; CSH HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 2.00 to 2.40) and causes other than endometrial cancer (PSH HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.37; CSH HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.31 to 1.63). Grade, histological subtype, surgery utilization, and stage at diagnosis explained 24.4%, 20.1%, 18.4%, and 16.6% of the Black-White disparity in all-cause death, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although the cumulative incidence of all-cause death decreased, the Black-White gaps persisted in patients with endometrial cancer. Grade and histological subtype had the greatest influence. More efforts are needed to address the disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianhui Ran
- National Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huansong Yang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Qin Yu
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Hebei Medical University/Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- National Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Zeng
- National Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Smith AJB, Beavis AL, Rositch AF, Levinson K. Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Adenocarcinoma Compared With Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database, 2004-2017. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:29-34. [PMID: 36102632 PMCID: PMC9771932 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study are to compare trends in diagnosis and treatment of adenocarcinoma of the cervix (AC) to squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (SCC) and to examine associations between stage at diagnosis and guideline-concordant treatment with race, age, and insurance type for AC and SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of cervical AC ( n = 18,811) and SCC ( n = 68,421) from the 2004-2017 National Cancer Database. We used generalized linear models to evaluate trends in frequency of histologies and to evaluate associations between race, age, and insurance status with stage of diagnosis and receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-concordant treatment for AC and SCC. RESULTS The proportion of AC relative to SCC increased from 19.4% (95% CI = 18.4-20.5) to 23.2% (95% CI = 22.2-24.2) from 2004 to 2017 ( p < .001). Compared with SCC, women with AC were younger, more likely to be White, and privately insured ( p < .001). Older women with AC were 44% less likely to be diagnosed with early-stage disease than younger women (adjusted relative risk = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.52-0.60); there was no significant difference for SCC. Black women with AC were 16% less likely to be diagnosed with early-stage disease (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.79-0.89) than White women. Women with public insurance were less likely to be diagnosed at an early stage for both AC (aRR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.78-0.84) and SCC (aRR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.77-0.81). Rates of guideline-concordant treatment were similar for AC and SCC, with minimal differences by age, race, and insurance. CONCLUSIONS As the proportion of AC to SCC rises, important race and age-related disparities must be addressed to reduce unnecessary morbidity and death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jo Bodurtha Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anna L. Beavis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anne F. Rositch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore MD
| | - Kimberly Levinson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schlumbrecht M, Wright K, George S. Unique Considerations in Early Detection, Risk, and Awareness of Endometrial Cancer in Black Women. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231202952. [PMID: 37732413 PMCID: PMC10515581 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231202952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Over the last several decades, the incidence of aggressive tumors, and thus the rate of death from disease, has increased significantly. The population most affected by these epidemiologic shifts are Black women. Symptom awareness, lack of treatment access, and failure of providers to provide guideline-concordant care are just some of the drivers behind these changes. Race as a social construct has historically categorized women into groups that are not reflective of the nuanced personalization that is required for cancer prevention strategies and targeted cancer treatments. There is, however, an increasing understanding that disaggregation by place of birth and social context are important to understand care-seeking behaviors, genetic drivers of disease, and factors that lead to deleterious outcomes. In this review, we will focus on specific individual-level influences that impact disease diagnosis and care-seeking among Black women, recognizing that the global disparities which exist in this disease encompass multiple domains. Such considerations are crucial to understanding drivers of self-efficacy and to develop programs for knowledge awareness and empowerment within a framework that is both useful and acceptable to these diverse communities at risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Schlumbrecht
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kallia Wright
- School of Communication, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Sophia George
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Towner M, Kim JJ, Simon MA, Matei D, Roque D. Disparities in gynecologic cancer incidence, treatment, and survival: a narrative review of outcomes among black and white women in the United States. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2022; 32:931-938. [PMID: 35523443 PMCID: PMC9509411 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2022-003476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
For patients diagnosed with ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer, race impacts expected outcome, with black women suffering worse survival than white women for all three malignancies. Moreover, outcomes for black women have largely worsened since the 1970s. In this narrative review, we first provide an updated summary of the incidence and survival of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer, with attention paid to differences between white and black patients. We then offer a theoretical framework detailing how racial disparities in outcomes for each of the gynecologic malignancies can be explained as the sum result of smaller white-black differences in experience of preventive strategies, implementation of screening efforts, early detection of symptomatic disease, and appropriate treatment. Much research has been published regarding racial disparities in each of these domains, and with this review, we seek to curate the relevant literature and present an updated understanding of disparities between black and white women with gynecologic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Towner
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Melissa A Simon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dario Roque
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Grubbs A, Barber EL, Roque DR. Healthcare Disparities in Gynecologic Oncology. ADVANCES IN ONCOLOGY 2022; 2:119-128. [PMID: 35669851 PMCID: PMC9165691 DOI: 10.1016/j.yao.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Allison Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emma L Barber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dario R Roque
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Health Disparities in Uterine Cancer: Report From the Uterine Cancer Evidence Review Conference. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:645-659. [PMID: 35272301 PMCID: PMC8936152 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the need for educational materials for clinicians on the prevention and early diagnosis of gynecologic cancers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists convened a panel of experts in evidence review from the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology and content experts from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology to review relevant literature, best practices, and existing practice guidelines for the development of evidence-based educational materials for women's health care clinicians about uterine cancer. This article is the evidence summary of the literature review of health disparities and inequities related to uterine cancer. Substantive knowledge gaps are noted and summarized to provide guidance for future research.
Collapse
|
24
|
Insurance-Mediated Disparities in Gynecologic Oncology Care. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:305-312. [PMID: 34991133 PMCID: PMC8759538 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Insurance coverage has lagged behind improvements in gynecologic cancer care, with one third of women never seeing a gynecologic oncologist and half experiencing financial toxicity during cancer treatment. With 102,000 new cases of gynecologic cancer, 30,000 associated deaths annually, and increasing rates of endometrial cancer, gynecologic cancer is a growing problem. Although gynecologic cancer care has advanced significantly in the past decade owing to new therapeutics and specialized training in radical surgery, even insured women face major barriers to accessing and affording quality gynecologic cancer care. This commentary reviews current literature on insurance-mediated disparities in gynecologic cancer and provides education to clinicians on barriers to care. One third of women with a gynecologic cancer never see a gynecologic oncologist. Up to 40% of Medicare Advantage plans lack an in-network gynecologic oncologist, and 33% of private insurance plans do not include an in-network National Cancer Institute-accredited cancer center, limiting access to surgical advances and clinical trials. Women with Medicaid insurance and gynecologic cancer are 25% less likely to receive guideline-concordant care. Among insured women, 50% experience financial toxicity during gynecologic cancer treatment, and costs may be even higher for certain Medicare enrollees. Addressing these insurance-mediated disparities will be important to help our patients fully benefit from the scientific advances in our field and thrive after a gynecologic cancer diagnosis.
Collapse
|
25
|
The Current and Future States of Screening in Gynecologic Cancers. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2021; 48:705-722. [PMID: 34756291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2021.06.001] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers contribute to a significant portion of cancer morbidity and mortality among women in the United States and across the globe. This article provides a comprehensive review of current screening guidelines and novel techniques that have promise in the prevention and early detection of gynecologic cancers in the future. The authors anticipate a move toward less invasive testing modalities, use of cancer biomarkers, and the prevention and treatment of high-risk factors such as human papilloma virus infection and obesity.
Collapse
|
26
|
Chapman-Davis E, Khabele D. A Race-Conscious Analysis of the Use of Transvaginal Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Postmenopausal Bleeding. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:1165-1166. [PMID: 34264293 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Chapman-Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Doll KM, Romano SS, Marsh EE, Robinson WR. Estimated Performance of Transvaginal Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Postmenopausal Bleeding in a Simulated Cohort of Black and White Women in the US. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:1158-1165. [PMID: 34264304 PMCID: PMC8283671 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.1700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Black women in the US with endometrial cancer (EC) are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease independent of insured status and histologic type. The most common way of diagnosing EC at early stages is through screening of people with postmenopausal bleeding to detect endometrial thickness (ET). This approach may disproportionately underperform in Black women secondary to a higher prevalence of fibroids and nonendometrioid EC in this population, both of which affect the quality of ET measurement. OBJECTIVE To compare the performance of recommended transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) ET thresholds as a screening method to prompt endometrial biopsy by race in a simulated cohort of symptomatic women. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In a simulated retrospective cohort study, based on data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) national cancer registry 2012-2016; the US census; and published estimates of ET distribution and fibroid prevalence, diagnostic test characteristics of the 3-mm or more, 4-mm or more, and 5-mm or more ET thresholds for biopsy to capture EC diagnoses were calculated. The simulated cohort was constructed from February 2, 2020 (date of access to SEER data), to August 31, 2020. Analysis occurred from September 30, 2020, to March 30, 2021, including the primary analysis and the sensitivity calculations. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome measured was accuracy of the TVUS ET threshold to accurately identify cases of EC, measured by sensitivity, negative predictive value, and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS A total of 367 073 simulated Black and White women with postmenopausal bleeding were evaluated, including 36 708 with EC. Among Black women, the currently recommended 4-mm or greater ET threshold prompted biopsy for fewer than half of EC cases (sensitivity, 47.5%; 95% CI, 46.0%-49.0%); of women referred for biopsy, 13.1% were EC cases (positive predictive value, 13.1%; 95% CI, 12.5%-13.6%). The AUC for the 4-mm or more threshold was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.56-0.57). In contrast, among the White women, the 4-mm or more threshold led to biopsy for most with EC (sensitivity, 87.9%; 95% CI, 87.6%-88.3%). Of those referred for biopsy, 14.6% had EC (positive predictive value, 14.6%; 95% CI, 14.4%-14.7%); AUC was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.73-0.74). The same variations held for the 3-mm or more and 5-mm or more ET thresholds: sensitivity, positive predictive value, and AUC were consistently lower for Black women than White women. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this simulated cohort study suggest that use of ET as measured by TVUS to determine the need for EC diagnostic testing in symptomatic women may exacerbate racial disparities in EC stage at diagnosis. In simulated data, TVUS ET screening missed almost 5 times more cases of EC among Black women vs White women owing to the greater prevalence of fibroids and nonendometrioid histologic type in Black women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kemi M. Doll
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
| | - Sarah S. Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle
| | - Erica E. Marsh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Whitney R. Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Development of novel home-based tampon sampling for endometrial cancer: findings from community-based focus groups with Black and White women. J Clin Transl Sci 2021; 5:e125. [PMID: 34367670 PMCID: PMC8327545 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2021.787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel endometrial cancer (EC) early-detection approaches may reduce racial disparities in mortality. We conducted six community-based focus groups with White and Black women (N = 57 participants) in February-March 2020 to explore acceptability of a home-based tampon sampling approach for EC. Participants also completed a survey. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Awareness of EC and risk factors was low. Acceptability regarding home sampling was high, but participants expressed concerns about instruction complexity and potential risks. Black women reported lower comfort with tampons. Increasing EC awareness, self-efficacy, and familiarization with tampons would advance prospects for at-home sample collection for EC testing.
Collapse
|
29
|
Najor AJ, Dao D, Bakkum-Gamez JN, Sherman ME, Connor AE, Destephano CC. Disparities and interventions in the timeliness of endometrial cancer diagnosis and treatment in the United States: a scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2021; 10:107. [PMID: 33845907 PMCID: PMC8042979 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in the stage at diagnosis of endometrial cancer (EC) account for a significant proportion of the disparities in morbidity and mortality experienced by vulnerable groups in the USA. Evidence suggests that disparities in timeliness of care and treatment play a significant role in stage at diagnosis. Despite an increase in literature on EC disparities, the issue remains largely unchanged. The objectives of this review will be to synthesize the evidence to identify important remaining research questions and inform future interventions to reduce the disparity in stage at diagnosis of EC in the USA. METHODS This scoping review protocol will use the five-step framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. A literature search will be conducted from January 2000 onwards in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Studies on delays in care of EC will be included if they were published in English and reported findings for the US population. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality and bias will be appraised using appropriate tools. A narrative summary of findings will be conducted. Data analysis will involve quantitative (e.g., frequencies) and qualitative (e.g., content and thematic analysis) methods. The literature search, data extraction, and evidence synthesis will be informed by the Pathway to Treatment Model, which divides time to cancer care initiation into appraisal, help-seeking, diagnostic, and pre-treatment intervals. Results will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. DISCUSSION EC disparities research is currently benefitting form a growing expectation that studies have a real impact on disparities. Patient, healthcare, and disease factors impact the amount of time patients spend in different intervals of the Pathway to Treatment Model, so research and interventions aimed at reducing disparities in EC survival should be designed with cognizance to how these factors impact their target population. Reviews on disparities in stage at diagnosis of EC exist but do not provide a comprehensive picture of the pathway to treatment. This review will seek to provide an expanded bedrock of evidence for future studies to build on as they aim to more actively reduce EC disparities. TRIAL REGISTRATION Open Science Framework ( osf.io/v2zxy ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Najor
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Dyda Dao
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Mark E Sherman
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Avonne E Connor
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hamilton CA, Pothuri B, Arend RC, Backes FJ, Gehrig PA, Soliman PT, Thompson JS, Urban RR, Burke WM. Endometrial cancer: A society of gynecologic oncology evidence-based review and recommendations. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 160:817-826. [PMID: 33516529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2014, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology's Clinical Practice Committee published a clinical update reviewing the treatment of women with endometrial cancer. At that time, there had been significant advances in the diagnosis, work-up, surgical management, and available treatment options allowing for more optimal care of affected women. Despite these advances, the incidence of endometrial cancer as well as the deaths attributable to the disease have continued to rise; from 1987 to 2014 there has been a 75% increase in cases and almost 300% increase in endometrial cancer deaths. Fortunately, since then, there has been progress in the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer with increased utilization of molecular pathology, greater understanding of genetic predisposition, enhanced methods for lymph node assessment, a broader understanding of the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy, and a more efficient approach to survivorship and surveillance. The purpose of this document is to present a comprehensive review of this progress. MANUSCRIPT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The authors reviewed the available evidence, contributed to the development of this manuscript, provided critical review of the guidelines, and finalized the manuscript recommendations. The review was also presented to and approved by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Clinical Practice Committee, SGO Publications Committee, and the SGO board members prior to submission for publication. The recommendations for this manuscript were developed by a panel of gynecologic oncologists who were members of the SGO Clinical Practice and Education Committees. Panelists reviewed and considered evidence from current uterine cancer literature. The terminology used in these guidelines was adopted from the ASCCP management guidelines [1] using a two-part rating system to grade the strength of recommendation and quality of evidence (Table 1). The rating for each recommendation is given in parentheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Hamilton
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Women's Services and The Ochsner Cancer Institute, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA, United States of America.
| | - Bhavana Pothuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States of America
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Floor J Backes
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Paola A Gehrig
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Pamela T Soliman
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - J Spencer Thompson
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Renata R Urban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - William M Burke
- Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Impact of treatment modality on overall survival in women with advanced endometrial cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:405-412. [PMID: 33221023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate overall survival (OS) in women with advanced endometrial cancer (EC) following chemotherapy alone (CT), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery (NACT + IDS) or primary cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy (PCS + CT). METHODS The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with stage III/IV EC from 2004 to 2015. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses assessed the impact of treatment modality upon OS. RESULTS Of 48,179 women identified, 5531 received CT (11.5%), 2614 NACT + IDS (5.4%) and 40,034 PCS + CT (83.1%). Median OS was 11.1 months for CT, 25.1 months for NACT + IDS and 60.9 months for PCS + CT (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, NACT + IDS (HR 0.44 (0.40, 0.49); p < 0.001) and PCS + CT (HR 0.32 (0.30, 0.35); p < 0.001) were associated with improved OS vs. CT alone. Age, African American race, income, higher Charlson comorbidity index and grade were predictors of worse OS (p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis by stage (III/IV) and histology (Type I/II), PCS + CT improved OS for all patients, compared to NACT + IDS (p < 0.001) and CT (p < 0.001). NACT + IDS was associated with improved OS vs. CT in stage III type I (HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.38, 0.67; p < 0.001), stage IV type I (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.35, 0.52; p < 0.001), and stage IV type II EC (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.36, 0.51; p < 0.001), but not stage III type II EC (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.56, 1.03; p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS In women with advanced EC, PCS + CT is associated with improved OS compared to NACT + IDS or CT alone, regardless of stage or histology. Additionally, NACT + IDS is associated with superior OS in stage III type I and all stage IV EC compared to CT alone. Where feasible, surgery should be incorporated into treatment planning in women with advanced EC.
Collapse
|
32
|
An Update on Screening and Prevention for Breast and Gynecological Cancers in Average and High Risk Individuals. Am J Med Sci 2020; 360:489-510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
33
|
Romano SS, Doll KM. The Impact of Fibroids and Histologic Subtype on the Performance of US Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer among Black Women. Ethn Dis 2020; 30:543-552. [PMID: 32989354 DOI: 10.18865/ed.30.4.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the predicted performance of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)'s recommended endometrial thickness (ET) of ≥4mm via transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for a simulated cohort of US Black women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB). Main Outcome Measure Performance characteristics of 3+, 4+, and 5+mm ET thresholds were assessed including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves, and the area under the curve (AUC). Methods We used endometrial cancer parameters from ET studies upon which guidelines are based, as well as documented population characteristics of US Black women, to simulate a cohort of US Black women with PMB. Annual endometrial cancer (EC) prevalence overall and by histology type (I and II), history and current diagnosis of uterine fibroids, and visibility of endometria were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess performance changes with quality of baseline parameters and impact of fibroids on ET visibility. Results In the main model with the 4+mm recommended threshold, TVUS ET showed a sensitivity of 47.5% (95% CI: 46.0-49.0%); specificity of 64.9% (95% CI: 64.4-65.3%); PPV of 13.1% (95% CI: 12.5-13.6%); NPV of 91.7% (95% CI: 91.4-92.1%), and AUC of .57 (95% CI: .56-.57). Conclusions Among a simulated cohort of US Black women, the recommended 4+mm ET threshold to trigger diagnostic biopsy for EC diagnosis performed poorly, with more than 50% of cases missed and an 8-fold higher frequency of false negative results than reported for the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kemi M Doll
- Department of Medicine, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Johnson AL, Medina HN, Schlumbrecht MP, Reis I, Kobetz EN, Pinheiro PS. The role of histology on endometrial cancer survival disparities in diverse Florida. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236402. [PMID: 32701999 PMCID: PMC7377497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial cancer (EC) mortality is particularly high among non-Hispanic Blacks and is twice that of non-Hispanic Whites. However, comparisons of EC survival outcomes by race/ethnicity are often confounded by histology and grade. Here, we analyze EC survival disparities in multiracial Florida with a focus on EC types (1 and 2) and subtypes, defined according to histology and grade. Methods All 27,809 cases of EC diagnosed during 2005–2016 were obtained from the Florida Cancer Registry. Age-standardized, 5-year cause-specific survival by race/ethnicity and histological type were calculated. Fine and Gray competing risk regression was used to estimate sub-distribution hazard ratios (sHRs) for associations between risk of death due to EC and potential predictive factors such as histology/grade, age, stage at diagnosis, and insurance. Results Type 2 EC accounted for only 38.7% of all incident EC-cases but 74.6% of all EC-deaths. Blacks were disproportionately affected by type 2 EC (57.6%) compared to Whites, Hispanics, and Asians (35.6%, 37.7%, and 43.0%, respectively). Age-adjusted 5-year survival for types 1 and 2 were 85.3% and 51.6%, respectively; however, there was wide variation within type 2 subtypes, ranging from 60.2% for mixed cell EC to as low as 30.1% for carcinosarcoma. In the multivariable model, Blacks with type 2 EC had a 23% higher risk of death due to EC (sHR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.12–1.36) compared to Whites. Conclusions Population-based analyses should consider the histological heterogeneity of EC because the less common type 2 EC drives racial/ethnic survival disparities in EC. Black women have a higher proportion of more aggressive histological types and an overall higher risk of death due to EC than Whites. To the extent that some of these histological types may be considered different diseases and require specific treatment approaches, further research on etiology and prognosis for detailed type 2 EC subtypes is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana L. Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Heidy N. Medina
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Schlumbrecht
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Isildinha Reis
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Erin N. Kobetz
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Paulo S. Pinheiro
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Helpman L, Pond GR, Elit L, Anderson LN, Seow H. Endometrial cancer presentation is associated with social determinants of health in a public healthcare system: A population-based cohort study. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 158:130-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.04.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
36
|
DeStephano CC, Bakkum-Gamez JN, Kaunitz AM, Ridgeway JL, Sherman ME. Intercepting Endometrial Cancer: Opportunities to Expand Access Using New Technology. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:563-568. [PMID: 32047026 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-19-0556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although endometrial cancer is often diagnosed at an early curable stage, the incidence and mortality from endometrial cancer is rising and minority women are particularly at risk. We hypothesize that delays in clinical presentation contribute to racial disparities in endometrial cancer mortality and treatment-related morbidity. Improved methods for endometrial cancer risk assessment and distinguishing abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding from physiologic variation are needed. Accordingly, we propose a multipronged strategy that combines innovative patient education with novel early detection strategies to reduce health impacts of endometrial cancer and its precursors, especially among Black women. Futuristic approaches using gamification, smartphone apps, artificial intelligence, and health promotion outside of the physical clinic hold promise in preventing endometrial cancer and reducing morbidity and mortality related to the disease, but they also raise a number of questions that will need to be addressed by future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew M Kaunitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Jennifer L Ridgeway
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mark E Sherman
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Walsh DM, Hokenstad AN, Chen J, Sung J, Jenkins GD, Chia N, Nelson H, Mariani A, Walther-Antonio MRS. Postmenopause as a key factor in the composition of the Endometrial Cancer Microbiome (ECbiome). Sci Rep 2019; 9:19213. [PMID: 31844128 PMCID: PMC6915778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence rates for endometrial cancer (EC) are rising, particularly in postmenopausal and obese women. Previously, we showed that the uterine and vaginal microbiome distinguishes patients with EC from those without. Here, we sought to examine the impact of patient factors (such as menopause status, body mass index, and vaginal pH) in the microbiome in the absence of EC and how these might contribute to the microbiome signature in EC. We find that each factor independently alters the microbiome and identified postmenopausal status as the main driver of a polymicrobial network associated with EC (ECbiome). We identified Porphyromas somerae presence as the most predictive microbial marker of EC and we confirm this using targeted qPCR, which could be of use in detecting EC in high-risk, asymptomatic women. Given the established pathogenic behavior of P. somerae and accompanying network in tissue infections and ulcers, future investigation into their role in EC is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Walsh
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexis N Hokenstad
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jaeyun Sung
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gregory D Jenkins
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nicholas Chia
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Heidi Nelson
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrea Mariani
- Division of Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Marina R S Walther-Antonio
- Microbiome Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. .,Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Unique Molecular Features in High-Risk Histology Endometrial Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111665. [PMID: 31717878 PMCID: PMC6896116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States and the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide. Fortunately, most women who develop endometrial cancer have low-grade early-stage endometrioid carcinomas, and simple hysterectomy is curative. Unfortunately, 15% of women with endometrial cancer will develop high-risk histologic tumors including uterine carcinosarcoma or high-grade endometrioid, clear cell, or serous carcinomas. These high-risk histologic tumors account for more than 50% of deaths from this disease. In this review, we will highlight the biologic differences between low- and high-risk carcinomas with a focus on the cell of origin, early precursor lesions including atrophic and proliferative endometrium, and the potential role of stem cells. We will discuss treatment, including standard of care therapy, hormonal therapy, and precision medicine-based or targeted molecular therapies. We will also discuss the impact and need for model systems. The molecular underpinnings behind this high death to incidence ratio are important to understand and improve outcomes.
Collapse
|
39
|
Walther-Antonio MRS, Mariani A. Are early screening biomarkers for endometrial cancer needed to reduce health disparities? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:408-409. [PMID: 30594565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina R S Walther-Antonio
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905; Center for Individualized Medicine, Microbiome Program, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
| | - Andrea Mariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
| |
Collapse
|