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Hu X, Lin JH, Pan S, Salei YV, Parsons SK. The real-world insights on the use, safety, and outcome of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in underrepresented populations with lung cancer. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 40:100833. [PMID: 39018902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100833] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The data on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) use in lung cancer individuals generally underrepresented in clinical trials are limited. We aimed to examine the ICI access, safety, and outcome in these populations using real-world data. METHODS Patients with lung cancer newly started on ICIs from 2018 to 2021 were included. Patient factors (age, sex, race, insurance, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, histories of autoimmune disease (AD), infection within 3 months before treatment, and brain metastasis) were collected and grouped. Associations of each patient factor with the time-to-treatment initiation (TTI) of ICIs and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were examined via cumulative incidence analyses and Chi-squared tests, respectively. Log-rank tests and Cox models were used to assess association of patient factors with overall survival (OS). RESULTS Of 125 patients (median age:70 years (50-88), 68 (54.4 %) males), 9 (7.2 %) had Medicaid/uninsured, 44 (35.2 %) had ECOG ≥ 2, 101 (80.8 %) had CCI ≥ 3, 16 (12.8 %) had ADs, 14 (11.2 %) had infections, and 26 (20.8 %) had brain metastases. In newly diagnosed stage IV patients (N = 62), no difference in TTI was found by patient factors. Fifty irAEs occurred within 12 months and no differences in irAEs occurrence by patient factors. In advanced-stage group (N = 123), OS did not differ by patient factors, except for race (p = 0.045). Whites showed an inferior OS than non-Whites in multivariable regression. (Hazards ratio = 2.82 [1.01-7.87], p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Previously poorly represented subgroups were shown to have no significant delays in ICI use, general tolerance, and comparable outcomes. This adds practical evidence to ICI use in clinically and/or socio-demographically marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Jeffrey H Lin
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stacey Pan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yana V Salei
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Susan K Parsons
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Han M, Raymond J, Larson TC, Mehta P, Horton DK. Comparison of Demographics: National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry and Clinical Trials Data. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02047-4. [PMID: 38977656 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02047-4] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the participant demographics in the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database compared with the web-portal National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry (the Registry). METHODS Demographics and ALS symptom information were compared between the self-reported registrant data in the Registry web portal (2010-2021) and the latest available PRO-ACT data (updated August 2022), which is a collection of clinical trials data. RESULTS Greater percentages of younger (≤ 59 years old) but smaller percentages of older (60 + years old) participants were represented in PRO-ACT compared to Registry. Enrollment for minority race groups was greater in the Registry portal data, but race information was largely missing/unknown in PRO-ACT database. Median age at the time of diagnosis and age at the time of symptom onset were significantly higher for Registry enrollees compared to the participants of PRO-ACT. Symptom onset sites were similarly reported, but duration between self-noted symptom onset and diagnosis was slight, but significantly longer for the Registry enrollees (11 vs. 9 months). Hispanic were as likely as non-Hispanic to participate in research studies, based on the Registry data. CONCLUSION There was a notable difference in the age distribution and minority representation of enrollees between the PRO-ACT and Registry study populations. Age distribution in the PRO-ACT database skewed to a younger and less diverse cohort. Despite the clinical heterogeneity and complex disease mechanism of ALS, identifying the underrepresented demographic niche in the PRO-ACT and Registry study populations can help improve patient participation and criteria for patient selection to enhance generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Han
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - Jaime Raymond
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Theodore C Larson
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Paul Mehta
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - D Kevin Horton
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
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3
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Vanderpool RC, Ng D, Huang G, Dwyer LA, Kueppers G. Disparities in cancer clinical trials information-seeking: Findings from the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 127:108358. [PMID: 38936161 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand cancer clinical trials (CCT) information-seeking, a necessary precursor to patient and provider engagement with CCT. METHODS Data from the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) were used to examine CCT information-seeking patterns over a 5-year period. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine characteristics of CIS inquiries and their associations with having a CCT discussion. RESULTS Between September 2018 - August 2023, 117,016 CIS inquiries originated from cancer survivors, caregivers, health professionals, and the general public; 27.5 % of these inquiries included a CCT discussion (n = 32,160). Among CCT discussions, 35.5 % originated from survivors, 53.5 % from caregivers, 6.1 % from the public, and 4.9 % from health professionals. Inquiries in Spanish had lower odds of a CCT discussion (OR=.26, [.25-.28]), whereas inquiries emanating from the CIS instant messaging (OR=2.29, [2.22-2.37]) and email (OR=1.24, [1.18-1.30]) platforms were associated with higher odds of discussing CCT compared to the telephone. Individuals who were male, younger, insured, and had higher income and education had significantly higher odds of a CCT discussion while those who were non-Hispanic Black and living in rural locales had significantly lower odds. CONCLUSIONS Disparities in CCT information-seeking may contribute to downstream CCT participation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Quality, language-concordant health information is needed to enable equitable awareness of - and ultimately engagement in - CCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin C Vanderpool
- National Cancer Institute, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, 9609 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Diane Ng
- Westat, 1600 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Grace Huang
- Westat, 1600 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Laura A Dwyer
- Cape Cox Facilities Services, 7050 Infantry Ridge Rd, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - George Kueppers
- National Cancer Institute, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, 9609 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD, USA
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Viswanathan VS, Parmar V, Madabhushi A. Towards equitable AI in oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024:10.1038/s41571-024-00909-8. [PMID: 38849530 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00909-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the threshold of revolutionizing clinical oncology, with considerable potential to improve early cancer detection and risk assessment, and to enable more accurate personalized treatment recommendations. However, a notable imbalance exists in the distribution of the benefits of AI, which disproportionately favour those living in specific geographical locations and in specific populations. In this Perspective, we discuss the need to foster the development of equitable AI tools that are both accurate in and accessible to a diverse range of patient populations, including those in low-income to middle-income countries. We also discuss some of the challenges and potential solutions in attaining equitable AI, including addressing the historically limited representation of diverse populations in existing clinical datasets and the use of inadequate clinical validation methods. Additionally, we focus on extant sources of inequity including the type of model approach (such as deep learning, and feature engineering-based methods), the implications of dataset curation strategies, the need for rigorous validation across a variety of populations and settings, and the risk of introducing contextual bias that comes with developing tools predominantly in high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vani Parmar
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India, Mumbai, India
| | - Anant Madabhushi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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5
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Praça MSL, de Sousa FTR, Cândido EB, Lamaita RM, Wender MCO, Silva AL. Beyond the diagnosis: gender disparities in the social and emotional impact of cancer. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2024; 70:e2024S115. [PMID: 38865535 PMCID: PMC11164259 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2024s115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Seabra Leite Praça
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Batista Cândido
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil
| | - Rívia Mara Lamaita
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil
| | - Maria Celeste Osório Wender
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics – Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Agnaldo Lopes Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil
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Guram K, Huang J, Mouchati C, Abdallah N, Jani C, Navani V, Xie W, El Zarif T, Adib E, Gebrael G, Agarwal N, Li H, Labaki C, Labban M, Ruiz Morales JM, Choueiri TK, Chin Heng DY, Mittal A, Hansen AR, Rose BS, McKay RR. Comparison of outcomes for Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database. Cancer 2024; 130:2003-2013. [PMID: 38297953 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35216] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing data on the impact of Hispanic ethnicity on outcomes for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is mixed. The authors investigated outcomes of Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients with advanced RCC receiving systemic therapy at large academic cancer centers using the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database (IMDC). METHODS Eligible patients included non-Black Hispanic and NHW patients with locally advanced or metastatic RCC initiating systemic therapy. Overall survival (OS) and time to first-line treatment failure (TTF) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The effect of ethnicity on OS and TTF were estimated by Cox regression hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS A total of 1563 patients (181 Hispanic and 1382 NHW) (mostly males [73.8%] with clear cell RCC [81.5%] treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor [TKI] monotherapy [69.9%]) were included. IMDC risk groups were similar between groups. Hispanic patients were younger at initial diagnosis (median 57 vs. 59 years, p = .015) and less likely to have greater than one metastatic site (60.8% vs. 76.8%, p < .001) or bone metastases (23.8% vs. 33.4%, p = .009). Median OS and TTF was 38.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.1-59.2) versus 35.7 months (95% CI, 31.9-39.2) and 7.8 months (95% CI, 6.2-9.0) versus 7.5 months (95% CI, 6.9-8.1), respectively, in Hispanic versus NHW patients. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed in OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% CI, 0.86-1.31, p = .56) or TTF (adjusted HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.89-1.26, p = .50). CONCLUSIONS The authors did not observe statistically significant differences in OS or TTF between Hispanic and NHW patients with advanced RCC. Receiving treatment at tertiary cancer centers may mitigate observed disparities in cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kripa Guram
- University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jiaming Huang
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Mouchati
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nour Abdallah
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Chinmay Jani
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Miami-Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/Jackson Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Vishal Navani
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanling Xie
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Talal El Zarif
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elio Adib
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Georges Gebrael
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Neeraj Agarwal
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Chris Labaki
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muhieddine Labban
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Toni K Choueiri
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Yick Chin Heng
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abhenil Mittal
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron R Hansen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brent S Rose
- University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rana R McKay
- University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California, USA
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7
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Perez-Brumer A, Valdez N, Scheim AI. The anti-gender threat: An ethical, democratic, and scientific imperative for NIH research/ers. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351 Suppl 1:116349. [PMID: 38825371 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116349] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Anti-gender campaigns in the United States and globally have promoted policies and legislation that significantly limit bodily autonomy for women, transgender, and nonbinary people. This attack on the human rights of women and gender-diverse communities not only reflects implicit and explicit bias but also detrimentally impacts population health and well-being. We outline the domestic and global rise of anti-gender campaigns and their deep historical connections to broader forms of discrimination and inequality to argue that there is an ethical, democratic, and scientific imperative to more critically center and contextualize gender in health research. While the inclusion of gender as a complex concept in research design, implementation, and dissemination is important, we emphasize that gender inequities must be understood as inextricable from other systems of discrimination and exclusion. To that end, this commentary outlines two actions: for researchers to advance critical approaches to gender as part of a broader landscape of discrimination, and for the US National Institutes of Health to integrate both sex and gender into funded research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Natali Valdez
- Department of Anthropology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Yale University, United States; Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, United States
| | - Ayden I Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
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8
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Nwachukwu C, Makhnoon S, Person M, Muthukrishnan M, Kazmi S, Anderson LD, Kaur G, Kapinos KA, Williams EL, Fatunde O, Sadeghi N, Robles F, Basey A, Hulsey T, Pruitt SL, Gerber DE. Transferring care to enhance access to early-phase cancer clinical trials: Protocol to evaluate a novel program. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024; 39:101292. [PMID: 38623454 PMCID: PMC11016932 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Involving diverse populations in early-phase (phase I and II) cancer clinical trials is critical to informed therapeutic development. However, given the growing costs and complexities of early-phase trials, trial activation and enrollment barriers may be greatest for these studies at healthcare facilities that provide care to the most diverse patient groups, including those in historically underserved communities (e.g., safety-net healthcare systems). To promote diverse and equitable access to early-phase cancer clinical trials, we are implementing a novel program for the transfer of care to enhance access to early-phase cancer clinical trials. We will then perform a mixed-methods study to determine perceptions and impact of the program. Specifically, we will screen, recruit, and enroll diverse patients from an urban, integrated safety-net healthcare system to open and active early-phase clinical trials being conducted in a university-based cancer center. To evaluate this novel program, we will: (1) determine program impact and efficiency; and (2) determine stakeholder experience with and perceptions of the program. To achieve these goals, we will conduct preliminary cost analyses of the program. We will also conduct surveys and interviews with patients and caregivers to elucidate program impact, challenges, and areas for improvement. We hypothesize that broadening access to early-phase cancer trials conducted at experienced centers may improve equity and diversity. In turn, such efforts may enhance the efficiency and generalizability of cancer clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika Nwachukwu
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sukh Makhnoon
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Marieshia Person
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Meera Muthukrishnan
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Syed Kazmi
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Larry D. Anderson
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gurbakhash Kaur
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kandice A. Kapinos
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Erin L. Williams
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Oluwatomilade Fatunde
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Navid Sadeghi
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Parkland Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Fabian Robles
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Parkland Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alice Basey
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Patient Advocate Program, Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Hulsey
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Patient Advocate Program, Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sandi L. Pruitt
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David E. Gerber
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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9
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Fairley R, Lillard JW, Berk A, Cornew S, Gaspero J, Gillespie J, Horne LL, Kidane S, Munro SB, Parsons M, Powers ER, Rizzo SE, Tishcler A, Wohl H, Weiss MC. Increasing Clinical Trial Participation of Black Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1701-1717. [PMID: 37314691 PMCID: PMC11101578 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01644-z] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite racial disparities in breast cancer mortality, Black women remain underrepresented in clinical trials. In this mixed methods research, 48 Black women were engaged via focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to better understand the lived experience of women with breast cancer. The results of this qualitative study informed the development of a subsequent online survey to identify barriers, motivators, and other factors that influence decision-making by Black women diagnosed with breast cancer when considering clinical trial participation. Among the 257 Black survey participants, most (95%) were aware of clinical trials; of those, most viewed them as lifesaving (81%) and/or benefiting others (90%). Negative perceptions such as serious side effects (58%), not receiving real treatment (52%), or risk of potential harm (62%) were indicated. Barriers included financial expenses (49%), concerns that their condition could be made worse (29%), that they would receive a placebo (28%), or that treatment was unapproved (28%). Participants were more likely than their health care providers (HCPs) to initiate discussions of clinical trials (53% versus 33%), and 29% of participants indicated a need for more information about risks and benefits, even after having those conversations. The most trustworthy sources of information on clinical trials were HCPs (66%) and breast cancer support groups (64%). These results suggest that trusted communities are key for providing education on clinical trials. However, there is also a need for HCPs to proactively discuss clinical trials with patients to ensure that they are adequately informed about all aspects of participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricki Fairley
- TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - James W Lillard
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sophia Cornew
- Patient Network and Data, Invitae, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - LaTrisha L Horne
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emily R Powers
- TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, Annapolis, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Marisa C Weiss
- Breastcancer.org, Ardmore, PA, USA
- Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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10
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Kaczynski M, Vassilopoulos A, Vassilopoulos S, Sisti A, Benitez G, Tran QL, Mylona EK, Shehadeh F, Rogers R, Mylonakis E. Temporal trends and characteristics associated with racial, ethnic, and sex representation in COVID-19 clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 143:107578. [PMID: 38789079 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107578] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early in the pandemic, extensive attention was cast on limited inclusion of historically underrepresented patient populations in COVID-19 clinical trials. How diverse representation improved following these initial reports remains unclear. METHODS PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched (through April 2024) for US-based COVID-19 trials. Utilizing random-effects, we compared expected proportions of trial participants from racial and ethnic groups and of female sex between trials enrolling primarily in 2020 versus primarily 2021-2022. Meta-regression was performed to assess associations between trial characteristics and group representation. RESULTS We retrieved 157 studies comprising 198,012 participants. White (2020: 63.1% [95% CI, 60.8%-67.3%]; 2021-2022: 73.8% [95% CI, 71.5%-76.0%]) and female representation (2020: 46.1% [95% CI, 44.7%-47.4%)]; 2021-2022: 51.1% [95% CI, 49.3%-52.8%) increased across enrollment periods. Industry-sponsored trials were associated with higher White (coefficient, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.03-0.18]) and Hispanic or Latinx representation (coefficient, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.08-0.25]) and lower Asian (coefficient, -0.03 [95% CI, -0.06- -0.003]) and female representation (coefficient, -0.03 [95% CI, -0.07- -0.002]). Outpatient trials were associated with higher White (coefficient, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.13-0.26]) and female representation (coefficient, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.13-0.18]), and lower Black representation (coefficient, -0.10 [95% CI, -0.10- -0.08]). CONCLUSIONS Despite improved female representation in COVID-19 trials over time, there was no clear increase in non-White representation. Trial characteristics such as primary sponsor, clinical setting, and intervention type correlate with representation of specific demographic groups and should be considered in future efforts to improve participant diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kaczynski
- Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Athanasios Vassilopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanos Vassilopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anthony Sisti
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gregorio Benitez
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Quynh-Lam Tran
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Evangelia K Mylona
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fadi Shehadeh
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ralph Rogers
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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11
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Shapiro GK, Santiago AT, Pittman T, Iwano K, Rodin G, Cole H, Zeman K, Sellmann S, Oza AM, Jones J, Rosenthal M, Conti RM, Rodin D. Disparities in clinical trial enrollment at a Canadian comprehensive cancer center: A 15-year retrospective study. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38662430 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35331] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disparities in clinical trials (CTs) enrollment perpetuate inequities in treatment access and outcomes, but there is a paucity of Canadian data. The objective of this study was to examine disparities in cancer CT enrollment at a large Canadian comprehensive cancer center. METHODS Retrospective study of CT enrollment among new patient consultations from 2006 to 2019, with follow-up to 2021 (N = 154,880), with the primary outcome of enrollment as a binary variable. Factors associated with CT enrollment were evaluated using multivariable Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression with random effects for most responsible physician (MRP) and geography, adjusted for patient characteristics (sex, age, language, geography, and primary care provider [PCP]), area-level marginalization (residential instability, material deprivation, dependency, and ethnic concentration), disease (cancer site and stage), and MRP (department, sex, language, and training). A sensitivity analysis of the cumulative incidence of enrollment was conducted to account for differences in disease type and follow-up length. RESULTS CT enrollment was 11.2% overall, with a 15-year cumulative incidence of 18%. Lower odds of enrollment were observed in patients who were female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.86), ≥65 years (AOR vs. <40, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.56-0.66), non-English speakers (0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.77), living ≥250 km away (AOR vs. <15 km, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62-0.80), and without a PCP. Disease characteristics accounted for the largest proportion of observed variation (20.8%), with significantly greater odds of enrollment in patients with genitourinary cancers and late-stage disease. CONCLUSION Significant sociodemographic disparities were observed, suggesting the need for targeted strategies to increase diversity in access to cancer CTs in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilla K Shapiro
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna T Santiago
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyler Pittman
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Kai Iwano
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Cole
- Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Zeman
- Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susanna Sellmann
- Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Jones
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith Rosenthal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rena M Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Sheikh S, Bruno DS, Sun Y, Deng V, McClelland S, Obi E, Vinson V, Firstencel A, Lanese B, Lausin L, Dorth JA, Zaorsky NG, Hoy K, Krishnamurthi S. Impact of Clinical Trial Design on Recruitment of Racial and Ethnic Minorities. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024:10.1007/s13187-024-02440-x. [PMID: 38637443 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02440-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Knowledge related to how oncology treatment trial design influences enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities is limited. Rigorous identification of clinical trial design parameters that associate favorably with minority accrual provides educational opportunities for individuals interested in designing more representative treatment trials. We identified oncology trials with a minimum of 10 patients at an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2010 to 2021. We defined a study endpoint of racial and ethnic minority accrual greater than zero. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether co-variables predicted our study endpoint. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 352 cancer trials met eligibility criteria. These studies enrolled a total of 7981 patients with a total of 926 racial and ethnic minorities leading to a median enrollment of 10%. Trials open in community sites (yes versus no) were more likely to have a minority patient (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.02-4.96) as well as pilot/phase I studies compared to phase II/III (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.34-8.26). Trials incorporating immunotherapy (yes versus no) were less likely to have a minority patient (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23-0.94). Trials open in community sites as well as early phase treatment studies were more likely to accrue minority patients. However, studies including immunotherapy were less likely to accrue racial and ethnic minorities. Knowledge gained from our analysis may help individuals design oncology treatment trials that are representative of more diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Sheikh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh PA, 15232, USA.
| | - Debora S Bruno
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yilun Sun
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Victoria Deng
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Shearwood McClelland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Elizabeth Obi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Valerie Vinson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - April Firstencel
- Clinical Research Office, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Bob Lanese
- Clinical Research Office, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Loretta Lausin
- Clinical Research Office, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jennifer A Dorth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Nicholas G Zaorsky
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Kevin Hoy
- Clinical Research Office, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Smitha Krishnamurthi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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13
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Stoeckle JH, Poland SG, Maynard H, Roman SD, Mettman D, Makarov DV, Sherman S, Becker DJ. Trial of Electronic Medical Record Integrated Next-Generation Sequencing Ordering in Veterans Affairs Cancer Care. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300463. [PMID: 38691812 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies document underuse of next-generation sequencing (NGS). We examined the impact to oncology care for veterans of incorporating NGS ordering into the Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic medical record (EMR) at two New York City VA Medical Centers. METHODS We identified patients with non-small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer with oncology clinic visits and NGS testing indications between January and December 2021. Patients were divided into external ordering (EO) with visits before we implemented an EMR ordering system for NGS in July 2021, and internal ordering (IO) with visits after this date. The primary outcome was proportion of NGS testing performed in EO versus IO groups. Secondary outcomes were time between metastatic disease diagnosis to receipt of test by vendor, time of metastatic diagnosis to result, and proportion of testing by race. RESULTS A total of 168 patients were identified, 116 EO and 52 IO patients. Between IO and EO periods, testing significantly increased from 52% to 87% (P ≤ .01); it was conducted more quickly, with time from metastatic diagnosis to sample receipt by the NGS vendor improving to median 37 days from 299 days (P = .03); and the time from documented metastatic disease to a test result improved to median 56 days from 309 days (P = .03). The proportion of tissue received by the vendor was not significantly different between the two groups. There were no significant differences in testing according to self-reported race. CONCLUSION Integration of NGS ordering in the EMR led to increased proportion and speed of testing for a vulnerable patient population served by the country's largest health system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah G Poland
- New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Hannah Maynard
- New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | | | - Daniel Mettman
- New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
- VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
| | - Danil V Makarov
- New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
- VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
| | - Scott Sherman
- New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
- VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
| | - Daniel J Becker
- New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
- VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
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14
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Hoverd E, Effiom V, Gravesande D, Hollowood L, Kelly T, Mukuka E, Owatemi T, Sargeant I, Ward S, Spencer R, Edge D, Dale J, Staniszewska S. Understanding the inclusion and participation of adults from Black African Diaspora Communities (BAFDC) in health and care research in the UK: a realist review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082564. [PMID: 38553075 PMCID: PMC10982753 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People from Black African Diaspora Communities (BAFDC) experience poorer health outcomes, have many long-term conditions and are persistently under-represented in health and care research. There is limited focus on programmes, or interventions that support inclusion and participation of people from BAFDC in research. Through coproduction, this realist review seeks to provide a programme theory explaining what context and mechanisms may be required, to produce outcomes that facilitate inclusion and participation for people from BAFDC in health and care research, in the UK. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A group of people from BAFDC with lived and professional experience, representing all levels of the health and care research system, will coproduce a realist review with a team of African-Caribbean, white British and white British of Polish origin health and care researchers. They will follow Pawson's five steps: (1) shaping the scope of the review; (2) searching for evidence; (3) document selection and appraisal; (4) data extraction and (5) data synthesis. The coproduction group will help to map the current landscape, identifying key issues that may inhibit or facilitate inclusion. Data will be extracted, analysed and synthesised following realist logic analysis, identifying and explaining how context and mechanisms are conceptualised in the literature and the types of contextual factors that exist and impact on inclusion and participation. Findings will be reported in accordance with Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis Evolving Standards . ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The coproduction group will agree an ethical approach considering accountability, responsibility and power dynamics, by establishing a terms of reference, taking a reflexive approach and coproducing an ethical framework. Findings will be disseminated to BAFDC and the research community through arts-based methods, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, agreeing a coproduced strategy for dissemination. Ethical review is not required. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42024517124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Hoverd
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Violet Effiom
- NIHR Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachel Spencer
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Dawn Edge
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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15
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Patel R, Negassa A, Tolu SS, Acuna-Villaorduna A, Goel S. Effectiveness of Biologic Agents Among Hispanic Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2024; 23:14-21.e1. [PMID: 37919185 PMCID: PMC10922547 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized clinical trials have defined the survival advantage with the addition of biologic drugs to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Under representation of Hispanics contributes to poorly defined outcomes in this group. We aim to determine whether the real-world benefit of biologics extends to Hispanics using a comparative effectiveness research approach. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included all treatment centers contributing to SEER registry with available claims in the SEER-Medicare linked database (2001-2011) and 2 hospitals (2004-2016) catering to minorities. Metastatic CRC patients were classified as receiving chemotherapy or biochemotherapy (CT plus biologics; if initiated within 3 months of chemotherapy). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) among the Hispanic patients calculated from time of administration of first dose of chemotherapy to death or last follow-up. A weighted Cox regression model was used to assess differences in survival. RESULTS We identified 182 Hispanic patients with mCRC from the Patient Entitlement and Diagnosis Summary (PEDSF) file (n = 101) and hospital database (n = 81). Overall, 52% were women and 72% received biologics. The median OS was 11.3 and 17.0 months in chemotherapy and biochemotherapy group, respectively. Biochemotherapy offered a survival benefit compared with chemotherapy alone, with an average hazard rate reduction of 39% (95% CI 6%-60%, p = .0236) using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based analysis. CONCLUSION In this cohort of Hispanic patients with mCRC, biochemotherapy was associated with longer survival. Clinicians may offer biochemotherapy therapy to all patients regardless of race/ethnicity to maximize clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Patel
- Department of Medical Oncology, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY; Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Abdissa Negassa
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Seda S Tolu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Ana Acuna-Villaorduna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Sanjay Goel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
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Shulman RM, Deng M, Handorf EA, Meyer JE, Lynch SM, Arora S. Factors Associated With Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240044. [PMID: 38421650 PMCID: PMC10905315 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy and surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) achieve less favorable clinical outcomes than non-Hispanic White patients, but the source of this disparity is incompletely understood. Objective To assess whether racial and ethnic disparities in treatment outcomes among patients with LARC could be accounted for by social determinants of health and demographic, clinical, and pathologic factors known to be associated with treatment response. Design, Setting, and Participants The National Cancer Database was interrogated to identify patients with T3 to T4 or N1 to N2 LARC treated with neoadjuvant therapy and surgery. Patients were diagnosed between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2017. Data were culled from the National Cancer Database from July 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. Exposure Neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer followed by surgical resection. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant therapy. Secondary outcomes were rate of tumor downstaging and achievement of pN0 status. Results A total of 34 500 patient records were reviewed; 21 679 of the patients (62.8%) were men and 12 821 (37.2%) were women. The mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 59.7 (12.0) years. In terms of race and ethnicity, 2217 patients (6.4%) were Hispanic, 2843 (8.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 29 440 (85.3%) were non-Hispanic White. Hispanic patients achieved tumor downstaging (48.9% vs 51.8%; P = .01) and pN0 status (66.8% vs 68.8%; P = .02) less often than non-Hispanic White patients. Non-Hispanic Black race, but not Hispanic ethnicity, was associated with less tumor downstaging (odds ratio [OR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.78-0.94]), less frequent pN0 status (OR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.83-0.99]), and less frequent pCR (OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.72-0.92]). Other factors associated with reduced rate of pCR included rural location (OR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.69-0.93]), lack of or inadequate insurance (OR for Medicaid, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.76-0.98]; OR for no insurance, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.54-0.78]), and treatment in a low-volume center (OR for first quartile, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.62-0.87]; OR for second quartile, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.70-0.90]; OR for third quartile, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.78-0.94]). Clinical and pathologic variables associated with a decreased pCR included higher tumor grade (OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.49-0.70]), advanced tumor stage (OR for T3, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.42-0.76]; OR for T4, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.22-0.42]), and lymph node-positive disease (OR for N1, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.77-0.89]; OR for N2, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.65-0.82]). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that disparate treatment outcomes for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients are likely multifactorial in origin. Future investigation into additional social determinants of health and biological variables is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Shulman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mengying Deng
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth A. Handorf
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua E. Meyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shannon M. Lynch
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sanjeevani Arora
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Schmeusser BN, Patil DH, Nicaise EH, Armas-Phan M, Nabavizadeh R, Narayan VM, Joshi SS, Ogan K, Osunkoya AO, Bilen MA, Master VA. 2018 Leibovich prognostic model for renal cell carcinoma: Performance in a large population with special consideration of Black race. Cancer 2024; 130:453-466. [PMID: 37803521 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35037] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2018 Leibovich prognostic model for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) combines clinical, surgical, and pathologic factors to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC), and chromophobe (chRCC) histology. Despite high accuracy, <1% of the original cohort was Black. Here, the authors examined this model in a large population with greater Black patient representation. METHODS By using a prospectively maintained RCC institutional database, patients were assigned Leibovich model risk scores. Survival outcomes included 5-year and 10-year PFS and CSS. Prognostic accuracy was determined using area under the curve (AUC) analysis and calibration plots. Black patient subanalyses were conducted. RESULTS In total, 657 (29%) of 2295 patients analyzed identified as Black. Declines in PFS and CSS were observed as scores increased. Discrimination for ccRCC was strong for PFS (AUC: 5-year PFS, 0.81; 10-year PFS, 0.78) and for CSS (AUC: 5-year CSS, 0.82; 10-year CSS, 0.74). The pRCC AUC for PFS was 0.74 at 5 years and 0.71 at 10 years; and the AUC for CSS was 0.74 at 5 years and 0.70 at 10 years. In chRCC, better performance was observed for CSS (AUC at 5 years, 0.75) than for PFS (AUC: 0.66 at 5 years; 0.55 at 10 years). Black patient subanalysis revealed similar-to-improved performance for ccRCC at 5 years (AUC: PFS, 0.79; CSS, 0.87). For pRCC, performance was lower for PFS (AUC at 5 years, 0.63) and was similar for CSS (AUC at 5 years, 0.77). Sample size limited Black patient 10-year and chRCC analyses. CONCLUSIONS The authors externally validated the 2018 Leibovich RCC prognostic model and found optimal performance for ccRCC, followed by pRCC, and then chRCC. Importantly, the results were consistent in this large representation of Black patients. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY In 2018, a model to predict survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) was introduced by Leibovich et al. This model has performed well; however, Black patients have been under-represented in examination of its performance. In this study, 657 Black patients (29%) were included, and the results were consistent. This work is important for making sure the model can be applied to all patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N Schmeusser
- Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Dattatraya H Patil
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Edouard H Nicaise
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manuel Armas-Phan
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Vikram M Narayan
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shreyas S Joshi
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kenneth Ogan
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adeboye O Osunkoya
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mehmet A Bilen
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Viraj A Master
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Negrete M, Ademiluyi A, Karayeva E, Eskridge G, Huggins M, Eskridge CM, Price BD, Bendinskas KG, Watson KS, Kim SJ. Bridging the Gap: Engaging Black Men in Lung Cancer Research Through Barbershop Collaboration. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241229417. [PMID: 38339791 PMCID: PMC10859066 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241229417] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Health disparities persist among Black men, notably in the context of lung cancer and stress-related health outcomes. This study explores these disparities through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, citizen science, and social network theory, leveraging the expertise and trust of Black barbers as community leaders. The purpose is to understand the nuanced connections between stress and lung cancer in this demographic. Engaging 161 Black men across four Chicago neighborhoods, the study successfully collected hair samples and survey data, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies. Findings highlight the effectiveness of the collaboration, showcasing the role of barbershops as community hubs for research. The study concludes by advocating for sustained partnerships with community leaders, emphasizing transparency in research communication, and promoting culturally grounded approaches to address health disparities and enhance research participation among underrepresented populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karriem S. Watson
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sage J. Kim
- University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Bowe T, Mahmoudzadeh R, Soares RR, Nguyen MK, Hsu J, Kuriyan AE. CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTICIPANTS IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY CLINICAL RESEARCH CLINICAL TRIALS WHO WERE LOST TO FOLLOW-UP. Retina 2024; 44:111-116. [PMID: 37603443 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study describes the racial/ethnic composition and the broad health status/severity of disease of the cohorts of Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research clinical trials and compares the rates of noncompletion of the trial with the first data report (lost to follow-up). METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort study of participants in Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Retina Network clinical trials who met our inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the lost to follow-up rates and their associated risk factors. RESULTS Eight clinical trials with 3,492 participants met our inclusion criteria. Participants who were lost to follow-up were more likely to be younger, Hispanic or Black, had Type 1 diabetes mellitus, had worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity, had higher hemoglobin A1c, had higher blood pressure, and had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score >66). CONCLUSION Participants who were lost to follow-up during Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research clinical trials tended to be younger, Hispanic or Black, and had worse diabetes and hypertension. This study highlights the importance of ensuring that a representative population is maintained through the end of the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Bowe
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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20
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Wilson BE, Nadler MB, Desnoyers A, Booth CM, Amir E. Meta-analysis of sex and racial subgroup participation rates and differential treatment effects for trials in solid tumor malignancies leading to US Food and Drug Administration registration between 2010 and 2021. Cancer 2024; 130:276-286. [PMID: 37751315 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35035] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of sociodemographic diversity in clinical trials limits the generalizability of results. The authors examined participation rates and effect modification by sex and race in oncology trials. METHODS The authors extracted outcome data stratified by sex and race for registration trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval (2010-2021). Effect modification by race and sex was examined using quantitative and qualitative methods. A random-effects meta-analysis and pairwise comparison of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes was conducted by sex and race. RESULTS Ninety-five trials with 123 end points and 54,365 patients provided information on sex. Trial patients were more often male (n = 35,482; 65% vs. 56% male patients in US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] data), although the proportion of male patients was similar after adjusting by tumor type (60% in FDA data vs. 58% in SEER data). There was no difference in pooled outcomes among male versus female patients (PFS: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.07; p = .89; OS: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.07; p = .90). In total, 111 trials including 74,217 patients provided information on race, and 68% of patients identified as White, compared with 72.3% in US SEER incidence data. Black patients were under-represented compared with US SEER incidence data, although ethnicity was poorly reported throughout the data set. In the authors' network meta-analysis by race, there were no statistically significant differences in PFS or OS outcomes. CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in PFS or OS outcomes were identified when the analyses were stratified by sex or race. Certain racial minorities remain under-represented, and clearer reporting of race and ethnicity is needed. Representation of female patients in FDA trials is similar to that in SEER data after adjusting for tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Wilson
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle B Nadler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Desnoyers
- Centre des Maladies du Sein Deschênes-Fabia, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eitan Amir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Olatunji E, Patel S, Graef K, Joseph A, Lasebikan N, Mallum A, Chigbo C, Jaffee E, Ngwa W. Utilization of cancer immunotherapy in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1266514. [PMID: 38179176 PMCID: PMC10765613 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1266514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Lancet Oncology Commission for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) predicts that cancer deaths will double from 520,158 per year to more than 1 million per year by the year 2040. These striking figures indicate a need to urgently evaluate cancer treatment infrastructure and resources in the region. Studies have found immunotherapy to be effective for the treatment of advanced-stage cancer, which almost 70% of patients in SSA present with. Despite immunotherapy's significant therapeutic potential, its utilization in SSA is not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the landscape of immunotherapy in SSA. Methods A Qualtrics survey assessing the existing infrastructure and training for safe immunotherapy administration was developed and distributed online via email and WhatsApp to 3,231 healthcare providers across SSA, with a target audience of healthcare providers serving patients with cancer. The survey contained 22 questions evaluating the accessibility, use, knowledge, and training on immunotherapy in SSA. Responses were collected between January and February 2023. Microsoft Excel was used to summarize and visually present the distribution of responses as counts and proportions. Results 292 responses were included from 28 countries in SSA. 29% of all respondents indicated their clinic has easy access to cancer immunotherapy and 46% indicated their clinic currently practices it. Of clinics that practiced immunotherapy (n = 133), 12% used genomic sequencing to assess the tumor mutational burden biomarker, and 44% assessed expression of the PD-L1 biomarker prior to immunotherapy administration. 46% of all respondents were familiar with immunotherapy. 11% indicated being adequately trained to administer it. Of these (n=33), 52% indicated also being trained to manage immune-related adverse events related to immunotherapy administration. Conclusion Immunotherapy utilization and training is low in SSA and insufficient for the rising cancer burden. Increased accessibility and usage of biomarker testing to predict immunotherapy response, incorporation of immunotherapy training into continuous medical education, and increased access to immunotherapy drugs may be prerequisites for expanded utilization of immunotherapy in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Olatunji
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saloni Patel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adedayo Joseph
- Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (NSIA-LUTH) Cancer Center, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Nwamaka Lasebikan
- Oncology Center, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Abba Mallum
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Oncology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chinelo Chigbo
- Oncology Center, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wil Ngwa
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Kwak M, Bassiri A, Jiang B, Sinopoli J, Tapias-Vargas L, Linden PA, Towe CW. National enrollment of lung cancer clinical trials is disproportionate based on race and health care access. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023:S0022-5223(23)01199-6. [PMID: 38123063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite declining lung cancer mortality in the United States, survival differences remain among racial and ethnic minorities in addition to those with limited health care access. Improvements in lung cancer treatment can be obtained through clinical trials, yet there are disparities in clinical trial enrollment of other cancer types. This study aims to evaluate disparities in lung cancer clinical trial enrollment to inform future enrollment initiatives. METHODS We analyzed patients with non-small cell lung cancer from the National Cancer Database (2004-2018), categorizing them as enrolled or not enrolled in clinical trials based on "rx_summ_other" data element. Clinical, demographic, and institutional factors associated with trial enrollment were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analysis, adjusting for institutional-level clustering. RESULTS A total of 1924 (0.12%) patients with lung cancer were enrolled in clinical trials. Enrolled patients were predominantly non-Hispanic White (82%), with greater socioeconomic status, treated at academic programs (67%), and had private insurance (42%) or Medicare (44%). They also traveled further for treatment compared with unenrolled patients (56 vs 27 miles, P < .001). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, lung cancer trial enrollment was significantly less likely among Black (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.7, P < .001) and Hispanic (0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.9, P = .01) patients. Patients with Medicaid or uninsured, in the lowest socioeconomic status group, and those treated at community-based cancer programs were the least likely to enroll. CONCLUSIONS Enrollment in lung cancer trials disproportionally excludes minority patients, those in the lowest socioeconomic status, community cancer programs, and the underinsured. These disparities in demographic and access for trial participation show a need for improved enrollment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyoung Kwak
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Aria Bassiri
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Boxiang Jiang
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jillian Sinopoli
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Leonidas Tapias-Vargas
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Philip A Linden
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christopher W Towe
- Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Cleveland Medical Center, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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23
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Chehrazi-Raffle A, Leong S, Ali S, Kim T, Melamed S, Li X, Zengin Z, Meza L, Chawla N, Govindarajan A, Castro D, Mercier B, Ebrahimi H, Dizman N, Tripathi N, Sayegh N, Rock A, Yeh J, Pal SK, Onyshchenko M. Real-World Outcomes of Latinx Versus Non-Latinx Patients Treated With First-Line Immunotherapy for Metastatic Renal-Cell Carcinoma. Oncologist 2023; 28:1079-1084. [PMID: 37432304 PMCID: PMC10712704 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad190] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data regarding the impact of ethnicity among patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. We evaluated real-world outcomes between Latinx and non-Latinx patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with first-line nivolumab/ipilimumab within 2 different healthcare settings. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with mRCC who received nivolumab/ipilimumab within the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LAC-DHS), a safety-net healthcare system, and the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center (COH), a tertiary oncology center, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and covariates were adjusted using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Of 94 patients, 40 patients (43%) were Latinx while the remainder were non-Latinx (44 pts [46%] White, 7 pts [7%] Asian, and 3 pts [3%] Other). Fifty (53%) and 44 (47%) patients received their care at COH and LAC-DHS, respectively. Most Latinx patients (95%) were treated at LAC-DHS, and most non-Latinx patients (89%) were treated at COH. Pooled analysis by ethnicity demonstrated significantly shorter PFS in Latinx versus non-Latinx patients (10.1 vs. 25.2 months, hazard ratios [HR] 3.61, 95% CI 1.96-6.66, P ≤ .01). Multivariate analysis revealed a HR of 3.41 (95% CI 1.31-8.84; P = .01). At a median follow-up of 11.0 months, the median OS was not reached in either arm at the time of data cutoff. CONCLUSION Latinx patients with mRCC had a shorter PFS treated with frontline nivolumab/ipilimumab compared to their non-Latinx counterparts. No difference was observed in OS although these data were immature. Larger studies are needed to further interrogate the social and economic determinants of ethnicity on clinical outcomes in mRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chehrazi-Raffle
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Sally Leong
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Sana Ali
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Tane Kim
- Division of Cancer Biology and Immunotherapeutics, The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Sam Melamed
- Division of Cancer Biology and Immunotherapeutics, The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Xiaochen Li
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Zeynep Zengin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Luis Meza
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Neal Chawla
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ameish Govindarajan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Castro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Mercier
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hedyeh Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Nazli Dizman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nishita Tripathi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicolas Sayegh
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Adam Rock
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - James Yeh
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Sumanta K Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mykola Onyshchenko
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Division of Cancer Biology and Immunotherapeutics, The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
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Birhiray RE. Clinical research in the community. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2023; 2023:324-331. [PMID: 38066876 PMCID: PMC10727107 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2023000432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Most patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies are treated in community oncology practices near their residence. This is partly due to patients' ardent desire to be closer to home and trust in local caregivers. Treatments are increasingly complex, even as initial therapy, and more so upon relapse. Improved outcomes in the past decade are largely available through clinical trials primarily offered through academic medical centers. Limited availability of clinical trials at community oncology practices is a major contributor to outcome disparities among minorities, rural, and elderly patients, all of whom are underrepresented in clinical trials. Between 2003 and 2023, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) established programs to address these challenges: the Community Clinical Oncology Program, Minority- Based Community Clinical Oncology Program, NCI Community Cancer Centers Program, and NCI Community Oncology Research Program. However, disparities have persisted, particularly for pharmaceutical-directed clinical research. Lack of representation in clinical research results in data absenteeism, data chauvinism and hallucination, and a delay in treatment availability for high-risk hematologic malignancies in community practice. To address this, the US Congress enacted the Food and Drug Administration Omnibus Act in 2022 to help establish diversity plans that would broaden clinical trial patient enrollment in the United States. We recommend using these initiatives in community oncology practices, including the adoption of the DRIVE strategy in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, as well as using the NCI-established programs to promote clinical trial availability for patients with high-risk malignancies treated in community oncology practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruemu Ejedafeta Birhiray
- Hematology Oncology of Indiana/American Oncology Network, PA, and Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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25
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Puri S, Saltos AN, Gray JE. Race-inclusive and equitable access to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: What are the biggest hurdles? Cancer 2023; 129:3692-3693. [PMID: 37728029 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
A real‐world data analysis evaluating the clinical outcomes of consolidation durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation in Black versus non‐Black patients with unresectable stage III non–small cell lung cancer demonstrates that there was no overall difference in survival or toxicity between the two groups. The study addresses the important issue of race‐ and ethnicity‐related disparities in clinical trial accruals that limit the generalizability of the results across the patient population. Larger multi‐institutional prospective studies evaluating racially underrepresented populations are warranted to evaluate the contribution of individual factors, optimize treatment strategies, and narrow the disparities in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Puri
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Andreas N Saltos
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jhanelle E Gray
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
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26
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Yu AJ, Masalkhi M, Brown R, Chen B, Chhablani J. Racial and Ethnic Distribution in Diabetic Macular Edema Clinical Trials in the United States (2002-2021). Ophthalmol Retina 2023; 7:1035-1041. [PMID: 37479084 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.07.015] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic macular edema (DME), the leading cause of vision loss among patients with diabetes mellitus, disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic patients. Currently, non-White racial and ethnic subgroups are frequently underrepresented in clinical trials, limiting the application of results to the most pertinent patient populations. Thus, we aimed to characterize the trajectory of racial reporting as well as changes and disparities in racial and ethnic distribution among participants of DME clinical trials. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional retrospective study. SUBJECTS Patients enrolled in United States (US)-based clinical trials for DME. METHODS We examined the racial and ethnic demographic distribution of participants in clinical trials related to DME across a 20-year period from 2002 to 2021. Clinical trials were screened from ClinicalTrials.gov for DME, US trial location, study completion, and > 50 patient enrollment. Descriptive statistics, proportions, odds ratios (ORs), and chi-square tests were reported and compared with 2021 US Census demographic data and diagnosed patients with diabetes demographic data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in racial reporting and race/ethnicity across 2 decades and comparison of racial/ethnic distribution with 2021 US Census demographics and diagnosed patients with diabetes. RESULTS There was an increase in race reporting from January 2002 to December 2011 (8 trials [40%]) versus January 2012 to December 2021 (20 trials [87%]; OR, 10.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.21-45.16; P = 0.0032). Across the 2 decades, the proportion of Asian patients enrolled increased from 2.4% to 8.0% (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.64-4.56; P < 0.0001). Similarly, the proportion of enrolled Hispanic patients increased from 13.4% to 19.5% (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.37-1.78; P < 0.0001). Compared with diabetes prevalence, many minority groups are underrepresented in the total enrollment of DME clinical trial patients (Black [z = -18.51, P < 0.001]; Asian [z = -5.11, P < 0.0001]; Hispanic [chi-square = 274.7, df = 1, P < 0.0001]). CONCLUSIONS In the past 2 decades, there has been a trend of increased racial reporting and minority patient enrollment in DME clinical trials. However, Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients remain significantly underrepresented among the DME clinical trial patient population based on diabetes prevalence. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Yu
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Richard Brown
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian Chen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jay Chhablani
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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27
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Nemala A, Ullah A, Yacur M, Karim NA. Do Current Lung Cancer Clinical Trials Represent All Patient Populations Including Minorities? Clin Lung Cancer 2023; 24:573-580. [PMID: 37574437 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2023.08.003] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The under-representation of racial, sexual, and gender minorities in cancer clinical trials has long been a deficit in clinical cancer research. This review aims to survey current literature to determine the participation of minorities in the United States in lung cancer clinical trials and to find educational methods that have been studied and researched in order to improve patient clinical trial enrollment. A literature search of relevant articles published since 2015 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Clinical trials conducted in the United States from Clinicaltrials.gov were also collected to determine minority patient enrollment in lung cancer clinical trials. The results of the literature search yielded 6 relevant articles about racial minority representation in lung cancer clinical trials and one relevant article about LGBTQ+ minority representation in cancer clinical trials. Collectively, the literature highlighted the under-representation of racial minorities (such as Black, Hispanic, and American Indian) in clinical trials. Many articles showed that disparities in enrollment were less significant for Asian patients with lung cancer. However, many articles did not mention minorities like Middle Eastern/North Africans and failed to mention the lack of distinguishment of South Asian minorities from Pacific Asian minorities. The findings of this literature review support the idea that current lung cancer clinical trials lack representation of minority patient populations in the United States. The inclusion of racial, sexual, and gender diversity in clinical trial patient populations will aid providers in determining appropriate therapeutics and could potentially improve lung cancer outcomes. Future directions for improving diversity in lung cancer clinical trial enrollment include the utilization of various educational tools to increase minority patient participation in trials, the inclusion of detailed demographic data in cancer clinical trial analysis, and the recruitment of providers and research staff from various minorities to conduct cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asad Ullah
- Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Melissa Yacur
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, University of Virginia, Fairfax, VA
| | - Nagla Abdel Karim
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, University of Virginia, Fairfax, VA.
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28
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Cho Y, Shang S, Zhou W. Comorbidities were associated with cancer clinical trial discussion and participation: findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey-Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (2021). J Clin Epidemiol 2023; 163:62-69. [PMID: 37783400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.09.016] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oncology clinical trials are recommended to better reflect real-world cancer patient populations and to increase patient access to new treatments in trials. The influence of comorbidities on trial participation is unclear. This study examined the association of having comorbidities and patients' experiences with clinical trial discussion or actual participation. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We included 958 cancer survivors from Health Information National Trends Survey-Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Trial discussion was defined as whether their medical team discussed cancer clinical trials, and trial participation was defined as whether they participated. Comorbidities included diabetes, hypertension, heart condition, chronic lung disease, and depression/anxiety disorder. Design-based logistic regression results were conducted. RESULTS Seventy-five percent of patients had one or more comorbidities, commonly having hypertension (56%) and diabetes (26%). Only 15% of participants reported trial discussion and 8% reported trial participation. Having one or more comorbidities was significantly associated with lower rates of trial discussion in univariate analysis (22.9% vs. 12.1%, odds ratio = 0.46, P = 0.001), and such association was pertained in adjusted logistic regression (20.5% vs. 12.8%, adjusted odds ratio = 0.54, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Findings suggest patients with comorbidities were underrepresented in cancer clinical trials, implying a potential lack of representativeness among trial participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youmin Cho
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University College of Nursing, Daejeon, South Korea; School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Biomedical Informatics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaomei Shang
- School of Nursing, Peking University School of Nursing, Beijing, China
| | - Weijiao Zhou
- School of Nursing, Peking University School of Nursing, Beijing, China.
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Rasmussen HB, Hansen PR. Molnupiravir Revisited-Critical Assessment of Studies in Animal Models of COVID-19. Viruses 2023; 15:2151. [PMID: 38005828 PMCID: PMC10675540 DOI: 10.3390/v15112151] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir, a prodrug known for its broad antiviral activity, has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of COVID-19, prompting clinical trials, in which initial results indicated a significant effect against the disease. However, subsequent clinical studies did not confirm these findings, leading to the refusal of molnupiravir for permanent market authorization in many countries. This report critically assessed 22 studies published in 18 reports that investigated the efficacy of molnupiravir in animal models of COVID-19, with the purpose of determining how well the design of these models informed human studies. We found that the administered doses of molnupiravir in most studies involving animal COVID-19 models were disproportionately higher than the dose recommended for human use. Specifically, when adjusted for body surface area, over half of the doses of molnupiravir used in the animal studies exceeded twice the human dose. Direct comparison of reported drug exposure across species after oral administration of molnupiravir indicated that the antiviral efficacy of the dose recommended for human use was underestimated in some animal models and overestimated in others. Frequently, molnupiravir was given prophylactically or shortly after SARS-CoV-2 inoculation in these models, in contrast to clinical trials where such timing is not consistently achieved. Furthermore, the recommended five-day treatment duration for humans was exceeded in several animal studies. Collectively, we suggest that design elements in the animal studies under examination contributed to a preference favoring molnupiravir, and thus inflated expectations for its efficacy against COVID-19. Addressing these elements may offer strategies to enhance the clinical efficacy of molnupiravir for the treatment of COVID-19. Such strategies include dose increment, early treatment initiation, administration by inhalation, and use of the drug in antiviral combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Berg Rasmussen
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Peter Riis Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hamm RF, McCabe MG, James A, Parry S, Levine LD. A Simple Intervention to Improve Equity in Obstetric Research. Health Equity 2023; 7:692-698. [PMID: 37908400 PMCID: PMC10615043 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0073] [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] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate if a simple intervention, including formation of a Research Equity Committee and a dashboard detailing study approach and enrollment statistics by race, could improve equitable inclusion in obstetric research. Methods Our intervention had four components: (1) research personnel submitted dashboards every 3 months to the Research Equity Committee; (2) approach and enrollment by race were compared with expected racial breakdown; (3) study teams with rates of approach and/or enrollment of black birthing people below goal met with the committee for root cause analysis (RCA) and action planning; (4) all dashboards, RCAs, and action plans were presented at 3-month intervals. We prospectively evaluated the impact of this intervention on the inclusion of self-reported black birthing people in actively enrolling obstetrical studies at an academic university from July 2021 to June 2022. Results Seven qualifying prospective studies submitted 23 equity dashboards, which encompassed 692 patients. Six RCAs and action planning were held. Themes of developed action plans included: (1) standardizing how, when, and which patients to approach to eliminate approach bias, (2) standardized scripts for patient recruitment, and (3) study expansion to more diverse clinics. All four studies that underwent an RCA demonstrated improvements after the intervention; however, only one study demonstrated a statistically significant increase in approach (p=0.002) and enrollment (p=0.02) of black birthing people across the study period. Discussion and Health Equity Implications A simple intervention can improve approach and enrollment of black birthing people in obstetric research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Feldman Hamm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meaghan G. McCabe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abike James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa D. Levine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Peng S, Lin C, Chen I, Shen Y, Chang D, Chen TW, Huang S, Hu F, Lu Y. Disparity in survival benefits of pembrolizumab between Asian and non-Asian patients with advanced cancers: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:20035-20051. [PMID: 37737544 PMCID: PMC10587960 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6563] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of malignancies. However, disproportionate enrollment among races and ethnicities places the generalizability of global trial results in doubt. METHODS In this systematic review, phase 3 randomized controlled trials investigating pembrolizumab in advanced cancers and providing subgroup analyses of Asian and non-Asian participants were included. The primary and secondary effect measures were the mean differences (MDs) in the natural logarithms of the hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between these two subgroups, respectively. We used random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the pooled ratios of HRs (i.e., exp(MD)) and implemented a meta-regression analysis to identify significant covariates. RESULTS A total of 17 and 11 trials were included in the meta-analyses of OS and PFS, respectively. These trials included 2732 (25.49%) Asian and 7000 (65.32%) non-Asian participants in the OS analysis and 1438 (22.5%) Asian and 4129 (64.61%) non-Asian participants in the PFS analysis. The pooled ratio of HRs for OS was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76-0.99; p = 0.0391), favoring Asian participants, but no significant difference was found in PFS (pooled ratio of HRs: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.07; p = 0.2391). Both linear meta-regression analyses revealed an open-label design as a crucial covariate, which indicated more benefits for non-Asian participants. CONCLUSIONS Compared with non-Asian patients, Asian patients with advanced cancers may derive superior OS benefits from pembrolizumab. Although the results warrant further exploration, this meta-analysis provides insight into clinical research design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang‐Hsuan Peng
- Department of OncologyNational Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchYunlinTaiwan
| | - Ching‐Hung Lin
- Department of Medical OncologyNational Taiwan University Cancer CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - I‐Chun Chen
- Department of Medical OncologyNational Taiwan University Cancer CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ying‐Chun Shen
- Department of Medical OncologyNational Taiwan University Cancer CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Dwan‐Ying Chang
- Department of OncologyNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tom Wei‐Wu Chen
- Department of OncologyNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Shu‐Min Huang
- Department of OncologyNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Fu‐Chang Hu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine and School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Statistical Consulting ClinicInternational‐Harvard (I‐H) Statistical Consulting CompanyTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yen‐Shen Lu
- Department of OncologyNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
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Nayak SM, Jackson H, Sepeda ND, Mathai DS, So S, Yaffe A, Zaki H, Brasher TJ, Lowe MX, Jolly DRP, Barrett FS, Griffiths RR, Strickland JC, Johnson MW, Jackson H, Garcia-Romeu A. Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1199642. [PMID: 37795509 PMCID: PMC10545967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The classic psychedelic psilocybin, found in some mushroom species, has received renewed interest in clinical research, showing potential mental health benefits in preliminary trials. Naturalistic use of psilocybin outside of research settings has increased in recent years, though data on the public health impact of such use remain limited. Methods This prospective, longitudinal study comprised six sequential automated web-based surveys that collected data from adults planning to take psilocybin outside clinical research: at time of consent, 2 weeks before, the day before, 1-3 days after, 2-4 weeks after, and 2-3 months after psilocybin use. Results A sample of 2,833 respondents completed all baseline assessments approximately 2 weeks before psilocybin use, 1,182 completed the 2-4 week post-use survey, and 657 completed the final follow-up survey 2-3 months after psilocybin use. Participants were primarily college-educated White men residing in the United States with a prior history of psychedelic use; mean age = 40 years. Participants primarily used dried psilocybin mushrooms (mean dose = 3.1 grams) for "self-exploration" purposes. Prospective longitudinal data collected before and after a planned psilocybin experience on average showed persisting reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse, increased cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, spiritual wellbeing, and extraversion, and reduced neuroticism and burnout after psilocybin use. However, a minority of participants (11% at 2-4 weeks and 7% at 2-3 months) reported persisting negative effects after psilocybin use (e.g., mood fluctuations, depressive symptoms). Discussion Results from this study, the largest prospective survey of naturalistic psilocybin use to date, support the potential for psilocybin to produce lasting improvements in mental health symptoms and general wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep M. Nayak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hillary Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David S. Mathai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sara So
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Abigail Yaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hadi Zaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | - Frederick S. Barrett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Justin C. Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Matthew W. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Newman B, Chin M, Robinson L, Chauhan A, Manias E, Wilson C, Harrison R. Improving Medication Safety in Cancer Services for Ethnic Minority Consumers: Protocol for a Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study of a Co-Designed Consumer Engagement Intervention. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e49902. [PMID: 37721784 PMCID: PMC10546273 DOI: 10.2196/49902] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People from ethnic minorities are often exposed to unsafe care contributing to poorer health care outcomes. Medication safety is a high-risk area requiring intervention to improve care outcomes. Using an adapted, experience-based co-design process with cancer service staff and patients from ethnic minorities, a medication communication tool was created: Making it Meaningful (MiM). OBJECTIVE We aim to test whether the MiM tool is feasible and acceptable for use with ethnic minority consumers in cancer services in Australia. METHODS A single site, controlled before and after this pilot study, will be used. Patients from Mandarin- and Russian-speaking backgrounds are eligible for inclusion. In total, 40 patients from these cultural backgrounds will be recruited and stratified by language to the intervention and control groups, with 20 participants in the intervention and 20 in the control group. Further, 4 health practitioners will be recruited and trained to use the MiM. Clinicians providing care for patients in the intervention will use the MiM during their usual appointment while providing medication communication using standard care processes for the control group. Telephone surveys will be conducted with participants at 3 time points, T1 before the intervention, T2 1 week post intervention, and T3 1 month post intervention, to assess knowledge and self-efficacy in medication management, perceived usability, and acceptability of the MiM. Qualitative interviews with clinicians who have used the MiM will be conducted 1 month postintervention to explore their perceptions of MiM feasibility and acceptability. RESULTS Ethical approval for this research has been provided by the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HRECXXX). Bilingual field-workers, 1 Mandarin-speaking and 1 Russian-speaking, are contacting eligible patients to enroll. It is anticipated that recruitment will be completed by October 2023, with data collection completed by December 2023. CONCLUSIONS Using experience-based co-design, we identified communication about medication, particularly between appointments, as a key issue impacting the safety of care for patients from ethnic minorities accessing cancer services. Increasing consumer engagement in medication management was identified as a strategy to reduce medication safety problems in cancer care; the MiM strategy was developed to address this issue. It is anticipated that by using the MiM, patient knowledge about prescribed medications and confidence in medication management will increase. Evidence from the pilot study will be used to inform a full-scale trial of the MiM tool with a range of ethnic minority communities accessing cancer services. A full-scale trial will seek to determine whether the MiM intervention is effective in knowledge and confidence about medication management, but also whether this improves patient outcomes in cancer care. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials ACTRN12622001260718p; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384658&isReview=true. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/49902.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Newman
- Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melvin Chin
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Randwick, Australia
| | - Louisa Robinson
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ashfaq Chauhan
- Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Manias
- Australia School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlene Wilson
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Reema Harrison
- Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Moore AM, Nooruddin Z, Reveles KR, Koeller JM, Whitehead JM, Franklin K, Datta P, Alkadimi M, Brannman L, Cotarla I, Frankart AJ, Mulrooney T, Jones X, Frei CR. Health Equity in Patients Receiving Durvalumab for Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the US Veterans Health Administration. Oncologist 2023; 28:804-811. [PMID: 37335901 PMCID: PMC10485300 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad172] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-world evidence is limited regarding the relationship between race and use of durvalumab, an immunotherapy approved for use in adults with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) post-chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This study aimed to evaluate if durvalumab treatment patterns differed by race in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC in a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of White and Black adults with unresectable stage III NSCLC treated with durvalumab presenting to any VHA facility in the US from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020. Data captured included baseline characteristics and durvalumab treatment patterns, including treatment initiation delay (TID), interruption (TI), and discontinuation (TD); defined as CRT completion to durvalumab initiation greater than 42 days, greater than 28 days between durvalumab infusions, and more than 28 days from the last durvalumab dose with no new durvalumab restarts, respectively. The number of doses, duration of therapy, and adverse events were also collected. RESULTS A total of 924 patients were included in this study (White = 726; Black = 198). Race was not a significant factor in a multivariate logistic regression model for TID (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.81-2.37), TI (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.90-2.76), or TD (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.50-1.38). There were also no significant differences in median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of doses (White: 15 [7-24], Black: 18 [7-25]; P = .25) or median (IQR) duration of therapy (White: 8.7 months [2.9-11.8], Black: 9.8 months [3.6-12.0]; P = .08), although Black patients were less likely to experience an immune-related adverse event (28% vs. 36%, P = .03) and less likely to experience pneumonitis (7% vs. 14%, P < .01). CONCLUSION Race was not found to be linked with TID, TI, or TD in this real-world study of patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC treated with durvalumab at the VHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Moore
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zohra Nooruddin
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kelly R Reveles
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jim M Koeller
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer M Whitehead
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen Franklin
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Paromita Datta
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Munaf Alkadimi
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lance Brannman
- Oncology Business Unit, Global Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ion Cotarla
- Oncology Business Unit, US Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Frankart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tiernan Mulrooney
- Oncology Business Unit, US Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Xavier Jones
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Christopher R Frei
- Division of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, Department of Medicine, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Research Service, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Blue B, Pierre A, Mikhael J. Culturally Responsive Care Delivery in Oncology: The Example of Multiple Myeloma. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:651-659. [PMID: 37290997 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) represents ∼1% of all cancers and is the second most common hematologic malignancy worldwide. The incidence of MM is at least two times higher in Blacks/African Americans compared with their White counterparts, and Hispanics/Latinxs are among the youngest patients diagnosed with the disease. Recent advances in available treatments for MM have demonstrated significant improvement in survival outcomes; however, patients from non-White racial/ethnic groups clinically benefit less due to multiple factors including access to care, socioeconomic status, medical mistrust, underutilization of novel therapies, and exclusion from clinical trials. Health inequities in disease characteristics and risk factors based on race also contribute to inequities in outcomes. In this review, we highlight racial/ethnic factors as well as structural barriers attributed to variations in MM epidemiology and management. We focus on three populations-Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and American Indian/Alaska Native-and review factors that healthcare professionals may consider when treating patients of color. We offer tangible advice for healthcare professionals on how to incorporate cultural humility into their practice by following the five key steps: establishing trust, respecting cultural diversity, undergoing cross-cultural training, counseling patients on appropriate available clinical trial options, and connecting patients to community resources. The outlined recommendations will help the medical community to better understand and apply the important concept of cultural humility into their practice to provide the best care for all their patients, regardless of race/ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Blue
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Department of Malignant Hematology, Tampa, FL.
| | - Amy Pierre
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Division of Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma, Montvale, NJ; Flatiron Health, Division of Research Oncology and Real World Evidence, New York, NY
| | - Joseph Mikhael
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, City of Hope Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ; International Myeloma Foundation, Chief Medical Officer, Studio City, CA
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Vo AK, Cerdeña JP, Loree JM, Cairns BE, Conklin AI, Kaseweter K, Chondoma L, Cragg JJ, Kramer JLK. Race-based reporting and participation of Black individuals in registered pain clinical trials, United States, 2000 to 2019. Pain 2023; 164:1976-1984. [PMID: 37068160 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002893] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT There are numerous, well-established racial disparities in the management of pain. The degree to which these are evident at the stage of conducting clinical trials is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we examined race-based reporting, participation of Black individuals, and the factors associated with reporting and participation in pain clinical trials in the United States. Data were extracted from Clinicaltrials.gov and published articles. One thousand two hundred trials met our inclusion criteria; 482 (40.2%) reported participant race. More recent, publicly funded, and larger trials were more likely to report race. Of 82,468 participants included in pain clinical trials that reported race, 15,101 were Black individuals (18.3%). Participation of Black individuals was significantly associated with pain type (ß = +27% in cardiovascular disease pain compared with acute pain, P < 0.05), study population (ß = +33% and +7% in pain in minoritized populations and women, respectively, compared with general population, P < 0.05), pain intervention (ß = +7.5% for trials of opioid interventions compared with nonopioid interventions, P < 0.05), and a diverse team of investigators (ß = +8.0% for studies incorporating a visible non-White investigator compared with those that did not, P < 0.05). Our results indicate that representation of Black participants in pain clinical trials generally aligns with national demographics in the United States. Increased representation corresponds with health conditions more prevalent among Black individuals (eg, cardiovascular disease) and with a diverse study team composition. Despite these encouraging results, less than half of pain trials reported race, which introduces potential publication bias and limits external validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Khoa Vo
- Facutly of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica P Cerdeña
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Brian E Cairns
- Facutly of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annalijn I Conklin
- Facutly of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care Research Institute, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kimberley Kaseweter
- Bill Nelems Pain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Lerato Chondoma
- Indigenous Research Support Initiative, VP Research and Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn J Cragg
- Facutly of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John L K Kramer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Gusev A. Germline mechanisms of immunotherapy toxicities in the era of genome-wide association studies. Immunol Rev 2023; 318:138-156. [PMID: 37515388 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13253] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of advanced cancers and is quickly becoming an option for early-stage disease. By reactivating the host immune system, immunotherapy harnesses patients' innate defenses to eradicate the tumor. By putatively similar mechanisms, immunotherapy can also substantially increase the risk of toxicities or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Severe irAEs can lead to hospitalization, treatment discontinuation, lifelong immune complications, or even death. Many irAEs present with similar symptoms to heritable autoimmune diseases, suggesting that germline genetics may contribute to their onset. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of irAEs have identified common germline associations and putative mechanisms, lending support to this hypothesis. A wide range of well-established GWAS methods can potentially be harnessed to understand the etiology of irAEs specifically and immunotherapy outcomes broadly. This review summarizes current findings regarding germline effects on immunotherapy outcomes and discusses opportunities and challenges for leveraging germline genetics to understand, predict, and treat irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gusev
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Agboola F, Wright AC, Herron-Smith S, Mathur D, Rind D. Evaluation of Diversity of Clinical Trials Informing Health Technology Assessments in the United States: A 5-Year Analysis of Institute for Clinical and Economic Review Assessments. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:1345-1352. [PMID: 37244417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of clinical trials informing assessments conducted by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of pivotal trials included in completed Institute for Clinical and Economic Review assessments over 5 years (2017-2021). Representation of racial/ethnic minority groups, females, and older adults was compared with the disease-specific and US population, using a relative representation cutoff of 0.8 for adequate representation. RESULTS A total of 208 trials, evaluating 112 interventions for 31 unique conditions, were examined. Race/ethnicity data were inconsistently reported. The median participant-to-disease representative ratio (PDRR) for Blacks/African Americans (0.43 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.24-0.75]), American Indians/Alaska Natives (0.37 [IQR 0.09-0.77]), and Hispanics/Latinos (0.79 [IQR 0.30-1.22]) were below the adequate representation cutoff. In contrast, Whites (1.06 [IQR 0.92-1.2]), Asians (1.71 [IQR 0.50-3.75]), and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders (1.61 [IQR 0.77-2.81]) were adequately represented. Findings were similar when compared with the US Census, except for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, which was substantially worse. Relative to all trials, a higher proportion of US-based trials adequately represented Blacks/African Americans (61% vs 23%, P < .0001) and Hispanics/Latinos (68% vs 50%; P = .047), but a lower proportion adequately represented Asians (15% vs 67%, P < .0001). Females were adequately represented in 74% of trials (PDRR: 1.02 [IQR 0.79-1.14]). Nevertheless, older adults were adequately represented in only 20% of trials (PDRR: 0.30 [IQR 0.13-0.64]). CONCLUSIONS The representation of racial/ethnic minorities and older adults was inadequate. Efforts are needed to enhance the diversity of clinical trials. Standardized and transparent evaluation of trial diversity should be part of the health technology assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foluso Agboola
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Abigail C Wright
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Diya Mathur
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - David Rind
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), Boston, MA, USA
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Kilic S, Zhao J, Okut H, Jani CT, Radwan A, Dudipala H, Burns L, Tapan U. Disparities in US Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01776-2. [PMID: 37651069 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01776-2] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities within clinical trial enrollment are well-documented, reducing the generalizability of results. Although nearly 30 years have passed since Congress passed the NIH Revitalization Act to encourage the participation of minoritized populations in clinical trials, these patients continue to be underrepresented. This study aimed to investigate lung cancer clinical trial enrollment disparities for race/ethnicity, sex, and age. METHODS We queried the National Institutes of Health: US National Library of Medicine database of clinical trials for all US-based lung cancer clinical trials completed between 2004 and 2021 and collected data on race and ethnicity, gender, and age breakdown. This data was compared to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database data. Independent sample t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis's approach were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Of 311 eligible trials with exclusive US enrollment, 136 (44%) reported race and ethnicity breakdown for the patient cohort representing 9869 patients. Hispanic, Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, Non-Hispanic Black, and Non-Hispanic Unreported participants were underrepresented (p = 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.014, p = 0.002, respectively). Non-Hispanic White participants were overrepresented (p = 0.018). Disparities worsened from 2017 to 2021 for Hispanic patients (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found for sex or age. CONCLUSIONS Disparities for clinical lung cancer trial enrollment have not shown statistically significant improvement since 2004, and representation remains unequal, especially for racial and ethnic minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyda Kilic
- School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Jenny Zhao
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hayrettin Okut
- Kansas University School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Chinmay T Jani
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amr Radwan
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Harshitha Dudipala
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Burns
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umit Tapan
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Heffernan ME, Barrera L, Guzman ZR, Golbeck E, Jedraszko AM, Hays PT, Herzog KA, D’Aquila RT, Ison MG, McColley SA. Barriers and facilitators to recruitment of underrepresented research participants: Perspectives of clinical research coordinators. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e193. [PMID: 37745931 PMCID: PMC10514687 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insufficient recruitment of groups underrepresented in medical research threatens the generalizability of research findings and compounds inequity in research and medicine. In the present study, we examined barriers and facilitators to recruitment of underrepresented research participants from the perspective of clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Methods CRCs from one adult and one pediatric academic medical centers completed an online survey in April-May 2022. Survey topics included: participant language and translations, cultural competency training, incentives for research participation, study location, and participant research literacy. CRCs also reported their success in recruiting individuals from various backgrounds and completed an implicit bias measure. Results Surveys were completed by 220 CRCs. CRCs indicated that recruitment is improved by having translated study materials, providing incentives to compensate participants, and reducing the number of in-person study visits. Most CRCs had completed some form of cultural competency training, but most also felt that the training either had no effect or made them feel less confident in approaching prospective participants from backgrounds different than their own. In general, CRCs reported having greater success in recruiting prospective participants from groups that are not underrepresented in research. Results of the implicit bias measure did not indicate that bias was associated with intentions to approach a prospective participant. Conclusions CRCs identified several strategies to improve recruitment of underrepresented research participants, and CRC insights aligned with insights from research participants in previous work. Further research is needed to understand the impact of cultural competency training on recruitment of underrepresented research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie E. Heffernan
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leo Barrera
- Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zecilly R. Guzman
- Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Golbeck
- Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aneta M. Jedraszko
- Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - P. Toddie Hays
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Keith A. Herzog
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard T. D’Aquila
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infection Diseases), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael G. Ison
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Susanna A. McColley
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics (Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine), Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Cakici JA, Dimmock D, Caylor S, Gaughran M, Clarke C, Triplett C, Clark MM, Kingsmore SF, Bloss CS. Assessing Diversity in Newborn Genomic Sequencing Research Recruitment: Race/Ethnicity and Primary Spoken Language Variation in Eligibility, Enrollment, and Reasons for Declining. Clin Ther 2023; 45:736-744. [PMID: 37429778 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.06.014] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnostic genomic research has the potential to directly benefit participants. This study sought to identify barriers to equitable enrollment of acutely ill newborns into a diagnostic genomic sequencing research study. METHODS We reviewed the 16-month recruitment process of a diagnostic genomic research study enrolling newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at a regional pediatric hospital that primarily serves English- and Spanish-speaking families. Differences in eligibility, enrollment, and reasons for not enrolling were examined as functions of race/ethnicity and primary spoken language. FINDINGS Of the 1248 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, 46% (n = 580) were eligible, and 17% (n = 213) were enrolled. Of the 16 languages represented among the newborns' families, 4 (25%) had translated consent documents. Speaking a language other than English or Spanish increased a newborn's likelihood of being ineligible by 5.9 times (P < 0.001) after controlling for race/ethnicity. The main reason for ineligibility was documented as the clinical team declined having their patient recruited (41% [51 of 125]). This reason significantly affected families who spoke languages other than English or Spanish and was able to be remediated with training of the research staff. Stress (20% [18 of 90]) and the study intervention(s) (20% [18 of 90]) were the main reasons given for not enrolling. IMPLICATIONS This analysis of eligibility, enrollment, and reasons for not enrolling in a diagnostic genomic research study found that recruitment generally did not differ as a function of a newborn's race/ethnicity. However, differences were observed depending on the parent's primary spoken language. Regular monitoring and training can improve equitable enrollment into diagnostic genomic research. There are also opportunities at the federal level to improve access to those with limited English proficiency and thus decrease disparities in representation in research participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Cakici
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - David Dimmock
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sara Caylor
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mary Gaughran
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christina Clarke
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Michelle M Clark
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephen F Kingsmore
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
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Monge C, Maldonado JA, McGlynn KA, Greten TF. Hispanic Individuals are Underrepresented in Phase III Clinical Trials for Advanced Liver Cancer in the United States. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1223-1235. [PMID: 37533601 PMCID: PMC10390714 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s412446] [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] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hispanic individuals comprise the second-largest subpopulation after non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals in the United States (US). We compared the relative contribution of Hispanic individuals to the ten most common causes of cancer-related deaths and studied enrollment of Hispanic patients in multinational phase III advanced liver cancer trials with the aim to investigate whether racial subpopulations are adequately represented in liver cancer trials. Methods Relative cancer incidence rates in Hispanic individuals, NHW individuals, non-Hispanic black (NHB) individuals, and Asian individuals were obtained from both the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database. Searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, we identified phase III clinical trials studying advanced liver cancer in the last ten years and collected enrollment for each race and ethnicity. Incidence rates of liver cancer and enrollment rates in phase III trials were compared by race and ethnicity. Results The cancer type with the relatively highest contribution of Hispanic individuals was liver cancer. From 2015 to 2019, 15.1% of liver cancer cases occurred in Hispanic individuals compared to 12.5% in Asian individuals, 11% in NHB individuals, and 7.5% in NHW individuals. In the last ten years, Hispanic individuals made up 1.6% of patients and NHB individuals 1.3% of patients included in phase III multinational liver cancer trials, compared to 31% NHW individuals and 47% Asian individuals. Conclusion Hispanic individuals are disproportionately underrepresented in multinational phase III clinical trials for liver cancer despite having the highest relative incidence rates among the four major racial or ethnic groups in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Monge
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Alberto Maldonado
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Betheda, MD, USA
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Rahimy E, Gensheimer MF, Beadle B, Le QT. Lessons and Opportunities for Biomarker-Driven Radiation Personalization in Head and Neck Cancer. Semin Radiat Oncol 2023; 33:336-347. [PMID: 37331788 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is notoriously challenging to treat in part because it constitutes an anatomically and biologically diverse group of cancers with heterogeneous prognoses. While treatment can be associated with significant late toxicities, recurrence is often difficult to salvage with poor survival rates and functional morbidity.1,2 Thus, achieving tumor control and cure at the initial diagnosis is the highest priority. Given the differing outcome expectations (even within a specific sub-site like oropharyngeal carcinoma), there has been growing interest in personalizing treatment: de-escalation in selected cancers to decrease the risk of late toxicity without compromising oncologic outcomes, and intensification for more aggressive cancers to improve oncologic outcomes without causing undue toxicity. This risk stratification is increasingly accomplished using biomarkers, which can represent molecular, clinicopathologic, and/or radiologic data. In this review, we will focus on biomarker-driven radiotherapy dose personalization with emphasis on oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This radiation personalization is largely performed on the population level by identifying patients with good prognosis via traditional clinicopathologic factors, although there are emerging studies supporting inter-tumor and intra-tumor level personalization via imaging and molecular biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Rahimy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
| | | | - Beth Beadle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Kim JY, Acelas MPB, Granville CA, Getz K. Benchmarking Patient Engagement Capabilities and Preparedness of Drug Development Sponsors. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2023:10.1007/s43441-023-00545-x. [PMID: 37337064 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-023-00545-x] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Consistent implementation and measurement of patient engagement initiatives across the industry have remained aspirational and elusive despite strong interest in adopting patient-centric approaches. One factor contributing to this inertia stems from a lack of standardized implementation of patient engagement activities, which varies widely from company to company, making it difficult to track and measure. Further, empirical evidence mapping the impact of patient engagement capabilities on clinical research outcomes has remained sparse. To address this gap, the Drug Information Association (DIA) and Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (Tufts CSDD) at the Tufts University School of Medicine developed and administered an assessment tool that companies can use to not only evaluate their organization's patient engagement capabilities and implementation preparedness but can also measure the impact of such activities on trial outcomes. Results showed that while most organizations are providing logistical support to increase patient engagement in the form of travel stipends, accommodation, and financial incentives, most are not implementing more involved forms of patient engagement such as gathering patient input through patient input panels or patient steering committees. This paper discusses the process for designing and administering this assessment tool, the results of the assessment, and future implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Kim
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | | | | | - Kenneth Getz
- Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
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Tamlyn AL, Tjilos M, Bosch NA, Barnett KG, Perkins RB, Walkey A, Assoumou SA, Linas BP, Drainoni M. At the intersection of trust and mistrust: A qualitative analysis of motivators and barriers to research participation at a safety-net hospital. Health Expect 2023; 26:1118-1126. [PMID: 36896842 PMCID: PMC10154811 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13726] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals in healthcare research limits generalizability and contributes to healthcare inequities. Existing barriers and attitudes toward research participation must be addressed to increase the representation of safety net and other underserved populations. METHODS We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with patients at an urban safety net hospital, focusing on facilitators, barriers, motivators, and preferences for research participation. We conducted direct content analysis guided by an implementation framework and used rapid analysis methods to generate final themes. RESULTS We completed 38 interviews and identified six major themes related to preferences for engagement in research participation: (1) wide variation in research recruitment preferences; (2) logistical complexity negatively impacts willingness to participate; (3) risk contributes to hesitation toward research participation; (4) personal/community benefit, interest in study topic, and compensation serve as motivators for research participation; (5) continued participation despite reported shortcomings of informed consent process; and (6) mistrust could be overcome by relationship or credibility of information sources. CONCLUSION Despite barriers to participation in research studies among safety-net populations, there are also facilitators that can be implemented to increase knowledge and comprehension, ease of participation, and willingness to join research studies. Study teams should vary recruitment and participation methods to ensure equal access to research opportunities. PATIENT/PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Our analysis methods and study progress were presented to individuals within the Boston Medical Center healthcare system. Through this process community engagement specialists, clinical experts, research directors, and others with significant experience working with safety-net populations supported data interpretation and provided recommendations for action following the dissemination of data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Tjilos
- Boston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseaseBostonMAUSA
| | - Nicholas A. Bosch
- Boston Medical Center, The Pulmonary Center, Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, & Critical Care, Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
| | - Katherine Gergen Barnett
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Family MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Family MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Center for Primary Care, Center for Primary CareBostonMAUSA
- Aspen Health InnovationWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Rebecca B. Perkins
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyBostonMAUSA
| | - Allan Walkey
- Boston Medical Center, The Pulmonary Center, Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, & Critical Care, Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Health Law Policy & ManagementBostonMAUSA
| | - Sabrina A. Assoumou
- Boston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseaseBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- Boston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseaseBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of EpidemiologyBostonMAUSA
| | - Mari‐Lynn Drainoni
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Health Law Policy & ManagementBostonMAUSA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease Department of MedicineBostonMAUSA
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Andrews JE, Applequist J, Ward HL, Fuzzell LN, Vadaparampil ST. Cancer-related information behavior among black and hispanics in an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center catchment. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107812. [PMID: 37257260 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to better understand health behaviors, particularly health information seeking, and how this impacts cancer care within underserved minority populations in a specific catchment area in Florida. METHODS We conducted an analysis of survey data from a 2019 community health survey conducted by the Moffit Cancer Center (MCC). We utilized the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) as a framework and performed structural equation modeling (SEM) and related statistical analyses. RESULTS Our findings confirm that characteristics and demographics present a positive relationship to Online Health Information Seeking (OHIS). We also found that Utility had a negative significant relationship to OHIS. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that the CMIS is a useful framework for studying cancer-related information seeking, and that when properly executed in the confines of a study, can lend itself to in-depth statistical analyses as found in SEM. IMPLICATIONS The SEM revealed the CMIS to be promising with results in our analysis worthy of further investigation of cancer care and healthcare information access considering undeserved and minority populations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Models such as the CMIS can be useful for understanding information seeking behaviors and to design information and communication interventions to improve access and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Andrews
- School of Information, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | | | - Heather L Ward
- School of Information, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Small SS, Lau E, McFarlane K, Archambault PM, Longstaff H, Hohl CM. Research recruitment and consent methods in a pandemic: a qualitative study of COVID-19 patients' perspectives. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:113. [PMID: 37170077 PMCID: PMC10173898 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01933-5] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual data collection methods and consent procedures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic enabled continued research activities, but also introduced concerns about equity, inclusivity, representation, and privacy. Recent studies have explored these issues from institutional and researcher perspectives, but there is a need to explore patient perspectives and preferences. This study aims to explore COVID-19 patients' perspectives about research recruitment and consent for research studies about COVID-19. METHODS We conducted an exploratory qualitative focus group and interview study among British Columbian adults who self-identified as having had COVID-19. We recruited participants through personal contacts, social media, and REACH BC, an online platform that connects researchers and patients in British Columbia. We analyzed transcripts inductively and developed thematic summaries of each coding element. RESULTS Of the 22 individuals recruited, 16 attended a focus group or interview. We found that autonomy and the feasibility of participation, attitudes toward research about COVID-19, and privacy concerns are key factors that influence participants' willingness to participate in research. We also found that participants preferred remote and virtual approaches for contact, consent, and delivery of research on COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Individuals who had COVID-19 are motivated to participate in research studies and value autonomy in their decision to participate, but researchers must be sensitive and considerate toward patient preferences and concerns, particularly as researchers adopt virtual recruitment and data collection methods. Such awareness may increase research participation and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena S Small
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, 828 West 10th Ave, 7th Fl, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erica Lau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, 828 West 10th Ave, 7th Fl, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Patrick M Archambault
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | - Holly Longstaff
- Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Corinne M Hohl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, 828 West 10th Ave, 7th Fl, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Emergency Department, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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48
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Nguyen RH, Silva Y, Lu J, Chen Z, Gadi V. Race and Ethnicity Reporting and Enrollment Disparities in Clinical Trials Leading to FDA Approvals for Breast Cancer Between 2010 and 2020. Clin Breast Cancer 2023:S1526-8209(23)00096-4. [PMID: 37296063 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We determined the race and ethnicity demographics and reporting trends of clinical trials leading to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for breast cancer. METHODS We collected enrollment and reporting data from clinical trials leading to FDA novel and new use approvals for breast cancer from 2010 to 2020 from Drugs@FDA, ClinicalTrials.gov, and associated journal manuscripts. Enrollment demographics were compared to the US cancer population estimates obtained using National Cancer Institute-Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and 2010 US Census databases. RESULTS Seventeen drugs received approval based on 18 clinical trials with a total enrollment of 12,334. For approvals from 2010 to 2015 and from 2016 to 2020, there was no significant difference in race (80% vs. 91.6%, P = .34) or ethnicity reporting (20% vs. 33.3%, P = .5) on ClinicalTrials.Gov, manuscripts, and FDA labels. For trials that reported race and ethnicity, White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients represented 73.8%, 16.4%, 3.7%, and 10.4% of trial participants. Relative to their US cancer incidence, Black (31% of expected) patients were underrepresented compared with White (90% of expected), Hispanic (115%), and Asian (327% of expected) patients. CONCLUSION We observed no significant difference in race and ethnicity reporting in pivotal clinical trials leading to FDA approval for breast cancer from 2010 to 2020. Black patients were underrepresented in these pivotal trials relative to White, Hispanic, and Asian patients. Ethnicity reporting remained low throughout the study period. Innovative approaches are needed to ensure equitable benefit of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan H Nguyen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | - Yomaira Silva
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jun Lu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Vijayakrishna Gadi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
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49
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Chen DW, Worden FP, Haymart MR. Access Denied: Disparities in Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad064. [PMID: 37256092 PMCID: PMC10225976 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad064] [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: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For thyroid cancer clinical trials, the inclusion of participants from diverse patient populations is uniquely important given existing racial/ethnic disparities in thyroid cancer care. Since 2011, a paradigm shift has occurred in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer with the approval of multiple systemic therapies by the US Food and Drug Administration based on their use in the clinical trials setting. Although these clinical trials recruited patients from up to 164 sites in 25 countries, the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority patients remained low. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of barriers to accessing cancer clinical trials, framed in the context of why patients with thyroid cancer may be uniquely vulnerable. Multilevel interventions and increased funding for thyroid cancer research are necessary to increase access to and recruitment of under-represented patient populations into thyroid cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - Francis P Worden
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Correspondence: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Bldg 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
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50
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Pasli M, Kannaiyan R, Namireddy P, Walker P, Muzaffar M. Impact of Race on Outcomes of Advanced Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4208-4221. [PMID: 37185434 PMCID: PMC10136836 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30040321] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of race in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is conflicting. Our study sought to examine racial disparities in time to treatment initiation (TTI), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) using a population that was almost equally black and white. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of stage IV NSCLC patients > 18 years receiving immunotherapy at our center between 2014 and 2021. Kaplan-Meier curves and the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model determined the predictors of OS and PFS. Analyses were undertaken using IBM PSAW (SPSS v.28). RESULTS Out of 194 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 42.3% were black (n = 82). In the multivariate analysis, there was no difference in PFS (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.66,1.40; p = 0.846) or OS (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.48; p = 0.966). No difference in treatment selection was observed between white and black patients (p = 0.363), nor was there a difference observed in median time to overall treatment initiation (p = 0.201). CONCLUSIONS No difference was observed in OS and PFS in black and white patients. Black patients' reception of timelier immunotherapy was an unanticipated finding. Future studies are necessary to better understand how race impacts patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Pasli
- Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Radhamani Kannaiyan
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Eat Carolina University Health, 2100 Stantonsburg Road, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Praveen Namireddy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | | | - Mahvish Muzaffar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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