The influence of insurance status on treatment and outcomes in oral cavity cancer: an analysis on 46,373 patients

The impact of individual-level income predicted from the BRFSS on the association between insurance status and overall survival among adults with cancer from the SEER program

INTRODUCTION

Among patients with cancer in the United States, Medicaid insurance is associated with worse outcomes than private insurance and with similar outcomes as being uninsured. However, prior studies have not addressed the impact of individual-level socioeconomic status, which determines Medicaid eligibility, on the associations of Medicaid status and cancer outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether differences in cancer outcomes by insurance status persist after accounting for individual-level income.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for 18-64 year-old individuals with cancer from 2014-2016. Individual-level income was imputed using a model trained on Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Survey participants including covariates also present in SEER. The association of 1-year overall survival and insurance status was estimated with and without adjustment for estimated individual-level income and other covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 416,784 cases in SEER were analyzed. The 1-yr OS for patients with private insurance, Medicaid insurance, and no insurance was 88.7%, 76.1%, and 73.7%, respectively. After adjusting for all covariates except individual-level income, 1-year OS differences were worse with Medicaid (-6.0%, 95% CI = -6.3 to -5.6) and no insurance (-6.7%, 95% CI = -7.3 to -6.0) versus private insurance. After also adjusting for estimated individual-level income, the survival difference for Medicaid patients was similar to privately insured (-0.4%, 95% CI = -1.9 to 1.1) and better than uninsured individuals (2.1%, 95% CI = 0.7 to 3.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Income, rather than Medicaid status, may drive poor cancer outcomes in the low-income and Medicaid-insured population. Medicaid insurance coverage may improve cancer outcomes for low-income individuals.

Survival inequalities in head and neck cancers: A hospital-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether the socioeconomic status (SES) influenced survival rates in oropharynx cancers (OPC), oral cavity cancers (OCC), and larynx cancers (LC) in Brazilian patients.

METHODS

This hospital-based cohort study assessed the age-standardized 5-year relative survival (RS) using the Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

Overall, we identified 37 191 cases, and 5-year RS were 24.4%, 34.1%, and 44.9% in OPC, OCC, and LC, respectively. In multiple Cox regression, the highest risk of death occurred in the most vulnerable social strata for all subsites-that is, illiterates or patients relying on publicly funded healthcare services. Disparities increased over time by 34.9% in OPC due to the rising of survival rates in the highest SES, whereas they reduced by 10.2% and 29.6% in OCC and LC.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential inequities were more significant for OPC than for OCC and LC. It is urgent to tackle social disparities to improve prognoses in highly unequal countries.

Patient Perspectives and Side-Effects Experience on Chemotherapy of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Purpose

This study aimed to explore patients' experiences of palliative chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), how patients adapt to their new and challenging life after chemotherapy, their beliefs, and their quality of life.

Patients and Methods

The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach that was designed to explore the experiences and side effects of NSCLC patients on chemotherapy in Pakistan. The study was designed to obtain a deeper understanding of 22 NSCLC patients' experiences, using a face-to-face approach and interviews were conducted. Patients who have completed chemotherapy agreed to participate in semi-structured interviews.

Results

The data were arranged into five themes: hospital facilities and environment, patient's beliefs in alternative treatments, presenting a positive/negative face, life is for living, and health insurance coverage. The major complaints related to bad experiences of chemotherapy-induced side effects, but these patients still managed to complete the full course of their respective chemotherapy. Additionally, the current study revealed the real experience of patients with NSCLC which had been less studied. The patient's experience was summarized into four themes and several subthemes.

Conclusion

This study aid healthcare providers when deciding on treatment options that will improve shared decision-making between clinicians and treatment outcomes.

The effect of insurance status on treatment modality in advanced oral cavity cancer

BACKGROUND

Insurance status has been shown to impact survival outcomes. We sought to determine whether insurance affects the choice of treatment modality among patients with advanced (T4) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, population-based cohort study using the Survival, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. The population included all adult (age ≥ 18) patients with advanced (T4a or T4b) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed from 2007 to 2016. The main outcome was the odds of receiving definitive treatment, defined as primary surgical resection. Insurance status was categorized into uninsured, any Medicaid, and insured groups. Univariable, multivariable, and subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 2628 patients, of whom 1915 (72.9%) were insured, 561 (21.3%) had Medicaid, and 152 (5.8%) were uninsured. The multivariable model showed that patients who were 80 years or older, unmarried, received treatment in the pre-Affordable Care Act (ACA) period, and who were on Medicaid or uninsured were significantly less likely to receive definitive treatment. Insured patients were significantly more likely to receive definitive treatment compared to those on Medicaid or uninsured (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.46-0.77, p < 0.0001 [Medicaid vs. Insured]; and OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.73 p = 0.001 [Uninsured vs. Insured]), however these differences did not persist when considering only those patients treated following the 2014 expansion of the ACA.

CONCLUSIONS

Insurance status is significantly associated with treatment modality among adults with advanced stage (T4a) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. These findings support the premise of expanding insurance coverage in the US.

Stage-Specific Survival in Young Patients With Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine demographic factors and clinicopathologic characteristics associated with survival in young patients (age <45 years) with early- (I-II) or late-stage (III-IV) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database review.

SETTING

National Cancer Database.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 3262 OTSCC cases in young patients between 2005 and 2014 was performed by using data from the National Cancer Database. Factors affecting 2-year survival in patients with early- and late-stage disease were evaluated via univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 1899 patients with early-stage OTSCC and 1363 with late-stage OTSCC were analyzed. In multivariate analysis of early-stage OTSCC, high tumor grade (hazard ratio, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.45-2.99]), local metastasis (2.85 [1.37-5.95]), and tumor size (1.04 [1.02-1.07]) were predictors of mortality. In late-stage OTSCC, African American race (2.79 [1.40-5.56]), positive surgical margins (1.77 [1.07-2.93]), local metastasis (2.20 [1.03-4.72]), distant metastasis (11.66 [2.10-64.73]), depth of invasion (1.03 [1.01-1.05]), and tumor size (1.01 [1.003-1.01]) were predictors of mortality. Subset analysis of clinical N0-stage tumors revealed that treatment with surgery alone was associated with improved survival (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Positive lymph nodes, high tumor grade, and larger tumor size were associated with increased mortality risk in early- and late-stage young OTSCC. More aggressive up-front treatment, including extirpative surgery and elective neck dissection, may be associated with improved outcomes and should be considered in early-stage cases with high-risk features.

Tendência Temporal da Mortalidade por Câncer de Boca e da Cobertura de Atenção Primária no Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Introdução: O câncer de boca e comumente diagnosticado de forma tardia, comprometendo a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos ou os levando a óbito. Objetivo: Verificar a tendencia temporal da mortalidade por câncer de boca no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e da cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e de equipes de saúde bucal (ESB). Método: Estudo ecológico com análise da tendencia temporal da mortalidade por câncer de boca, entre 1999 e 2018, e da cobertura da ESF e ESB, no período de 2002 a 2018, no Estado e Regiões de Saúde. Utilizou-se a regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten no cálculo das tendencias para o Estado, cada Região de Saúde, sexo, faixa etária e localização do tumor. Resultados: Houve tendencia de mortalidade por câncer de boca decrescente no Estado e nas Regiões Metropolitana I e II; nas demais Regiões de Saúde, foi estacionaria. As tendencias dos óbitos em homens, das faixas etárias 40 a 59 anos e 80 anos ou mais, foram decrescentes. Na localização do tumor, houve tendencia decrescente entre óbitos por outras partes e partes não especificadas (C06) e uma tendencia crescente na mortalidade por câncer de base de língua (C01). Na cobertura de ESF e ESB, na maioria das Regiões de Saúde e no Estado, a tendencia foi crescente. Conclusão: A tendencia decrescente na mortalidade por câncer de boca e a tendencia crescente de ESF e ESB, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, não foram observadas em todas as Regiões de Saúde.

Chronic stress promotes an immunologic inflammatory state and head and neck cancer growth in a humanized murine model

BACKGROUND

Despite the importance of immune response and environmental stress on head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes, no current pre-clinical stress model includes a humanized immune system.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of chronic stress induced by social isolation on tumor growth and human immune response in subcutaneous HNC tumors grown in NSG-SGM3 mice engrafted with a human immune system.

RESULTS

Tumor growth (p < 0.0001) and lung metastases (p = 0.035) were increased in socially isolated versus control animals. Chronic stress increased intra-tumoral CD4+ T-cell infiltrate (p = 0.005), plasma SDF-1 (p < 0.0001) expression, and led to tumor cell dedifferentiation toward a cancer stem cell phenotype (CD44+ /ALDHhigh , p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic stress induced immunophenotypic changes, increased tumor growth, and metastasis in HNC in a murine model with a humanized immune system. This model system may provide further insight into the immunologic and oncologic impact of chronic stress on patients with HNC.

A Systematic Review of Head and Neck Cancer Health Disparities: A Call for Innovative Research

OBJECTIVE

(1) Describe the existing head and neck cancer health disparities literature. (2) Contextualize these studies by using the NIMHD research framework (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities). (3) Explore innovative ideas for further study and intervention.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

REVIEW METHODS

Databases were systematically searched from inception to April 20, 2020. The PRISMA checklist was followed (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). Two authors reviewed all articles for inclusion. Extracted data included health disparity population and outcomes, study details, and main findings and recommendations. Articles were also classified per the NIMHD research framework.

RESULTS

There were 148 articles included for final review. The majority (n = 104) focused on health disparities related to at least race/ethnicity. Greater than two-thirds of studies (n = 105) identified health disparities specific to health behaviors or clinical outcomes. Interaction between the individual domain of influence and the health system level of influence was most discussed (n = 99, 66.9%). Less than half of studies (n = 61) offered specific recommendations or interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been extensive study of health disparities for head and neck cancer, largely focusing on individual patient factors or health care access and quality. This review identifies gaps in this research, with large numbers of retrospective database studies and little discussion of potential contributors and explanations for these disparities. We recommend shifting research on disparities upstream toward a focus on community and societal factors, rather than individual, and an evaluation of interventions to promote health equity.

Trends in Positive Surgical Margins in cT1-T2 Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate trends in contemporary positive surgical margin incidence in cT1-T2 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and to evaluate factors associated with surgical margin status.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of large dataset.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2016, 39,818 patients with cT1 or cT2 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma received primary curative-intent surgery. Positive surgical margins were present in 7.95% of patients, and univariable adjusted probability of positive surgical margins over the study period declined by 1% per year (odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.0; P = .049). Multivariable regression revealed the annual rate of positive surgical margins declined significantly (OR, 0.95 per year; 95% CI, 0.92-0.97; P < .001). Factors associated with increased odds of positive surgical margins included cT2 disease, subsite, understaged disease, lymphovascular invasion, tumor grade, and positive lymph nodes. Race and socioeconomic status were not associated with surgical margin status. Treatment at an academic center was associated with increased time to definitive surgery (median 35 days IQR 22-50 vs. median 27 days IQR 14-42; P < .001) and a 20% reduction in positive surgical margin rate (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.90; P < .001). Treatment at high-volume centers was less likely to be associated with positive surgical margins (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Surgical subsite, clinical T and N category, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and histologic grade were independent predictors of positive surgical margins. Patients are increasingly being treated at high-volume and academic centers. Overall, the rate of positive surgical margins in cT1-T2 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is decreasing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Tendencia de la incidencia, mortalidad y años de vida ajustados por discapacidad del cáncer oral en América Latina

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la tendencia de la incidencia, mortalidad y los Años de Vida Ajustados por Discapacidad del cáncer oral en América Latina según género entre los años 2000 y 2020. Métodos: Este estudio ecológico extrajo información del cáncer oral de 20 países de América Latina de la base de datos GBD-2020. La carga del cáncer oral se describió según tasa estandarizada por edad (ASR) de incidencia, mortalidad y AVAD. Se estimaron las tendencias (Promedio de cambio porcentual anual — AAPC) en cada indicador, género y país, entre el 2000 y el 2020 usando el software Joint-point. Resultados: Entre 2000 y 2020, la mayor incidencia de cáncer oral (ASR) se presentó en Cuba (5,18), Brasil (4,38) y Uruguay (4,62). Los países con mayor mortalidad para ambos géneros fueron: Cuba (2,89), Brasil (2,71) y República Dominicana (2,58). Los AVAD registraron un promedio de 37,52 (Mujeres: 22,39; Hombres: 52,62). República Dominicana reporta tendencias crecientes en la incidencia (AAPC: Hombres: 2,2; Mujeres: 1,4), en la mortalidad (AAPC: Hombres: 1,8; Mujeres: 1,1), y en los AVAD (AAPC: Hombres: 1,0; Mujeres: 2,0). Costa Rica muestra tendencias decrecientes en los hombres en incidencia (AAPC: −1,3), mortalidad (AAPC: −1,6) y AVAD (AAPC: −1,8). Conclusiones: El cáncer oral muestra tendencias al aumento en: la incidencia en ambos sexos en 10 países, en la mortalidad y los AVAD en 6 países, mientras la afectación entre sexos no muestra diferencias en las tendencias.

Trends of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years of oral cancer in Latin America

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the trend in incidence, mortality and Disability Adjusted Life Years of oral cancer in Latin America according to sex between 2000 and 2020. Methods: This ecological study extracted oral cancer information from 20 Latin American countries from the GBD-2020 database. Oral cancer burden was described by age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence, mortality, and DALYs. The data was compared according to sex and countries. Trends (Average Annual Percentage Change-AAPC) were estimated for each indicator, sex, and country between 2000 and 2020 using Joint-point software. Results: Between 2000 and 2020, the highest incidence of oral cancer (ASR) occurred in Cuba (5.18), Brazil (4.38) and Uruguay (4.62). The countries with the highest mortality for both sexes were (ASR): Cuba (2.89), Brazil (2.71) and the Dominican Republic (2.58). The DALYs registered an average of 37.52 (Women: 22.39; Men: 52.62). The Dominican Republic reports increasing trends in incidence (AAPC: Men: 2.2; Women: 1.4), in mortality (AAPC: Men: 1.8; Women: 1.1), and in DALYs (AAPC: Men: 1.0; Women: 2.0). Costa Rica shows decreasing trends in men in incidence (AAPC: −1.3), mortality (AAPC: −1.6), and DALYs (AAPC: −1.8). Conclusion: Oral cancer shows increasing trends in: the incidence in both sexes in 10 countries, in mortality and DALYs in 6 countries, while the affectation between sexes does not show differences in trends.

Evaluation of Patient-Reported Delays and Affordability-Related Barriers to Care in Head and Neck Cancer

Objective

To examine the prevalence and predictors of patient-reported barriers to care among survivors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and the association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient oncology clinic at an academic tertiary care center.

Methods

Data were obtained from the UNC Health Registry/Cancer Survivorship Cohort. Barriers to care included self-reported delays in care and inability to obtain needed care due to cost. HRQOL was measured with validated questionnaires: general (PROMIS) and cancer specific (FACT-GP).

Results

The sample included 202 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with a mean age of 59.6 years (SD, 10.0). Eighty-two percent were male and 87% were White. Sixty-two patients (31%) reported at least 1 barrier to care. Significant predictors of a barrier to care in unadjusted analysis included age ≤60 years ( P = .007), female sex ( P = .020), being unmarried ( P = .016), being uninsured ( P = .047), and Medicaid insurance ( P = .022). Patients reporting barriers to care had significantly worse physical and mental HRQOL on the PROMIS questionnaires ( P < .001 and P = .002, respectively) and lower cancer-specific HRQOL on the FACT-GP questionnaire ( P < .001), which persisted across physical, social, emotional, and functional domains. There was no difference in 5-year OS (75.3% vs 84.1%, P = .177) or 5-year CSS (81.6% vs 85.4%, P = .542) in patients with and without barriers to care.

Conclusion

Delay- and affordability-related barriers are common among survivors of head and neck cancer and appear to be associated with significantly worse HRQOL outcomes. Certain sociodemographic groups appear to be more at risk of patient-reported barriers to care.

Insurance status as a mediator of clinical presentation, type of intervention, and short-term outcomes for patients with metastatic spine disease

BACKGROUND

It is well established that insurance status is a mediator of disease management, treatment course, and clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Our study assessed differences in clinical presentation, treatment course, mortality rates, and in-hospital complications for patients admitted to the hospital with late-stage cancer - specifically, metastatic spine disease (MSD), by insurance status.

METHODS

The United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2012-2014) was queried to identify patients with visceral metastases, metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) or pathological fracture of the spine in the setting of cancer. Clinical presentation, type of intervention, mortality rates, and in-hospital complications were compared amongst patients by insurance coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, commercial or unknown). Multivariable logistical regression and age sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 48,560 MSD patients were identified. Patients with Medicaid coverage presented with significantly higher rates of MSCC (p < 0.001), paralysis (0.008), and visceral metastases (p < 0.001). Patients with commercial insurance were more likely to receive surgical intervention (OR 1.43; p < 0.001). Patients with Medicaid < 65 had higher rates of prolonged length of stay (PLOS) (OR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01-1.55; p = 0.040) while both Medicare and Medicaid patients < 65 were more likely to have non-routine discharges. In-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher for patients with Medicaid (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.20-5.89; p = 0.016) and commercial insurance (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.09-2.27;p = 0.013) older than 65.

CONCLUSION

Given the differing severity in MSD presentation, mortality rates, and rates of PLOS by insurance status, our results identify disparities based on insurance coverage.

Prognostic impact of socioeconomic status compared to overall stage for HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the relative prognostic ability of socioeconomic status (SES) compared to overall stage for HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the Carolina Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Study (CHANCE). An empirical 4-category SES classification system was created. Cox proportional hazards models, survival gradients, Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and Harrell's C index were used to estimate the prognostic ability of SES compared to stage on overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 1229 patients with HPV-negative HNSCC. Patients with low SES had significantly increased risk of mortality at 5 years compared to patients with high SES (HR 3.11, 95% CI 2.07-4.67; p < 0.001), and the magnitude of effect was similar to overall stage (HR 3.01, 95% CI 2.35-3.86; p < 0.001 for stage IV versus I). Compared to overall stage, the SES classification system had a larger total survival gradient (35.8% vs. 29.1%), similar model fit (BIC statistic of 7412 and 7388, respectively), and similar model discriminatory ability (Harrell's C index of 0.61 and 0.64, respectively). The association between low SES and OS persisted after adjusting for age, sex, race, alcohol, smoking, overall stage, tumor site, and treatment in a multivariable model (HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.92-4.56; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SES may have a similar prognostic ability to overall stage for patients with HPV-negative HNSCC. Future research is warranted to validate these findings and identify evidence-based interventions for addressing barriers to care for patients with HNSCC.

Does the insurance status influence in-hospital outcome? A retrospective assessment in 30,175 surgical trauma patients in Switzerland

Introduction

There has been growing evidence in trauma literature that differences in insurance status lead to inequality in treatment and outcome. Most studies comparing uninsured to insured patients were done in the USA. We sought to gain further insights into differences in the outcomes of trauma patients in a healthcare system with mandatory public health coverage by comparing publicly versus privately insured patients.

Methods

We used a prospective national quality assessment database from the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Qualitätssicherung in der Chirurgie (AQC). More than 80 surgical departments in Switzerland are part of this quality program. We included all patients in the AQC database with any S- or T-code diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 (any injuries) who were treated during the 11-year period of 2004–2014. Missing insurance status information was an exclusion criterion. In total, 30,175 patients were included for analysis. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included overall and intra- and postoperative complications. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed, adjusted for insurance status, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status category, type of injury, and surgeon’s level of experience.

Results

In total, 76.8% (n = 23,196) of the patients were publicly insured. Patients with public insurance were significantly younger (p < 0.001), more often male (p < 0.001), and in better general health according to the ASA physical status category (p < 0.001). Length of pre- and postoperative stay and the number of operations per case were similar in the two groups. Patients with public insurance had a lower mortality rate (1.3% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), but after adjusting for confounders, insurance status was not a predictor of mortality. Overall complication rates were significantly higher for publicly insured patients (8.4% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001), and after adjusting for confounders, insurance status was identified as an independent risk factor for overall complications (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Differences exist with respect to patient and procedural characteristics: publicly insured patients were younger, more often male, and scored better on ASA physical status. Insurance status seems not to be a predictor for fatal outcome after trauma, although it is associated with complications.

Diagnosis of mucosal changes and hospitalized oral cancer patients in Brazil: influence of socioeconomic factors

This study aimed to analyze the influence of socioeconomic factors on the frequency of diagnoses of oral mucosal changes and the number of hospitalized patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from all Brazilian cities in the period 2011-2017. The frequency of diagnoses of oral mucosal changes and the number of hospitalized patients of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil were extracted from the Primary Care Information System (SIAB) and Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) databases. The socioeconomic factors evaluated were the Gini coefficient of inequality, municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), inadequate basic sanitation rate, employment rate, illiteracy rate and expected years of schooling. Associated factors were examined using bivariate Spearman's correlations and multivariate Poisson regressions, and statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlations between study variables and regression coefficients were obtained. A higher frequency of diagnoses of mucosal changes was observed in cities with a higher Gini coefficient (B = 11.614; p < 0.001), higher MHDI (B = 11.298; p < 0.001), and higher number of hospitalized patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer (B = 0.001, p < 0.002). Cities with higher Gini coefficients (B = 8.159, p < 0.001), higher inadequate basic sanitation rates (B = 0.09, p = 0.001), lower expected years of schooling (B = -0.718, p < 0.001), and higher illiteracy rates (B = 0.191, p < 0.001) had a higher frequency of hospitalized patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. In conclusion, more developed cities showed a higher frequency of diagnoses of mucosal changes. Greater inequality and worse socioeconomic conditions are associated with a higher frequency of hospitalized patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil.

What has the National Cancer Database taught us about oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma?

The wealth of data in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) has allowed numerous studies investigating patient, disease, and treatment-related factors in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC); however, to date, no summation of these studies has been performed. The aim of this study was to provide a concise review of the NCDB studies on OCSCC, with the hopes of providing a framework for future, novel studies aimed at enhancing our understanding of clinical parameters related to OCSCC. Two databases were searched, and 27 studies published between 2002 and 2020 were included. The average sample size was 13,776 patients (range 356-50,896 patients). Four areas of research focus were identified: demographic and socioeconomic status, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This review highlights the impact of age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on the prognosis and management of OCSCC, describes the prognostic factors, and details the modalities and indications for neck dissection and adjuvant therapy in OCSCC. In conclusion, the NCDB is a very valuable resource for clinicians and researchers involved in the management of OCSCC, offering an incomparable perspective on a large dataset of patients. Future developments regarding hospital information management, review of data accuracy and completeness, and wider accessibility will help clinicians to improve the care of patients affected by OCSCC.

Socioeconomic indicators and economic investments influence oral cancer mortality in Latin America

BACKGROUND

It is necessary to recognize the influence of socioeconomic factors on oral cancer indicators in Latin American countries. This study aimed to analyze the influence of socioeconomic indicators and economical investments on oral cancer mortality rates in Latin American countries.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study considered the age-standardized mortality rate (ASR) of oral cancer within the period 2000-2015. The oral cancer mortality rate (for both sexes and age groups 40-59 and 60 years old or more), socioeconomic aspects (Gini Inequality Index, unemployment rate and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita) and investments in different sectors (%GDP invested in health per capita and by the government, %GDP invested in education by the government and %GDP invested in research and development) were considered. Tweedie multivariate regression was used to estimate the effect of independent variables on the mortality rate of oral cancer, considering p < 0.05.

RESULTS

This study showed that being male and aged 60 or over (PR = 14.7) was associated with higher mortality rate for oral cancer. In addition, greater inequality (PR = 1.05), higher health expenditure per capita (PR =1.09) and greater investment in research and development (PR = 1.81) were associated with a higher mortality rate from oral cancer.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic factors and economical investments influence the mortality rate of oral cancer in Latin American countries. This emphasizes oral cancer is a socioeconomic-mediated disease.

Decreased overall survival in black patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer

PURPOSE

Racial disparities for overall survival (OS) in head and neck cancer have been well described. However, the extent to which these disparities exist for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and the contribution of demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic status (SES) variables, is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were identified from the Carolina Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Study (CHANCE), a population-based study in North Carolina. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for OS in black versus white patients with sequential adjustment sets.

RESULTS

A total of 157 HPV-associated OPSCC patients were identified. Of these, 93% were white and 7% were black. Black patients with HPV-associated OPSCC were more likely to be younger, have an income <$20,000, live farther away from clinic where biopsy was performed, and have advanced T stage at diagnosis. Black patients had worse OS in the unadjusted analysis (HR 4.9, 95% CI 2.2-11.1, p < 0.0001). The racial disparity in OS slightly decreased when sequentially adjusting for demographic, clinical, and SES variables. However, HR for black race remained statistically elevated in the final adjustment set which controlled for age, sex, stage, smoking, alcohol use, and individual-level household income, insurance, and education level (HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.1, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

This is the first population-based study that confirms persistence of racial disparities in HPV-associated OPSCC after controlling for demographic, clinical, and individual-level socioeconomic factors.

Socioeconomic Status Drives Racial Disparities in HPV-negative Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To determine drivers of the racial disparity in stage at diagnosis and overall survival (OS) between black and white patients with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Data were examined from of a population-based HNSCC study in North Carolina. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess racial disparities in stage at diagnosis and OS with sequential adjustment sets.

RESULTS

A total of 340 black patients and 864 white patients diagnosed with HPV-negative HNSCC were included. In the unadjusted model, black patients had increased odds of advanced T stage at diagnosis (OR 2.0; 95% CI [1.5-2.5]) and worse OS (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) compared to white patients. After adjusting for age, sex, tumor site, tobacco use, and alcohol use, the racial disparity persisted for advanced T-stage at diagnosis (OR 1.7; 95% CI [1.3-2.3]) and showed a non-significant trend for worse OS (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.3). After adding SES to the adjustment set, the association between race and stage at diagnosis was lost (OR: 1.0; 95% CI [0.8-1.5]). Further, black patients had slightly favorable OS compared to white patients (HR 0.8, 95% CI [0.6-1.0]; P = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

SES has an important contribution to the racial disparity in stage at diagnosis and OS for HPV-negative HNSCC. Low SES can serve as a target for interventions aimed at mitigating the racial disparities in head and neck cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1301-1309, 2021.

Relationship between the Human Development Index and its Components with Oral Cancer in Latin America

To evaluate the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and its components with oral cancer (OC) in Latin America. Ecological study in 20 Latin American countries in 2010 and 2017, which evaluated the relationship between the Age-Standardized Rates (ASRs) of incidence and mortality from oral cancer and the following indicators: HDI, with its components (income, education, and health indexes); and the Gini and Theil-L indexes. Among the countries with the highest HDI, men from Brazil and Cuba had the highest incidence and mortality ASRs per 100,000 inhabitants (ASR incidence >7.5 and mortality >4.5). Among those with the lowest HDI, Haiti was the most affected country (ASR incidence >4.1 and mortality >3.0). The highest male:female ratio was in Paraguay in both years (incidence >3.5 and mortality >4.0). Mortality from oral cancer is negatively related to the global HDI in both years, with regression coefficients (95% confidence interval) being −5.78 (−11.77, 0.20) in 2010 and −5.97 (−11.38, −0.56) in 2017; and separate (independent) from the income [−4.57 (−9.92, 0.77) in 2010 and −4.84 (−9.52, −0.17) in 2017] and health indexes [−5.81 (−11.10, −0.52) and −6.52 (−11.32, −1.72) in 2017] (p < 0.05) in the countries with lower HDI. Oral cancer incidence and mortality rates vary both among and within Latin American countries according to sex, with a greater burden on men. The HDI is negatively related to mortality from oral cancer in the countries of medium and low HDI.

The Current State of the Otolaryngology Workforce

A shortage of otolaryngologists is predicted for the coming decades, primarily because of an aging population and aging workforce. However, many factors affect the agility of the workforce to expand or contract. This article discusses what is known about factors of the current otolaryngology workforce, including trends in residency and fellowship training, diversity of the specialty, its geographic distribution, and the challenges of caring for an aging population. Predicting the shortage and possible solutions through modeling is complex and prone to errors caused by incomplete data and assumptions about otolaryngology's similarity to other specialties of medicine at large.

State Medicaid expansion status, insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis in head and neck cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

Only one in three head and neck cancer (HNC) patients present with early-stage disease. We aimed to quantify associations between state Medicaid expansions and changes in insurance coverage rates and stage at diagnosis of HNC.

METHODS

Using a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DID) approach and data from 26,330 cases included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (2011-2015), we retrospectively examined changes in insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis of adult HNC in states that expanded Medicaid (EXP) versus those that did not (NEXP).

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in Medicaid coverage in EXP (+1.6 percentage point (PP) versus) vs. NEXP (-1.8 PP) states (3.36 PP, 95% CI = 1.32, 5.41; p = 0.001), and this increase was mostly among residents of low income and education counties. We also observed a reduction in uninsured rates among HNC patients in low income counties (-4.17 PP, 95% CI = -6.84, -1.51; p = 0.002). Overall, early stage diagnosis rates were 28.3% (EXP) vs. 26.7% (NEXP), with significant increases in early stage diagnosis post-Medicaid expansion among young adults, 18-34 years (17.2 PP, 95% CI - 1.34 to 33.1, p = 0.034), females (7.54 PP, 95% CI = 2.00 to 13.10, p = 0.008), unmarried patients (3.83 PP, 95% CI = 0.30-7.35, p = 0.033), and patients with lip cancer (13.5 PP, 95% CI = 2.67-24.3, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid expansion is associated with improved insurance coverage rates for HNC patients, particularly those with low income, and increases in early stage diagnoses for young adults and women.

Disparities in Outcomes by Insurance Payer Groups for Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, observational study of clinical outcomes at a single institution.

OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative complication and readmission rates of payer groups in a cohort of patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Studies examining associations between primary payer and outcomes in spine surgery have been equivocal.

METHODS

Patients at Mount Sinai having undergone ACDF from 2008 to 2016 were queried and assigned to one of five insurance categories: uninsured, managed care, commercial indemnity insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, with patients in the commercial indemnity group serving as the reference cohort. Multivariable logistic regression equations for various outcomes with the exposure of payer were created, controlling for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status Classification (ASA Class), the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and number of segments fused. A Bonferroni correction was utilized, such that alpha = 0.0125.

RESULTS

Two thousand three hundred eighty seven patients underwent ACDF during the time period. Both Medicare (P < 0.0001) and Medicaid (P < 0.0001) patients had higher comorbidity burdens than commercial patients when examining ASA Class. Managed care (2.86 vs. 2.72, P = 0.0009) and Medicare patients (2.99 vs. 2.72, P < 0.0001) had more segments fused on average than commercial patients. Medicaid patients had higher rates of prolonged extubation (odds ratio [OR]: 4.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-22.0; P = 0.007), and Medicare patients had higher rates of prolonged length of stay (LOS) (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.13-5.27%, P = 0.004) than the commercial patients. Medicaid patients had higher rates of 30- (OR: 4.12; 95% CI: 1.43-11.93; P = 0.0009) and 90-day (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.34-8.03; P = 0.0009) Emergency Department (ED) visits than the commercial patients, and managed care patients had higher rates of 30-day readmission (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.00-11.57; P = 0.0123).

CONCLUSION

Medicare and Medicaid patients had higher rates of prolonged LOS and postoperative ED visits, respectively, compared with commercial patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Socio-demographic characteristics are related to the advanced clinical stage of oral cancer

BACKGROUND

Social determinants may be associated with the onset and progression of the clinical stage of oral cancer.

AIM

To evaluate the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on the prevalence of advanced clinical stage of oral cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Information about 51,116 cases of oral cancer, from all Brazilian states, between 2000 and 2012, was obtained from the Cancer Registry Information System. The clinical stage of oral cancer (dependent variable) was classified as initial (stages I and II) or advanced (stages III and IV). The relationship between the clinical stage of oral cancer and the following independent variables was analyzed: sex, age, schooling, marital status, family history of cancer, and origin of referral. Analyses on frequency distribution and multivariate binary logistic regression model were performed (α<0.05).

RESULTS

Compared to individuals with no schooling, those who attended elementary to high school (OR=2.461) and college education (OR = 3.050) had a higher prevalence of advanced cases of oral cancer. Individuals without a partner (OR = 14,209) demonstrated a higher prevalence compared to married individuals. Subjects aged 20-44 years (OR = 4.081) and 45-64 years (OR = 14.875) had a higher prevalence compared to those aged 15-19 years. The variables gender, family history of cancer and origin of referral integrated the binary model of logistic regression, but did not present statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic factors may be related to the advanced clinical stage of oral cancer.