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Rubin MA, Lewis A, Creutzfeldt CJ, Shrestha GS, Boyle Q, Illes J, Jox RJ, Trevick S, Young MJ. Equity in Clinical Care and Research Involving Persons with Disorders of Consciousness. Neurocrit Care 2024; 41:345-356. [PMID: 38872033 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-024-02012-3] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
People with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are characteristically unable to synchronously participate in decision-making about clinical care or research. The inability to self-advocate exacerbates preexisting socioeconomic and geographic disparities, which include the wide variability observed across individuals, hospitals, and countries in access to acute care, expertise, and sophisticated diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic interventions. Concerns about equity for people with DoC are particularly notable when they lack a surrogate decision-maker (legally referred to as "unrepresented" or "unbefriended"). Decisions about both short-term and long-term life-sustaining treatment typically rely on neuroprognostication and individual patient preferences that carry additional ethical considerations for people with DoC, as even individuals with well thought out advance directives cannot anticipate every possible situation to guide such decisions. Further challenges exist with the inclusion of people with DoC in research because consent must be completed (in most circumstances) through a surrogate, which excludes those who are unrepresented and may discourage investigators from exploring questions related to this population. In this article, the Curing Coma Campaign Ethics Working Group reviews equity considerations in clinical care and research involving persons with DoC in the following domains: (1) access to acute care and expertise, (2) access to diagnostics and therapeutics, (3) neuroprognostication, (4) medical decision-making for unrepresented people, (5) end-of-life decision-making, (6) access to postacute rehabilitative care, (7) access to research, (8) inclusion of unrepresented people in research, and (9) remuneration and reciprocity for research participation. The goal of this discussion is to advance equitable, harmonized, guideline-directed, and goal-concordant care for people with DoC of all backgrounds worldwide, prioritizing the ethical standards of respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Although the focus of this evaluation is on people with DoC, much of the discussion can be extrapolated to other critically ill persons worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Rubin
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Claire J Creutzfeldt
- Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gentle S Shrestha
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Quinn Boyle
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael J Young
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
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Sanchez P, Van Dyke AL, Petkov VI, Yuan Y, Bonds S, Valenzuela C, Tuan AW, Moravec R, Altekruse SF, Singhi AD, Serdy KM, Wu Y, Cress RD, Doherty JA, Mueller L, Hernandez BY, Lynch CF, Tucker TC, Wu XC, Matrisian L, Penberthy L. NCI SEER-Linked Virtual Tissue Repository Pilot. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2024; 2024:180-190. [PMID: 39102878 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program with the National Cancer Institute tested whether population-based cancer registries can serve as honest brokers to acquire tissue and data in the SEER-Linked Virtual Tissue Repository (VTR) Pilot. METHODS We collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and clinical data from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and breast cancer (BC) for two studies comparing cancer cases with highly unusual survival (≥5 years for PDAC and ≤30 months for BC) to pair-matched controls with usual survival (≤2 years for PDAC and ≥5 years for BC). Success was defined as the ability for registries to acquire tissue and data on cancer cases with highly unusual outcomes. RESULTS Of 98 PDAC and 103 BC matched cases eligible for tissue collection, sources of attrition for tissue collection were tissue being unavailable, control paired with failed case, second control that was not requested, tumor necrosis ≥20%, and low tumor cellularity. In total, tissue meeting the study criteria was obtained for 70 (71%) PDAC and 74 (72%) BC matched cases. For patients with tissue received, clinical data completeness ranged from 59% for CA-19-9 after treatment to >95% for margin status, whether radiation therapy and chemotherapy were administered, and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS The VTR Pilot demonstrated the feasibility of using SEER cancer registries as honest brokers to provide tissue and clinical data for secondary use in research. Studies using this program should oversample by 45% to 50% to obtain sufficient sample size and targeted population representation and involve subspecialty matter expert pathologists for tissue selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Sanchez
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alison L Van Dyke
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Valentina I Petkov
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Yao Yuan
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Bonds
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Connor Valenzuela
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa W Tuan
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Radim Moravec
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sean F Altekruse
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kate M Serdy
- Department of Pathology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rosemary D Cress
- Public Health Institute, Cancer Registry of Greater California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doherty
- The Utah Cancer Registry, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lloyd Mueller
- Connecticut Tumor Registry, Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Brenda Y Hernandez
- The Hawaii Tumor Registry, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Charles F Lynch
- The Iowa Cancer Registry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Thomas C Tucker
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xiao-Cheng Wu
- The Louisiana Tumor Registry, Louisiana State University School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lynn Matrisian
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
| | - Lynne Penberthy
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Zhu R, Wang P, Dai J, Cheng Y, Zhu H. Efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in elderly patients with stage IV inoperable head and neck cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024:10.1007/s00405-024-08805-8. [PMID: 39042169 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08805-8] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with radiotherapy (RT) alone for elderly patients (≥ 65 years) with stage IV inoperable head and neck cancer (IV-HNC). METHODS Elderly patients diagnosed with inoperable IV-HNC from 2010 to 2015 were identified using the SEER database. Then, we performed a 1:1 propensity-score matched (PSM) analysis to reduce treatment selection bias, and the prognostic role of CRT was investigated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard models. The main outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcome was cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS A total of 3318 patients were enrolled, of whom 601 received RT alone and 2717 received CRT. Through PSM, 526 patients were successfully matched, and balances between the two treatment groups were reached. In the matched dataset, multivariable Cox analysis revealed that CRT was associated with better OS (HR = 0.580, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR = 0.586, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, subgroups of patients with IV-HNC (younger age, male sex, being married, black race, grade I-II, oral cavity site, T3-T4 stage, N0-N1 stage, M1 stage) were inclined to benefit more from CRT treatment. Furthermore, the survival benefit of CRT was more pronounced in patients aged 65 to 80 years, but was absent in patients aged 80 years or older. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that CRT resulted in better survival than RT alone in elderly patients with inoperable IV-HNC, especially for those subpopulations that benefit more from CRT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqiu Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79# Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79# Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Dai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79# Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yangxi Cheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79# Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiyong Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79# Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People's Republic of China.
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Khan MMM, Munir MM, Woldesenbet S, Khalil M, Endo Y, Katayama E, Altaf A, Dillhoff M, Obeng-Gyasi S, Pawlik TM. Disparities in clinical trial enrollment among patients with gastrointestinal cancer relative to minority-serving and safety-netting hospitals. J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 28:896-902. [PMID: 38555017 DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2024.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For results to be generalizable to all patients with cancer, clinical trials need to include a diverse patient demographic that is representative of the general population. We sought to characterize the effect of receiving care at a minority-serving hospital (MSH) and/or safety-net hospital on clinical trial enrollment among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. METHODS Adult patients with GI cancer who underwent oncologic surgery and were enrolled in institutional-/National Cancer Institute-funded clinical trials between 2012 and 2019 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Multivariable regression was used to assess the relationship between MSH and safety-net status relative to clinical trial enrollment. RESULTS Among 1,112,594 patients, 994,598 (89.4%) were treated at a non-MSH, whereas 117,996 (10.6%) were treated at an MSH. Only 1857 patients (0.2%) were enrolled in a clinical trial; most patients received care at a non-MSH (1794 [96.6%]). On multivariable analysis, the odds of enrollment in a clinical trial were markedly lower among patients treated at an MSH vs non-MSH (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% CI, 0.22-0.46). In addition, even after controlling for receipt of care at MSH, Black patients remained at lower odds of enrollment in a clinical trial than White patients (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45-0.73; both P < .05). CONCLUSION Overall, clinical trial participation among patients with GI cancer was extremely low. Patients treated at an MSH and high safety-net burden hospitals and Black individuals were much less likely to be enrolled in a clinical trial. Efforts should be made to improve trial enrollment and address disparities in trial representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi Khan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Mujtaba Khalil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Erryk Katayama
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Abdullah Altaf
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
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Hamaker ME, Wildiers H, Ardito V, Arsandaux J, Barthod-Malat A, Davies P, Degol L, Ferrara L, Fourrier C, Kenis C, Kret M, Lalet C, Pelissier SM, O'Hanlon S, Rostoft S, Seghers N, Saillour-Glénisson F, Staines A, Schwimmer C, Thevenet V, Wallet C, Soubeyran P. Study protocol for two stepped-wedge interventional trials evaluating the effects of holistic information technology-based patient-oriented management in older multimorbid patients with cancer: The GERONTE trials. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101761. [PMID: 38581958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101761] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current hospital-based care pathways are generally single-disease centred. As a result, coexisting morbidities are often suboptimally evaluated and managed, a deficiency becoming increasingly apparent among older patients who exhibit heterogeneity in health status, functional abilities, frailty, and other geriatric impairments. To address this issue, our study aims to assess a newly developed patient-centred care pathway for older patients with multimorbidity and cancer. The new care pathway was based on currently available evidence and co-designed by end-users including health care professionals, patients, and informal caregivers. Within this care pathway, all healthcare professionals involved in the care of older patients with multimorbidity and cancer will form a Health Professional Consortium (HPC). The role of the HPC will be to centralise oncologic and non-oncologic treatment recommendations in accordance with the patient's priorities. Moreover, an Advanced Practice Nurse will act as case-manager by being the primary point of contact for the patient, thus improving coordination between specialists, and by organising and leading the consortium. Patient monitoring and the HPC collaboration will be facilitated by digital communication tools designed specifically for this purpose, with the added benefit of being customisable for each patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS The GERONTE study is a prospective international, multicentric study consisting of two stepped-wedge trials performed at 16 clinical sites across three European countries. Each trial will include 720 patients aged 70 years and over with a new or progressive cancer (breast, lung, colorectal, prostate) and at least one moderate or severe multimorbidity. The patients in the intervention group will receive the new care pathway whereas patients in the control group will receive usual oncologic care. DISCUSSION GERONTE will evaluate whether this kind of holistic, patient-oriented healthcare management can improve quality of life (primary outcome) and other valuable endpoints in older patients with multimorbidity and cancer. An ancillary study will assess in depth the socio-economic impact of the intervention and deliver concrete implementation guidelines for the GERONTE intervention care pathway. TRIAL REGISTRATION FRONE: NCT05720910 TWOBE: NCT05423808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije E Hamaker
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Hans Wildiers
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vittoria Ardito
- Department SDA Bocconi, Government, Health and Not for profit Division, CERGAS, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Julie Arsandaux
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Laboratoire de psychologie des Pays de la Loire, LPPL, UR 4638, F-44000 Nantes, France; Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurore Barthod-Malat
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Paul Davies
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Lien Degol
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucia Ferrara
- Department SDA Bocconi, Government, Health and Not for profit Division, CERGAS, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Celia Fourrier
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Cindy Kenis
- Department of General Medical Oncology and Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marion Kret
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Caroline Lalet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Simone Mathoulin Pelissier
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Univ Bordeaux, Inserm BordHEalth eaux Population U1219 Epicene Team, France
| | - Shane O'Hanlon
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, St Vincent's University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland; Department of Geriatric Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siri Rostoft
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Nelleke Seghers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Florence Saillour-Glénisson
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Anthony Staines
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Christine Schwimmer
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Thevenet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Cedric Wallet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM, Institut Bergonié, CIC 1401, Euclid/F-CRIN clinical trials platform, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Soubeyran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Inserm U1312, SIRIC BRIO, Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Ore AS, Areán-Sanz R, Liu BS, Arndt KR, Hernandez Alvarez A, Ponce CJ, Bain PA, Messaris E. United States-Based Colorectal Cancer Surgical Trials Lack Representation and Adequate Reporting of Racially and Ethnically Diverse Participants: Systematic Review and Regression Analysis. Dis Colon Rectum 2024; 67:624-633. [PMID: 38276952 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000003217] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the established National Institute of Health Revitalization Act, which aims to include ethnic and racial minority representation in surgical trials, racial and ethnic enrollment disparities persist. OBJECTIVE To assess the proportion of patients from minority races and ethnicities that are included in colorectal cancer surgical trials and reporting characteristics. DATA SOURCES Search was performed using MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central. STUDY SELECTION Inclusion criteria included 1) trials performed in the United States between January 1, 2000, and May 30, 2022; 2) patients with colorectal cancer diagnosis; and 3) surgical intervention, technique, or postoperative outcome. Trials evaluating chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other nonsurgical interventions were excluded. INTERVENTIONS Pooled proportion and regression analysis was performed to identify the proportion of patients by race and ethnicity included in surgical trials and the association of year of publication and funding source. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of trials reporting race and ethnicity and proportion of participants by race and ethnicity included in surgical trials. RESULTS We screened 10,673 unique publications, of which 80 were examined in full text. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Ten (66.7%) trials did not report race, 3 reported races as a proportion of White participants only, and 3 reported 3 or more races. There was no description of ethnicity in 11 (73.3%) trials, with 2 describing "non-Caucasian" as ethnicity and 2 describing only Hispanic ethnicity. Pooled proportion of White participants was 81.3%, of Black participants was 6.2%, of Asian participants was 3.6%, and of Hispanic participants was 3.5%. LIMITATIONS A small number of studies was identified that reported racial or ethnic characteristics of their participants. CONCLUSIONS Both race and ethnicity are severely underreported in colorectal cancer surgical trials. To improve outcomes and ensure the inclusion of vulnerable populations in innovative technologies and novel treatments, reporting must be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Ore
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rodrigo Areán-Sanz
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Betty S Liu
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin R Arndt
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Angelica Hernandez Alvarez
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cristina J Ponce
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paul A Bain
- Countway Library, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Evangelos Messaris
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Mayer SL, Brajcich MR, Juste L, Hsu JY, Yehya N. Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Approach for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Research Participation. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411375. [PMID: 38748423 PMCID: PMC11096993 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11375] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance While disparities in consent rates for research have been reported in multiple adult and pediatric settings, limited data informing enrollment in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) research are available. Acute care settings such as the PICU present unique challenges for study enrollment, given the highly stressful and emotional environment for caregivers and the time-sensitive nature of the studies. Objective To determine whether race and ethnicity, language, religion, and Social Deprivation Index (SDI) were associated with disparate approach and consent rates in PICU research. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PICU between July 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Participants included patients eligible for studies requiring prospective consent. Data were analyzed from February 2 to July 26, 2022. Exposure Exposures included race and ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, White, and other), language (Arabic, English, Spanish, and other), religion (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, none, and other), and SDI (composite of multiple socioeconomic indicators). Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable regressions separately tested associations between the 4 exposures (race and ethnicity, language, religion, and SDI) and 3 outcomes (rates of approach among eligible patients, consent among eligible patients, and consent among those approached). The degree to which reduced rates of approach mediated the association between lower consent in Black children was also assessed. Results Of 3154 children included in the study (median age, 6 [IQR, 1.9-12.5] years; 1691 [53.6%] male), rates of approach and consent were lower for Black and Hispanic families and those of other races, speakers of Arabic and other languages, Muslim families, and those with worse SDI. Among children approached for research, lower consent odds persisted for those of Black race (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55-0.97]; adjusted OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.49-0.93]) relative to White race. Mediation analysis revealed that 51.0% (95% CI, 11.8%-90.2%) of the reduced odds of consent for Black individuals was mediated by lower probability of approach. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of consent rates for PICU research, multiple sociodemographic factors were associated with lower rates of consent, partly attributable to disparate rates of approach. These findings suggest opportunities for reducing disparities in PICU research participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Mayer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Michelle R. Brajcich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Lionola Juste
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Jesse Y. Hsu
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Nadir Yehya
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Ferraris G, Coppini V, Monzani D, Grasso R, Kirac I, Horgan D, Pietrobon R, Galvão V, Pravettoni G. Addressing disparities in European cancer outcomes: a qualitative study Protocol of the BEACON project. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1252832. [PMID: 38469221 PMCID: PMC10925749 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1252832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health disparities represent a crucial factor in cancer survival rates, awareness, quality of life, and mental health of people receiving a cancer diagnosis and their families. Income, education, geographic location, and ethnicity are some of the most important underlying reasons for health disparities in cancer across Europe. Costs of healthcare, access to information, psycho-oncological support options, integration of cancer research and innovative care, and multidisciplinary cancer teams are the main target areas when it comes to addressing disparities in the cancer context. As part of the Beacon Project (BEACON), we developed a protocol for a qualitative study to explore and identify any relevant reasons for cancer inequalities and disparities in Europe. Methods Our four stakeholders namely, cancer patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers will be recruited online, facilitated by collaborative efforts with cancer organizations from various European countries, including but not limited to Italy, Croatia, Estonia, and Slovenia. Qualitative online focus group discussions for each stakeholder will be conducted and transcribed. Subsequently, thematic analysis will be used to identify reasons and aspects that may contribute to the existing disparities in cancer outcomes at various levels of engagement and from different stakeholders' perspectives. Results from focus groups will inform a subsequent Delphi study and a SWOT analysis methodology. Discussion Although advances in medical research, cancer screening and treatment options are constantly progressing, disparities in access to and awareness of healthcare in cancer patients are even more noticeable. Thus, mapping the capacity and capability of cancer centres in the European Union, creating decision support tools that will assist the four stakeholders' information needs and improving the quality of European cancer centres will be the main objectives of the BEACON project. The current protocol will outline the methodological and practical procedures to conduct online focus group discussions with different stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ferraris
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Coppini
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Monzani
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement (SPPEFF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Grasso
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Iva Kirac
- Genetic Counseling Unit, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Denis Horgan
- European Alliance for Personalized Medicine, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Wilson BE, Desnoyers A, Nadler MB, Amir E, Booth CM. Differential treatment effect between younger and older adults for new cancer therapies in solid tumors supporting US Food and Drug Administration approval between 2010 and 2021. Cancer 2023; 129:3318-3325. [PMID: 37340792 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over one half of cancer diagnoses occur in patients aged 65 and older. The authors quantified how treatment effects differ between older and younger patients in oncology registration trials. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of registration trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration approval of cancer drugs (from January 2010 to December 2021). The primary outcome was differential treatment effect by age (younger than 65 years vs. 65 years or older) for progression-free survival and overall survival. Random effects meta-analysis and a pairwise comparison of outcomes by age group also were performed. RESULTS Among 263 trials that met the inclusion criteria, 120 trials with 153 end points and 83,152 patients presented age-specific outcome data. Among the included randomized patients, 38% were aged 65 years and older compared with an incidence proportion of 55% in data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Studies evaluating prostate cancer had the highest representation of patients aged 65 years or older (73%), whereas breast cancer studies had the lowest (20%). There were no changes in the proportion of patients aged 65 years or older over time (p = .86). Only 7% of end points showed a statistically significant interaction between outcome and age group. In a pooled analysis, there was an association between treatment effect and age for progression-free survival that approached but did not meet significance (hazard ratio, 0.95; p = .06), and there was no difference for overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.97; p = .79). CONCLUSIONS Older adults remain under-represented in oncology registration trials. Significant differences in outcomes by age group were uncommon in individual trials and pooled analyses. However, clinical trial participants differ from real-world patients older than 65 years, and increased enrollment and ongoing research into differential treatment effects by age are needed.
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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, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Desnoyers
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec-Université Laval, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, Centre des Maladies du Sein Deschênes-Fabia, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michelle B Nadler
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eitan Amir
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, 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
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Abstract
Breast cancer treatment, timeliness of care, and clinical outcomes are inferior for patients of Black race and Hispanic ethnicity, and the origin of these inequities is multifactorial. Owing to aggregate reporting of data in the United States for patients of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander ancestry, disparities within and across these groups are difficult to appreciate. In large part due to low prevalence, male breast cancer remains understudied, and treatment algorithms are primarily extrapolated from research conducted in female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha C Elmore
- Department of Surgery, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 51 North 39th Street, 266 Wright Sanders, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Silverstein 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. https://twitter.com/DrLolaFayanju
| | - Oluwadamilola M Fayanju
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Silverstein 4, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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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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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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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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Hage S, Hagan M, Bi D, Stadnik A, Lee J, Romanos S, Srinath A, Shenkar R, Lee C, Horowitz PM, Girard R, Awad IA. Impact of socioeconomics and race on clinical follow-up and trial enrollment and adherence in cerebral cavernous malformation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107167. [PMID: 37146402 PMCID: PMC10201538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107167] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) affects more than a million Americans but advanced care for symptomatic lesions and access to research studies is largely limited to referral academic centers MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of CCM patients screened for research studies at an accredited center of excellence for CCM was analyzed. Demographics, lesion location, history of hemorrhage, insurance type and area of deprivation index (ADI) were collected. Primary outcomes were clinical follow-up within a year from initial evaluation, and enrollment and adherence in clinical trials among eligible subjects RESULTS: A majority (52.8%) of CCM patients evaluated had a high socioeconomic status (SES) (ADI 1-3), and only 11.5% were African American. Patients who had a symptomatic bleed were more likely to follow-up (p=0.01), and those with brainstem lesion were more likely to enroll/adhere in a clinical trial (p=0.02). Rates of clinical follow-up were similar across different ADI groups, insurance coverage and race. Patients who were uninsured/self-paying, and African Americans were more likely to decline/drop from clinical trials (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.46-10.20 and OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.33-10.75, respectively), but differences were not statistically significant CONCLUSIONS: Access of disadvantaged patients to center of excellence care and research remains limited despite geographic proximity to their community. Patients with lower SES and African Americans are as likely to follow-up clinically, but there were trends of differences in enrollment/adherence in clinical trials. Mitigation efforts should target systemic causes of low access to specialized care among uninsured and African American patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hage
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Matthew Hagan
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Dehua Bi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Agnieszka Stadnik
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Justine Lee
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Sharbel Romanos
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Abhinav Srinath
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Robert Shenkar
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Cornelia Lee
- Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformations, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
| | - Peleg M Horowitz
- Neurotrauma Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Lois A, Kohler JE, Monsell SE, Pullar KM, Victory J, Odom SR, Fischkoff K, Kaji AH, Evans HL, Sohn V, Kao LS, Dodwad SJ, Ehlers AP, Alam HB, Park PK, Krishnadasan A, Talan DA, Siparsky N, Price TP, Ayoung-Chee P, Chiang W, Salzberg M, Jones A, Kutcher ME, Liang MK, Thompson CM, Self WH, Bizzell B, Comstock BA, Lavallee DC, Flum DR, Fannon E, Kessler LG, Heagerty PJ, Lawrence SO, Pham TN, Davidson GH. A Video-Based Consent Tool: Development and Effect of Risk-Benefit Framing on Intention to Randomize. J Surg Res 2023; 283:357-367. [PMID: 36427446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.10.089] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nearly 75% of clinical trials fail to enroll enough participants, and cohorts often fail to reflect the clinical and demographic diversity of at-risk populations. Effective recruitment strategies are critically important for successful clinical trials. Framing treatment risks are known to affect medical decision-making for both physicians and patients but has not been rigorously studied in surgical trials. We sought to examine the impact of a high-quality video-based consent tool and the effect of risk-benefit framing on patient willingness to participate in a surgical clinical trial. METHODS A standardized video consent was shown to all potential participants in the Comparison of Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial, a randomized controlled trial comparing antibiotics and surgery for acute appendicitis. We report (1) differences in recruitment between two versions of a video-based tool that differed in production quality and (2) the impact of risk-benefit framing on participant randomization rates. The reasons for declining randomization were also assessed. RESULTS Of 4697 eligible patients approached to participate in the CODA trial, 1535 (33% [95% confidence interval (CI): 31%-34%]) agreed to randomization; this did not change from video version 1 to version 2. There was no difference in participation between positively framed videos (32% [95% CI: 30%-34%]) versus negatively framed videos (33.0% [95% CI: 30.8-35.2]). The most common reason for declining participation was treatment preference (72% for surgery and 18% for antibiotics). CONCLUSIONS Neither the change from video 1 to video 2 nor the positive versus negative framing affected participant willingness to randomize. The stakeholder-informed video-based consenting tool used in CODA was an effective strategy for the recruitment of a heterogeneous patient population within the proposed study period.
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Examining participant representation by sex, race, ethnicity and age in United States blood donation and blood transfusion clinical trials. Transfus Apher Sci 2023:103653. [PMID: 36781328 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2023.103653] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Significant inequities based on sex, race, ethnicity, and age exist among participants in clinical trials dedicated to investigating medical disease states. While general demographic data regarding blood donors and blood transfusion recipients have been studied extensively, the demographics of participants involved in blood donation and blood transfusion clinical trials are unknown. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of United States (U.S.) -based interventional blood donation and blood transfusion clinical trials registered with Clinicaltrials.gov to ascertain the composition of participants' sex, race, ethnicity, and age, as well as diagnostic conditions and geographic trial locations.Eligible trials were undertaken between July 2003 and August 2020. Thirty-eight of the one hundred and fifty-two blood donation and blood transfusion clinical trials met inclusion criteria (seven blood donation and thirty-one blood transfusion trials). While the participant dataset from trial reports were incomplete, 100 % of blood donation trials reported sex and age, 71.4 % reported race, and 42.3 % reported ethnicity. 96.8 % of blood transfusion trials reported sex, 51.6 % reported race, 38.7 % reported ethnicity, and 100 % reported age. Among 2720 participants enrolled in the seven blood donation trials, females were underrepresented (28.5 %) compared to U.S. Census data. Conversely, female (50.8 %) and male participants (49.2 %) were equally represented in blood transfusion trials (9255 participants). White participants were overrepresented in blood donation trials (73.4 %), while Hispanic or Latinos were underrepresented in both blood donation (7.7 %) and blood transfusion (8.2 %) trials compared to 2019 U.S.Census data. Only 8.3 % of blood transfusion clinical trials open to adults reported including older adults (i.e., ≥ 65yo). Despite mandatory reporting requirements and an already established framework, researchers frequently failed to report complete demographics of blood donation and blood transfusion clinical trial participants. Furthermore, various demographic groups were underrepresented in blood donation and/or blood transfusion clinical trials, including females, Hispanic or Latino individuals, and older adults. These findings demonstrate the need for implementation of strategies to ensure equitable representation of individuals in blood donation and transfusion clinical trials.
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Coley AK, Fong ZV. Toward Achieving Equity in Cancer Clinical Trials. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:154-156. [PMID: 36630662 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Avril K Coley
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Zhi Ven Fong
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Thomas C, Mulnick S, Krucien N, Marsh K. How do study design features and participant characteristics influence willingness to participate in clinical trials? Results from a choice experiment. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:323. [PMID: 36526978 PMCID: PMC9756590 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01803-6] [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: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research about the decision to participate in a clinical study has tended to be limited to single indications and has focused on narrow sets of study and participant characteristics. This study applied stated preference methods to understand the clinical trial design attributes that most influence willingness to participate and how this varied with participant characteristics. METHODS Adults residing in the US, China, or Poland with a self-reported diagnosis of cancer, heart disease, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis completed an online survey. Participants were asked whether they would participate in clinical studies defined by seventeen attributes within five categories (payment/support, administration/procedures, treatment-related, study location/time commitment, and data collection/feedback). Participants saw six different hypothetical clinical study profiles. Depending on their participation decision to an initial clinical study profile, the subsequent five questions had one design attribute (randomly selected per question) consecutively improved or deteriorated to elicit preferences. A logistic regression was used to determine which participant characteristics influenced participation decisions. A latent class logit model was used to identify how the influence of study design features varied between participants and whether groups of participants with similar preferences could be identified. RESULTS The survey was completed by 487 participants (32% China, 35% Poland, 33% US; 8%-19% per indication). Willingness to participate was found to be a function of participant age, certain elements of quality of life, and previous treatment experience, in particular number of lines of treatment received and experience of adverse events. Willingness to participate was influenced by study design features such as payment, study duration, and time commitment - both the overall time and whether the time was at home or away from home, with the latter being particularly relevant to participants experiencing fatigue due to their disease. CONCLUSIONS This study quantifies how study designs influence willingness to participate and how this varies with participant types. These findings suggest that it is how an indication influences quality of life and treatment experience, rather than the indication alone, that impacts participation rates, opening the way for insights that are transferrable across indications, which may be particularly useful when considering rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Thomas
- Evidera, The Ark, 201 Talgarth Road, London, W6 8BJ, UK.
| | | | | | - Kevin Marsh
- Evidera, The Ark, 201 Talgarth Road, London, W6 8BJ, UK
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Casey M, Odhiambo L, Aggarwal N, Shoukier M, Garner J, Islam KM, Cortes JE. Are Pivotal Clinical Trials for Drugs Approved for Leukemias and Multiple Myeloma Representative of the Population at Risk? J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:3719-3729. [PMID: 35944216 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are significant disparities in care and outcomes for patients with leukemias and multiple myeloma (MM). To evaluate the extent to which clinical trials (CTs) match the demographic and geographic diversity of populations affected by leukemias and MM. METHODS CTs leading to drug approval were identified from the US Food and Drug Administration databases. Demographic and geographic data were collected from ClinicalTrials.gov and primary manuscripts. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data in frequencies and proportions, including 95% CIs, by race, ethnicity, sex, and malignancy subtypes. RESULTS A total of 41 (67.2%) trials leading to drug approval reported data on race and 20 (48.8%) on ethnicity. These trials included 13,731 patients, of whom 11,209 (81.6%) were White. Among minorities, Asian-Pacific Islanders and Blacks had the highest representation in chronic myeloid leukemia, 147 (12.7%) and 61 (5.3%), and lowest in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 55 (3%) and 20 (1.1%), respectively. Proportions for Blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanics were significantly low, reflecting under-representation in trials compared with the proportion in the general population. Females were also under-represented in acute myeloid leukemia (44.7% v 60.5%, P < .0001), and males in MM (55.3% v 60.2%, P < .0001) and chronic myeloid leukemia (55.2% v 62.9%, P < .0001). The geographic distribution of trials showed inadequate regional and state participation compared with mortality for all malignancies except MM. CONCLUSION There are significant demographic and geographic under-representation and imbalances in pivotal CTs leading to drug approvals for leukemias and MM compared with the population affected. These disparities need to be addressed to make results applicable to all relevant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mycal Casey
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Lorriane Odhiambo
- Institute of Public Health and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Nidhi Aggarwal
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Jamani Garner
- Institute of Public Health and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - K M Islam
- Institute of Public Health and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Jorge E Cortes
- Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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Elshami M, Hue JJ, Hoehn RS, Rothermel LD, Bajor D, Mohamed A, Selfridge JE, Chavin KD, Ammori JB, Hardacre JM, Winter JM, Ocuin LM. A nationwide analysis of clinical trial participation for common hepato-pancreato-biliary malignancies demonstrates survival advantages for subsets of trial patients but disparities in and infrequency of enrollment. HPB (Oxford) 2022; 24:1280-1290. [PMID: 35063353 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe factors associated with trial enrollment for patients with hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) malignancies. We analyzed the association and effect of trial enrollment on overall survival (OS). METHODS The National Cancer Database (2004-2017) was queried for common HPB malignancies (pancreatic adenocarcinoma [PDAC] & neuroendocrine tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], biliary tract cancers [BTC]). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with trial enrollment. OS was analyzed by multivariable Cox regression. Inverse-probability-weighted Cox regression was utilized to determine the effect of trial enrollment on OS. RESULTS A total of 1573 (0.3%) of 511,639 patients were enrolled in trials; pancreatic malignancy: 1214 (0.4%); HCC: 217 (0.14%); BTC: 106 (0.15%). HCC and BTC were associated with lower likelihood of enrollment compared with pancreatic malignancy. Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to be enrolled compared to White patients. Treatment at academic facilities and metastatic disease were associated with higher likelihood of enrollment. Enrollment was associated with higher OS for PDAC, metastatic HCC, and metastatic BTC. Trial enrollment exhibited an OS advantage for PDAC and metastatic HCC. CONCLUSION Nationally, fewer than 1% of patients with HPB malignancies were enrolled in clinical trials. There are racial, sociodemographic, and facility-based disparities in trial enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan J Hue
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Richard S Hoehn
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Luke D Rothermel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David Bajor
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer E Selfridge
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kenneth D Chavin
- Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John B Ammori
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Hardacre
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jordan M Winter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lee M Ocuin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Rotsides JM, Moses LE, Malloy KM, Brenner C, Fayson SM, Brown DJ, Spector ME. Disparities in access to translational research. Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100894. [DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Braithwaite D, Anton S, Mohile S, DeGregori J, Gillis N, Zhou D, Bloodworth S, Pahor M, Licht J. Cancer and aging: A call to action. AGING AND CANCER 2022; 3:87-94. [PMID: 36188489 PMCID: PMC9521708 DOI: 10.1002/aac2.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background The intersection of cancer and aging is an emerging public health challenge in developed countries because of the aging and expansion of the population. Aims We convened a panel of experts to share their insights on this topic at the inaugural University of Florida Health Cancer Center's (UFHCC's) Cancer and Aging Symposium, which was held virtually in February 2022. Methods We featured presentations from four leading scientists, whose research spans multiple disciplines including basic science, translational research, geriatric oncology, and population science. Results Each speaker offered their unique perspective and insight on the intersection between cancer and aging and discussed their current and ongoing research in this field. In addition to this panel of experts, scientists from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, as well as a UFHCC-affiliated citizen scientist, shared their perspectives on strategies to move the field forward. Some of the key open questions and opportunities for future research offered by these presenters in aging and cancer include but are not limited to infusing health disparities research into the field of cancer and aging, assessing the value of geriatric assessment in identifying early vulnerabilities that may affect response to emerging cancer therapies in older patients, and assessing biological age and other biomarkers (e.g., clonal hematopoiesis) in relation to clinical endpoints and the development of primary, secondary, and tertiary cancer prevention interventions. Conclusion Research is needed to accelerate knowledge regarding the dynamic interplay of cancer and aging and optimize care in diverse older adults to achieve equity in cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejana Braithwaite
- Departments of Surgery and Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen Anton
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Supriya Mohile
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - James DeGregori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nancy Gillis
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Shirley Bloodworth
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Marco Pahor
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan Licht
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Shen C, Holguin RAP, Schaefer E, Zhou S, Belani CP, Ma PC, Reed MF. Utilization and costs of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation testing and targeted therapy in Medicare patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:470. [PMID: 35397521 PMCID: PMC8994894 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Guidelines in 2013 and 2014 recommended Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) testing for metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients as the efficacy of targeted therapies depends on the mutations. However, adherence to these guidelines and the corresponding costs have not been well-studied. Methods We identified 2362 patients at least 65 years old newly diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma from January 2013 to December 2015 using the SEER-Medicare database. We examined the utilization patterns of EGFR testing and targeted therapies including erlotinib and afatinib. We further examined the costs of both EGFR testing and targeted therapy in terms of Medicare costs and patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Results The EGFR testing rate increased from 38% in 2013 to 51% and 49% in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The testing rate was 54% among the 394 patients who received erlotinib, and 52% among the 42 patients who received afatinib. The median Medicare and OOP costs for testing were $1483 and $293. In contrast, the costs for targeted therapy were substantially higher with median 30-day costs at $6114 and $240 for erlotinib and $6239 and $471 for afatinib. Conclusion This population-based study suggests that testing guidelines improved the use of EGFR testing, although there was still a large proportion of patients receiving targeted therapy without testing. The costs of targeted therapy were substantially higher than the testing costs, highlighting the need to improve adherence to testing guidelines in order to improve clinical outcomes while reducing the economic burden for both Medicare and patients.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07857-y.
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Accrual and Retention of Diverse Patients in Psychosocial Cancer Clinical Trials. J Clin Transl Sci 2022; 6:e45. [PMID: 35651964 PMCID: PMC9108002 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Minority and older adult patients remain underrepresented in cancer clinical trials (CCTs). The current study sought to examine sociodemographic inequities in CCT interest, eligibility, enrollment, decline motivation, and attrition across two psychosocial CCTs for gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and thoracic cancers. Methods: Patients were approached for recruitment to one of two interventions: (1) a randomized control trial (RCT) examining effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting sleep, pain, mood, cytokines, and cortisol following surgery, or (2) a yoga intervention to determine its feasibility, acceptability, and effects on mitigating distress. Prospective RCT participants were queried about interest and screened for eligibility. All eligible patients across trials were offered enrollment. Patients who declined yoga intervention enrollment provided reasons for decline. Sociodemographic predictors of enrollment decisions and attrition were explored. Results: No sociodemographic differences in RCT interest were observed, and older patients were more likely to be ineligible. Eligible Hispanic patients across trials were significantly more likely to enroll than non-Hispanic patients. Sociodemographic factors predicted differences in decline motivation. In one trial, individuals originating from more urban areas were more likely to prematurely discontinue participation. Discussion: These results corroborate evidence of no significant differences in CCT interest across minority groups, with older adults less likely to fulfill eligibility criteria. While absolute Hispanic enrollment was modest, Hispanic patients were more likely to enroll relative to non-Hispanic patients. Additional sociodemographic trends were noted in decline motivation and geographical prediction of attrition. Further investigation is necessary to better understand inequities, barriers, and best recruitment practices for representative CCTs.
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Abbas A, Diaz A, Obeng-Gyasi S, Cloyd JM, Ejaz A, Stewart JH, Pawlik TM. Disparity in Clinical Trial Participation Among Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer. J Am Coll Surg 2022; 234:589-598. [PMID: 35290279 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial participation among cancer patients remains low. We sought to examine the impact of patient- and system-level factors on clinical trial participation among gastrointestinal (GI) surgical patients. STUDY DESIGN Adult patients with a GI cancer who underwent oncologic surgery who were enrolled in National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded clinical trials from 2000 through 2019 were compared with trial-eligible adult patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2004 and 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with clinical trial participation. RESULTS Participants from 36 NCI-funded clinical trials (n = 10,518) were compared with 2,255,730 trial-eligible nonparticipants from the NCDB. Patients aged 65 years or younger (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, 95% CI 0.47-0.53), Medicare (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.43-0.49) or Medicaid (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.46-0.58) insurance, as well as lower levels of education (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.89) were associated with a lower likelihood of clinical trial enrollment. Black (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.67-0.78) and Asian/Pacific Islander (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.85-1.08) patients were less likely to participate in trials vs White patients. There were interactions between race/ethnicity and income; high-income (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.55-0.81) and low-income Black (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.66-0.87) patients were less likely, respectively, to participate than high- or low-income White individuals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Clinical trial participation is low among adult GI cancer patients who undergo surgery in the US. Programs aimed at improving trial participation among vulnerable populations are needed to improve trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alizeh Abbas
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH (Abbas, Diaz, Obeng-Gyasi, Cloyd, Ejaz, Pawlik)
| | - Adrian Diaz
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH (Abbas, Diaz, Obeng-Gyasi, Cloyd, Ejaz, Pawlik)
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Diaz)
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH (Abbas, Diaz, Obeng-Gyasi, Cloyd, Ejaz, Pawlik)
| | - Jordan M Cloyd
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH (Abbas, Diaz, Obeng-Gyasi, Cloyd, Ejaz, Pawlik)
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH (Abbas, Diaz, Obeng-Gyasi, Cloyd, Ejaz, Pawlik)
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA (Stewart)
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH (Abbas, Diaz, Obeng-Gyasi, Cloyd, Ejaz, Pawlik)
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Parks R, Cheung KL. Challenges in Geriatric Oncology-A Surgeon's Perspective. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:659-674. [PMID: 35200558 PMCID: PMC8870873 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29020058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As our global population ages, we will see more cancer diagnoses in older adults. Surgery is an important treatment modality for solid tumours, forming the majority of all cancers. However, the management of older adults with cancer can be more complex compared to their younger counterparts. This narrative review will outline the current challenges facing older adults with cancer and potential solutions. The challenges facing older adults with cancer are complex and include lack of high-level clinical trials targeting older adults and selection of the right patient for surgery. This may be standard surgical treatment, minimally invasive surgery or alternative therapies (no surgery) which can be local or systemic. The next challenge is to identify the individual patient's vulnerabilities to allow them to be maximally optimised for treatment. Prehabilitation has been shown to be of benefit in some cancer settings but uniform guidance across all surgical specialties is required. Greater awareness of geriatric conditions amongst surgical oncologists and integration of geriatric assessment into a surgical clinic are potential solutions. Enhanced recovery programmes tailored to older adults could reduce postoperative functional decline. Ultimately, the greatest challenge an older adult with cancer may face is the mindset of their treating clinicians-a shared care approach between surgical oncologists and geriatricians is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Parks
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Kwok-Leung Cheung
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Uttoxeter Road, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
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Bayard S, Fasano G, Gillot T, Bratton B, Ibala R, Taylor Fortson K, Newman L. Breast Cancer Disparities and the Digital Divide. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022; 14:205-212. [PMID: 36467667 PMCID: PMC9703401 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00468-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and minority groups suffer from high breast cancer mortality, a disparity caused by decreased access to specialty care, lower treatment adherence, co-morbidities, and genetic predisposition for biologically aggressive breast tumor subtypes. Telehealth has the potential to mitigate breast cancer disparities by increasing access to specialty care and health information. However, unequal access to high-speed/broadband internet service and telehealth itself magnifies breast cancer disparities in vulnerable populations. This review evaluates the impact of the digital divide on breast cancer outcomes, as well as strategies for leveraging telehealth to reduce breast cancer disparities. Recent Findings There is a paucity of research specific to employing telehealth to address breast cancer disparities. Previous studies provide examples of telehealth utilization for increasing screening mammography, in addition to improving access to breast cancer care, including breast cancer specialist, nurse navigators, and clinical trials. Telehealth can also be used as an approach to risk reduction, with strategies to support weight management and genetic testing. Summary Eliminating the digital divide holds enormous potential for mitigating breast cancer disparities through an intentional focus on improving access to telehealth. With increased accessibility, resource allocation, and improved digital infrastructure, telehealth can be used to address disparities in early detection, quality of breast cancer care, treatment adherence, and risk assessment. Further research is essential to elucidate best practices in breast cancer telehealth approaches in underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Bayard
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Genevieve Fasano
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Tamika Gillot
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Brenden Bratton
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Reine Ibala
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Katherine Taylor Fortson
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
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VanderWalde NA, Dockter T, Wakefield DV, Satele D, Sloan J, Jagsi R, Lichtman SM, Freedman RA, Lafky JM, Muss H, Cohen HJ, Le-Rademacher J, Jatoi A. Disparities in older adult accrual to cancer trials: Analysis from the alliance for clinical trials in oncology (A151736). J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:20-26. [PMID: 34364834 PMCID: PMC8688206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults are under-represented in cancer clinical trials. However, it remains unclear which types of trials under-enroll aging patients. We aimed to identify associations between trial characteristics and disparate enrollment of older adults onto trials sponsored by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (Alliance). METHODS Actual age ≥ 65 percentage and trial data were extracted from the Alliance closed study list. Each trial, based on its cancer type and years of enrollment, was assigned an expected age ≥ 65 percentage extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) US population-based database. Enrollment disparity difference (EDD), the difference between the expected age ≥ 65 percentage and the actual age ≥ 65 percentage, was calculated for each trial. Linear regression determined trial variables associated with larger EDDs and variables with an overall association p-value <0.20 were included in a multivariable fixed-effects linear model. RESULTS The median age of 66,708 patients across 237 trials was 60 years (range 18-102). The average actual age ≥ 65 percentage enrolled per trial was lower than each trial's expected age ≥ 65 percentage average (39% vs. 58%; EDD 19, 95% CI 17.1-21.3%, p < 0.0001). In multivariable analyses, non-genitourinary (GU) cancer types (p < 0.001), trimodality+ trials (estimate 8.78, 95%CI 2.21-15.34, p = 0.009), and phase 2 trials (estimate 4.43 95% CI -0.06-8.91; p = 0.05) were all associated with larger EDDs. CONCLUSIONS Disparate enrollment of older adults is not equal across cancer trials. Future strategies to improve older adult inclusion should focus on trial types associated with the highest disparate enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam A VanderWalde
- West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Memphis, TN, United States of America.
| | - Travis Dockter
- Alliance Statistics and Data Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Daniel V Wakefield
- West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Memphis, TN, United States of America
| | - Daniel Satele
- Alliance Statistics and Data Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Jeff Sloan
- Alliance Statistics and Data Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Stuart M Lichtman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Jacqueline M Lafky
- Alliance Statistics and Data Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Hyman Muss
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Harvey Jay Cohen
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Le-Rademacher
- Alliance Statistics and Data Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Aminah Jatoi
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
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Fletcher SA, Bivalacqua TJ, Brawley OW, Kates M. Race, ethnicity, and gender reporting in North American clinical trials for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Urol Oncol 2021; 40:195.e13-195.e18. [PMID: 34949513 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993 established guidelines for the inclusion of racial/ethnic minorities and women in clinical research. However, the reporting rate of such patient demographic data in clinical trials for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is not well characterized. METHODS We identified published clinical trials of all phases (I -III) for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer conducted in the US and/or Canada. We calculated the proportion of studies reporting patient gender and race/ethnicity, tabulating these data when present. We compared reported trial participant race, ethnicity and gender with the number of new bladder cancer cases and deaths using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) U.S. Cancer Statistics data from 2013 -2017. RESULTS We identified 27 trials published from 1998 -2021 enrolling a total of 1673 patients. While all trials included data on patient gender (22% women overall), only 40.7% included any data on patient race/ethnicity. Among those that did, trial participants were reported as white (94%), Black (2.1%), Hispanic (0.6%), Asian (0.9%), and Other (2.3%). Racial/ethnic minorities were underrepresented in clinical trials relative to their proportion of new bladder cancer cases and deaths. CONCLUSION Most clinical trials that have been conducted for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer do not report data on patient race or ethnicity despite NIH guidelines advocating for inclusion of such data. Racial/ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in these trials relative to the burden of bladder cancer prevalence and mortality faced by these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Fletcher
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
| | | | - Otis W Brawley
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Max Kates
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Herremans KM, Riner AN, Winn RA, Trevino JG. Diversity and Inclusion in Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1741-1746.e3. [PMID: 34416276 PMCID: PMC8840813 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.06.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Herremans
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Gainesville, FL
| | - Andrea N. Riner
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Gainesville, FL
| | - Robert A. Winn
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Jose G. Trevino
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA,Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Surgery, Richmond, VA
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Torres MB, Dixon MEB, Gusani NJ. Undertreatment of Pancreatic Cancer: The Intersection of Bias, Biology, and Geography. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2021; 31:43-54. [PMID: 34776063 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Black patients with pancreatic cancer experience higher incidence and increased mortality. Although racial biologic differences exist, socioeconomic status, insurance type, physician bias, and patient beliefs contribute to the disparities in outcomes observed among patients who are Black, indigenous, and people of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline B Torres
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Avenue MC H149, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. https://twitter.com/MadelineBTorres
| | - Matthew E B Dixon
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Avenue MC H070, Hershey, PA 17036, USA. https://twitter.com/mebdixon
| | - Niraj J Gusani
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1301 Palm Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA.
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Stewart BA, Stewart JH. Disparities in Clinical Trial Participation: Multilevel Opportunities for Improvement. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2021; 31:55-64. [PMID: 34776064 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Current data demonstrate ongoing inequities in surgical oncology clinical trials and understanding these disparities is vital to creating a more just and equitable health care system. Analysis of participatory patterns in cooperative group surgical oncology trials demonstrates complex relationships between race, socioeconomic status, and participation in these trials at the patient level. Further analysis reveals that provider-level implicit bias plays a significant role in access to clinical trials by minority populations. Holistic approaches to addressing disparities in clinical trial participation include creating a more robust pipeline of minority surgeon-scientists, engaging in partnerships with community advocates, and promoting public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A Stewart
- Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Louisiana State University, New Orleans School of Medicine; Louisiana State University New Orleans- Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Racial and ethnic enrollment disparities and demographic reporting requirements in acute leukemia clinical trials. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4352-4360. [PMID: 34473244 PMCID: PMC8579250 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Public demographic reporting for acute leukemia trials is inadequate, and NH-White subjects are more likely to be enrolled. Larger racial-ethnic enrollment disparities were documented after federal reporting requirements, which may be from more data transparency.
Data regarding racial and ethnic enrollment diversity for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) clinical trials in the United States are limited, and little is known about the effect of federal reporting requirements instituted in the late 2000s. We examined demographic data reporting and enrollment diversity for ALL and AML trials in the United States from 2002 to 2017, as well as changes in reporting and diversity after reporting requirements were instituted. Of 223 AML trials and 97 ALL trials with results on ClinicalTrials.gov, 68 (30.5%) and 51 (52.6%) reported enrollment by both race and ethnicity. Among trials that reported race and ethnicity (AML, n = 6554; ALL, n = 4149), non-Hispanic (NH)-Black, NH-Native American, NH-Asian, and Hispanic patients had significantly lower enrollment compared with NH-White patients after adjusting for race-ethnic disease incidence (AML odds ratio, 0.68, 0.31, 0.75, and 0.83, respectively; ALL odds ratio, 0.74, 0.27, 0.67, and 0.64; all, P ≤ .01). The proportion of trials reporting race increased significantly after implementation of the reporting requirements (44.2% to 60.2%; P = .02), but race-ethnicity reporting did not (34.8% to 38.6%; P = .57). Reporting proportions according to number of patients enrolled increased significantly after the reporting requirements were instituted (race, 51.7% to 72.7%; race-ethnicity, 39.5% to 45.4%; both, P < .001), and relative enrollment of NH-Black and Hispanic patients decreased (AML odds ratio, 0.79 and 0.77; ALL odds ratio, 0.35 and 0.25; both P ≤ .01). These data suggest that demographic enrollment reporting for acute leukemia trials is suboptimal, changes in diversity after the reporting requirements may be due to additional enrollment disparities that were previously unreported, and enrollment diversification strategies specific to acute leukemia care delivery are needed.
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Bero EH, Rein LE, Banerjee A, Straza MW, Lawton CAF, Schultz CJ, Erickson BA, Siker ML, Hall WA. Characterization of Underrepresented Populations in Modern Era Clinical Trials Involving Radiation Therapy. Pract Radiat Oncol 2021; 11:453-459. [PMID: 34742459 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The demographic composition of modern radiation therapy (RT) clinical trials is incompletely studied. Understanding and minimizing disparities in clinical trials is critical to ensure health equity and the generalizability of research findings. METHODS AND MATERIALS Clinicaltrials.gov was searched to identify RT clinical trials that occurred from 1996 to 2019. A total of 1242 trials were reviewed for patient characteristics. The demographic composition of the studies was summarized by the frequency and percentage of patients by race, gender, and ethnicity. The racial composition of the study population was compared with the 2018 US Census using a 1-sample χ2 test. Subgroup racial composition was compared using χ2 tests of independence. Analyses used a complete case approach. RESULTS A total of 122 trials met the inclusion criteria, and 121 of these (99.1%) reported race. Trial subgroups included 63 trials in the United States (51.6%), 9 proton therapy trials (7.4%), 34 RT toxicity mitigation or prevention trials (27.9%), 24 trials for female cancer (19.7%), and 17 trials for male cancer (13.9%). US clinical trials overall, US RT toxicity mitigation or prevention trials, US trials for female cancer, and US trials for male cancer had significantly different racial compositions compared with the 2018 US Census data (P < .001 for all). Compared with all clinical trials, those for proton therapy had the largest magnitude of significantly lower enrollment of participants who identified their race as Black, Asian, or other (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This study characterized the racial composition of prospective RT clinical trials in a modern cohort. The racial population represented across multiple categories in the United States differed significantly from US census data and was most pronounced in trials evaluating proton therapy. This is a benchmark study for future efforts to characterize and balance the participation of underrepresented populations in RT clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Beth A Erickson
- Departments of Radiation Oncology; Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | | | - William A Hall
- Departments of Radiation Oncology; Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
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Kahn JM, Gray DM, Oliveri JM, Washington CM, DeGraffinreid CR, Paskett ED. Strategies to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical trials. Cancer 2021; 128:216-221. [PMID: 34495551 PMCID: PMC9293140 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in cancer care, particularly with respect to equal access and accrual to clinical trials. This commentary describe steps taken to address disparities in the authors' own clinical practice and proposes actions at the patient, provider, community, and institution levels to improve DEI in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Darrell M Gray
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jill M Oliveri
- Department of Population Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Chasity M Washington
- Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Cecilia R DeGraffinreid
- Department of Population Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Electra D Paskett
- Department of Population Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio.,Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
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Lee E, Wen P. Gender and sex disparity in cancer trials. ESMO Open 2021; 5:e000773. [PMID: 32816862 PMCID: PMC7440710 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The study population within phase III clinical trials leading to approval of new cancer agents should ideally more closely mirror the population who will ultimately receive these agents. Although the number of females participating in clinical trials has increased over the past several decades, females are still under-represented in preclinical studies, in early phase clinical trials and even in some later phase cancer clinical trials. In the USA, this is particularly true for women from minority populations and elderly women. In this review, we review gender and sex disparities in cancer trials, the reasons for these disparities, the barriers to clinical trial enrolment and ways to improve diversity in cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eudocia Lee
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Patrick Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Puthenpura V, Canavan ME, Poynter JN, Roth M, Pashankar FD, Jones BA, Marks AM. Racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic survival disparities in adolescents and young adults with primary central nervous system tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28970. [PMID: 33704901 PMCID: PMC8221084 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in survival by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and geography in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors have not been well studied. PROCEDURE A retrospective cohort study utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was conducted for AYA patients diagnosed with primary CNS tumors. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity, SES, rurality, and hazard of death. RESULTS All minority groups showed an increased hazard of death with greatest disparities in the high-grade glioma cohort. Lower SES was associated with an increased hazard of death in non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients (aHR 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.24), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients (aHR 1.34; 95% CI 1.00-1.80), and patients aged 25-29 years (aHR 1.29; 95% CI 1.07-1.55). Mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of SES on the effect of race/ethnicity on the hazard of death only among NHB patients, with SES accounting for 33.7% of the association between NHB and hazard of death. Rurality was associated with an increased hazard of death for patients in the lowest SES tertile (aHR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08-1.59) and NHW patients (aHR 1.20; 95% CI 1.08-1.34). CONCLUSIONS Patients identified as a racial/ethnic minority, patients with a lower SES, and patients residing in rural areas had an increased hazard of death. Further studies are needed to understand and address the biological, psychosocial, societal, and economic factors that impact AYA neuro-oncology patients at highest risk of experiencing poorer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Puthenpura
- Section of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Maureen E Canavan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Outcomes and Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jenny N Poynter
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael Roth
- Department of Pediatrics Patient Care, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Farzana D Pashankar
- Section of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Beth A Jones
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Asher M Marks
- Section of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Asare EA, Swami U, Stewart JH. Landmark Series on Disparities in Surgical Oncology: Melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:6986-6993. [PMID: 34191178 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the lifetime risk of melanoma is disproportionately higher in whites, blacks have a poorer overall survival with an absolute survival difference of 25%. Significant progress has been made in melanoma treatment in the past decade; however, these successes may not be available or accessible to all segments of the population. METHODS In this review, we highlight important studies in melanoma as well as informative retrospective studies from databases and nonmelanoma cancers where appropriate. RESULTS There are no level I evidence-based studies on disparities in melanoma, and most likely there will never be, but the studies presented herein and clinical experience demonstrate that disparities in clinical outcomes from melanoma exists. CONCLUSIONS By becoming aware of the disparities, we can help mitigate them by engagement, education, and corrective and empowering actions through awareness campaigns, appropriate clinical trial design, encouraging participation in clinical trials, increasing the diversity of providers, and advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot A Asare
- Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare Center, Murray, UT, USA
| | - Umang Swami
- Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Johnston FM, Yeo HL, Clark C, Stewart JH. Bias Issues in Colorectal Cancer Management: A Review. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 29:2166-2173. [PMID: 34142287 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Based on census data, over one-third of the US population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. This group of racial and ethnic minorities is more likely to develop cancer and die from it when compared with the general population of the USA. These disparities are most pronounced in the African American community. Despite overall CRC rates decreasing nationally and within certain racial and ethnic minorities in the USA, there continue to be disparities in incidence and mortality when compared with non-Hispanic Whites. The disparities in CRC incidence and mortality are related to systematic racism and bias inherent in healthcare systems and society. Disparities in CRC management will continue to exist until specific interventions are implemented in the context of each racial and ethnic group. This review's primary aim is to highlight the disparities in CRC among African Americans in the USA. For surgeons, understanding these disparities is formative to creating change and improving the quality of care, centering equity for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian M Johnston
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Heather L Yeo
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Callisia Clark
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Surgery, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Brock H, Friedrich M, Sender A, Richter D, Geue K, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Leuteritz K. Work ability and cognitive impairments in young adult cancer patients: associated factors and changes over time-results from the AYA-Leipzig study. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:771-780. [PMID: 34118000 PMCID: PMC9300567 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although young adults represent a significant portion of the working population, little is known about the work ability and cognitive impairments in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients (including the long-term course) following cancer treatment. METHODS As part of the AYA-Leipzig study, we surveyed AYA cancer survivors (aged 18-39 years at diagnosis; time since diagnosis ≤ 4 years, including all cancer diagnoses) at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1). Work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI-r) and cognitive impairments (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, COPSOQ) were compared at both time points. We analysed predictors for work ability at, on average, 2 years post cancer diagnosis (t2) by using multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS A total of 502 patients (74.7% women) participated in both measurements. Mean work ability increased significantly from t1 (6.0; SD = 2.3) to t2 (6.8; SD = 2.2) (t = -9.3; p < 0.001). As many as 380 (76%) AYA cancer survivors reported reduced work ability at t1; 1 year later, this still applied to 287 (57%) of them. Decreased work ability (t2) was associated with more cognitive impairment, higher effort coping with the disease, comorbidities, sick leave > 6 months (since diagnosis), and having children (adj R2 = .48). Cognitive impairments occurred in approximately every fifth patient at both surveys. CONCLUSIONS Achieving maximum work ability is a major challenge for AYAs. Our results show the need for multimodal cancer survivorship and rehabilitation programmes with a special focus on improving cognitive and psychosocial functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS AYAs with cancer should receive targeted occupational counselling early in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Brock
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Michael Friedrich
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Sender
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Diana Richter
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristina Geue
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Leuteritz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Baiu I, Titan AL, Martin LW, Wolf A, Backhus L. The role of gender in non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:3816-3826. [PMID: 34277072 PMCID: PMC8264700 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-20-3128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The role of gender in the development, treatment and prognosis of thoracic malignancies has been underappreciated and understudied. While most research has been grounded in tobacco-related malignancies, the incidence of non-smoking related lung cancer is on the rise and disproportionately affecting women. Recent research studies have unveiled critical differences between men and women with regard to risk factors, timeliness of diagnosis, incongruent screening practices, molecular and genetic mechanisms, as well as response to treatment and survival. These studies also highlight the increasingly recognized need for targeted therapies that account for variations in the response and complications as a function of gender. Similarly, screening recommendations continue to evolve as the role of gender is starting to be ellucidated. As women have been underrepresented in clinical trials until recently, the data regarding optimal care and outcomes is still lagging behind. Understanding the underlying similarities and differences between men and women is paramount to providing adequate care and prognostication to patients of either gender. This review provides an overview of the critical role that gender plays in the care of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, with an emphasis on the need for increased awareness and further research to continue elucidating these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Baiu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ashley L Titan
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Linda W Martin
- Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrea Wolf
- Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leah Backhus
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
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Meyer S, Woldu HG, Sheets LR. Sociodemographic diversity in cancer clinical trials: New findings on the effect of race and ethnicity. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 21:100718. [PMID: 33604484 PMCID: PMC7872971 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer clinical trials (CCT) offer significant potential benefit, not only for future patients but also for enrolled participants, yet a very small minority of cancer patients participate, resulting in low levels of enrollment that have stalled clinical trials dramatically. Though many have endeavored to study this phenomenon, relatively little research has explored the demographic factors which may affect CCT enrollment. Understanding patient demographics is critical to optimizing enrollment, evaluating generalizability, and ensuring equity of CCT. METHODS To better understand the effect of social determinants of health on CCT enrollment, the authors constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to analyze data collected in the last ten years in the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey, an annual national survey conducted among the non-institutionalized adult population of the U.S. RESULTS In multivariable regression analysis, enrollment varied significantly with sociodemographic factors. Individuals of higher income, Hispanic ethnicity, and younger age were most likely to participate in CCTs. Enrollment did not vary significantly by educational attainment. CONCLUSION Our multivariable analysis indicated people of color are more likely to participate in CCT, perhaps demonstrating that structural barriers shape participation more than race alone. Efforts to improve CCT enrollment may benefit from a shift in focus towards access to care by alleviating structural and financial barriers to enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Meyer
- University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Henok G. Woldu
- Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lincoln R. Sheets
- Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Schneider P, Giglio V, Ghanem D, Wilson D, Turcotte R, Isler M, Mottard S, Miller B, Hayden J, Doung YC, Gundle K, Randall RL, Jones K, Vélez R, Ghert M. Willingness of patients with sarcoma to participate in cancer surveillance research: a cross-sectional patient survey. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042742. [PMID: 33637543 PMCID: PMC7919570 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the proportion of patients with extremity sarcoma who would be willing to participate in a clinical trial in which they would be randomised to one of four different postoperative sarcoma surveillance regimens. Additionally, we assessed patients' perspectives on the burden of cancer care, factors that influence comfort with randomisation and the importance of cancer research. DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional patient survey. SETTING Outpatient sarcoma clinics in Canada, the USA and Spain between May 2017 and April 2020. Survey data were entered into a study-specific database. PARTICIPANTS Patients with extremity sarcoma who had completed definitive treatment from seven clinics across Canada, the USA and Spain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The proportion of patients with extremity sarcoma who would be willing to participate in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that evaluates varying postoperative cancer surveillance regimens. RESULTS One hundred thirty complete surveys were obtained. Respondents reported a wide range of burdens related to clinical care and surveillance. The majority of patients (85.5%) responded that they would agree to participate in a cancer surveillance RCT if eligible. The most common reason to participate was that they wanted to help future patients. Those that would decline to participate most commonly reported that participating in research would be too much of a burden for them at a time when they are already feeling overwhelmed. However, most patients agreed that cancer research will help doctors better understand and treat cancer. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that most participants would be willing to participate in an RCT that evaluates varying postoperative cancer surveillance regimens. Participants' motivation for trial participation included altruistic reasons to help future patients and deterrents to trial participation included the overwhelming burden of a cancer diagnosis. These results will help inform the development of patient-centred RCT protocols in sarcoma surveillance research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Giglio
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dana Ghanem
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Wilson
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Turcotte
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Isler
- Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, University of Montreal, Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sophie Mottard
- Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, University of Montreal, Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benjamin Miller
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - James Hayden
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yee-Cheen Doung
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kenneth Gundle
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - R Lor Randall
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kevin Jones
- Department of Orthopaedics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Roberto Vélez
- Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michelle Ghert
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Kripalani S, Goggins K, Couey C, Yeh VM, Donato KM, Schnelle JF, Wallston KA. Disparities in Research Participation by Level of Health Literacy. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:314-321. [PMID: 33549253 PMCID: PMC7874435 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine at which phase in the recruitment process for participation in clinical research studies do health literacy and other patient characteristics influence recruitment outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a sample of 5872 patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease approached for participation in the Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study from October 2011 through December 2015, we examined the independent association of patients' health literacy with two steps in their research participation decision-making process: (1) research interest - willingness to hear more about a research study; and (2) research participation - the decision to enroll after an informed consent discussion. Best practices for effective health communication were implemented in recruitment approaches and informed consent processes. Using logistic regression models, we determined patient characteristics independently associated with patients' willingness to hear about and participate in the study. RESULTS In unadjusted analyses, participants with higher health literacy, and those who were younger, female, or had more education had higher levels of both research interest and research participation. Health literacy remained independently associated with both outcomes in multivariable models, after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSION Because identical variables predicted both research interest and eventual consent, efforts to recruit broad populations must include acceptable methods of approaching potential participants as well as explaining study materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kripalani
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
| | - Kathryn Goggins
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Center for Effective Health Communication, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Catherine Couey
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Center for Effective Health Communication, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Vivian M Yeh
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - John F Schnelle
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kenneth A Wallston
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Tsilimigras DI, Hyer JM, Diaz A, Moris D, Abbas A, Dillhoff M, Cloyd JM, Ejaz A, Beane JD, Tsung A, Pawlik TM. Impact of cancer center accreditation on outcomes of patients undergoing resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A SEER-Medicare analysis. Am J Surg 2021; 222:570-576. [PMID: 33485619 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.01.015] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assess variations in outcomes among patients undergoing resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at centers with varied accreditation status. METHODS Patients undergoing resection for HCC from 2004 to 2016 were identified from the linked SEER-Medicare database. Short- and long-term outcomes as well as expenditures associated with receipt of surgery were examined based on cancer center accreditation. RESULTS Among 1390 patients, 46.1% (n = 641) were treated at unaccredited centers, 39.3% (n = 546) at CoC-accredited and 14.6% (n = 203) at NCI-designated centers. Patients undergoing resection of HCC at NCI-designated hospitals had lower odds of complications (OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.45-0.98) and 90-day mortality (OR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.11-0.85) after major liver resection compared with individuals treated at CoC-accredited centers. Receipt of surgery at NCI-designated hospitals (ref: CoC-accredited; HR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.66-0.99) was an independent predictor of improved survival. Medicare payments for liver resection were comparable at different accreditation status centers (NCI: $21,760 vs CoC: $24,059 vs unaccredited: $24,724, p = 0.18). CONCLUSION Patients undergoing resection of HCC at NCI-designated hospitals had improved outcomes for the same level of Medicare expenditure compared with patients treated at CoC-accredited centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Madison Hyer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Adrian Diaz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dimitrios Moris
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alizeh Abbas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jordan M Cloyd
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joal D Beane
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Coquet J, Bievre N, Billaut V, Seneviratne M, Magnani CJ, Bozkurt S, Brooks JD, Hernandez-Boussard T. Assessment of a Clinical Trial-Derived Survival Model in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2031730. [PMID: 33481032 PMCID: PMC7823224 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.31730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered the criterion standard for clinical evidence. Despite their many benefits, RCTs have limitations, such as costliness, that may reduce the generalizability of their findings among diverse populations and routine care settings. OBJECTIVE To assess the performance of an RCT-derived prognostic model that predicts survival among patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) when the model is applied to real-world data from electronic health records (EHRs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The RCT-trained model and patient data from the RCTs were obtained from the Dialogue for Reverse Engineering Assessments and Methods (DREAM) challenge for prostate cancer, which occurred from March 16 to July 27, 2015. This challenge included 4 phase 3 clinical trials of patients with metastatic CRPC. Real-world data were obtained from the EHRs of a tertiary care academic medical center that includes a comprehensive cancer center. In this study, the DREAM challenge RCT-trained model was applied to real-world data from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2019; the model was then retrained using EHR data with optimized feature selection. Patients with metastatic CRPC were divided into RCT and EHR cohorts based on data source. Data were analyzed from March 23, 2018, to October 22, 2020. EXPOSURES Patients who received treatment for metastatic CRPC. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the performance of an RCT-derived prognostic model that predicts survival among patients with metastatic CRPC when the model is applied to real-world data. Model performance was compared using 10-fold cross-validation according to time-dependent integrated area under the curve (iAUC) statistics. RESULTS Among 2113 participants with metastatic CRPC, 1600 participants were included in the RCT cohort, and 513 participants were included in the EHR cohort. The RCT cohort comprised a larger proportion of White participants (1390 patients [86.9%] vs 337 patients [65.7%]) and a smaller proportion of Hispanic participants (14 patients [0.9%] vs 42 patients [8.2%]), Asian participants (41 patients [2.6%] vs 88 patients [17.2%]), and participants older than 75 years (388 patients [24.3%] vs 191 patients [37.2%]) compared with the EHR cohort. Participants in the RCT cohort also had fewer comorbidities (mean [SD], 1.6 [1.8] comorbidities vs 2.5 [2.6] comorbidities, respectively) compared with those in the EHR cohort. Of the 101 variables used in the RCT-derived model, 10 were not available in the EHR data set, 3 of which were among the top 10 features in the DREAM challenge RCT model. The best-performing EHR-trained model included only 25 of the 101 variables included in the RCT-trained model. The performance of the RCT-trained and EHR-trained models was adequate in the EHR cohort (mean [SD] iAUC, 0.722 [0.118] and 0.762 [0.106], respectively); model optimization was associated with improved performance of the best-performing EHR model (mean [SD] iAUC, 0.792 [0.097]). The EHR-trained model classified 256 patients as having a high risk of mortality and 256 patients as having a low risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.0-3.7; log-rank P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, although the RCT-trained models did not perform well when applied to real-world EHR data, retraining the models using real-world EHR data and optimizing variable selection was beneficial for model performance. As clinical evidence evolves to include more real-world data, both industry and academia will likely search for ways to balance model optimization with generalizability. This study provides a pragmatic approach to applying RCT-trained models to real-world data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Coquet
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Nicolas Bievre
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Vincent Billaut
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Martin Seneviratne
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Selen Bozkurt
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - James D. Brooks
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Tina Hernandez-Boussard
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Sedrak MS, Freedman RA, Cohen HJ, Muss HB, Jatoi A, Klepin HD, Wildes TM, Le-Rademacher JG, Kimmick GG, Tew WP, George K, Padam S, Liu J, Wong AR, Lynch A, Djulbegovic B, Mohile SG, Dale W. Older adult participation in cancer clinical trials: A systematic review of barriers and interventions. CA Cancer J Clin 2021; 71:78-92. [PMID: 33002206 PMCID: PMC7854940 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of aging and, as the world's population ages, the number of older persons with cancer is increasing and will make up a growing share of the oncology population in virtually every country. Despite this, older patients remain vastly underrepresented in research that sets the standards for cancer treatments. Consequently, most of what we know about cancer therapeutics is based on clinical trials conducted in younger, healthier patients, and effective strategies to improve clinical trial participation of older adults with cancer remain sparse. For this systematic review, the authors evaluated published studies regarding barriers to participation and interventions to improve participation of older adults in cancer trials. The quality of the available evidence was low and, despite a literature describing multifaceted barriers, only one intervention study aimed to increase enrollment of older adults in trials. The findings starkly amplify the paucity of evidence-based, effective strategies to improve participation of this underrepresented population in cancer trials. Within these limitations, the authors provide their opinion on how the current cancer research infrastructure must be modified to accommodate the needs of older patients. Several underused solutions are offered to expand clinical trials to include older adults with cancer. However, as currently constructed, these recommendations alone will not solve the evidence gap in geriatric oncology, and efforts are needed to meet older and frail adults where they are by expanding clinical trials designed specifically for this population and leveraging real-world data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hyman B. Muss
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Tanya M. Wildes
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | - William P. Tew
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin George
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Simran Padam
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Liu
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Lynch
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | | | - William Dale
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Collier ARY, Ledyard R, Montoya-Williams D, Qiu M, Dereix AE, Farrokhi MR, Hacker MR, Burris HH. Racial and ethnic representation in epigenomic studies of preterm birth: a systematic review. Epigenomics 2020; 13:1735-1746. [PMID: 33264049 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We conducted a systematic review evaluating race/ethnicity representation in DNA methylomic studies of preterm birth. Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, Scopus and relevant citations from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2019. Study appraisal & synthesis methods: Two authors independently identified abstracts comparing DNA methylomic differences between term and preterm births that included race/ethnicity data. Results: 16 studies were included. Black and non-Hispanic Black deliveries were well represented (28%). However, large studies originating from more than 95% White populations were excluded due to unreported race/ethnicity data. Most studies were cross-sectional, allowing for reverse causation. Most studies were also racially/ethnically homogeneous, preventing direct comparison of DNA methylomic differences across race/ethnicities. Conclusion: In DNA methylomic studies, Black women and infants were well represented. However, the literature has limitations and precludes drawing definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ris Y Collier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachel Ledyard
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Diana Montoya-Williams
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maylene Qiu
- Biomedical Library, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra E Dereix
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Minou Raschid Farrokhi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Colby College, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Michele R Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Heather H Burris
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Cardiovascular Screening and Lipid Management in Breast Cancer Survivors. J Am Board Fam Med 2020; 33:894-902. [PMID: 33219068 PMCID: PMC8637931 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2020.06.190459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among breast cancer (BC) survivors. BC survivors are at increased risk of CVD due to a higher prevalence of risk factors. Current data are limited on the cardiovascular screening practices and lipid management in this population in primary care settings. METHODS A retrospective case control study was performed with 105 BC survivors and 210 matched controls (based on age and medical comorbidities of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia). BC survivors were established with primary care practices within a large academic institution and had completed primary cancer treatment. Data on screening for CVD and lipid management were collected via a retrospective chart review. RESULTS The average BC survivor was 63 years old, with 9 years since diagnosis. Compared with matched controls, BC survivors had more cholesterol screening (88% vs 70%, P < .001) and active statin prescriptions (63% vs 40%, P < .05) if indicated by the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Calculator. There were no differences in CVD screening in White and African American BC survivors. However, African American BC survivors were more likely to have hypertension (P < .01) and have a body mass index in the overweight and obese category (P < .001) than White BC survivors. Older BC survivors were more likely to receive cholesterol screening. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that BC survivors who have an established primary care provider have improved cholesterol screening and statin therapy based on their risk of developing chronic diseases.
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Age specific recruitment and retention to a large multicentre observational breast cancer trial in older women: The Age Gap Trial. J Geriatr Oncol 2020; 12:714-723. [PMID: 33127384 PMCID: PMC8205116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Recruitment and retention are two of the most important factors in successfully running clinical trials. Many trials encounter problems with both, causing delays or preventing study progress. These issues are greater in older adults and patients with cancer. Materials and methods We assessed recruitment and retention in a large, multicentre, observational breast cancer study in older female patients (>70 years, N = 3440). Data collected by the Age Gap study were used to assess rates of, and reasons for, patients not being recruited or retained. Statistical analysis assessed the impact of age as a predictor of recruitment and retention. Results Between February 2013 and June 2018, 6876 patients were screened and 3456 were consented across 56 United Kingdom (UK) breast units. Reasons for non-recruitment included ineligibility, clinician issues, staffing resource issues, patients' lack of interest or time and trial burden. In comparison with the age demographics of patients with breast cancer in the UK, women aged 70–75 years were over-represented compared to older age groups. Logistic regression demonstrated that older age significantly reduced the odds of consent (OR = 0.96, CI: 0.938–0.982; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), markers of poor functional ability (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (p = 0.011)) and instrumental activities of daily living (p = 0.026) were significant predictors of withdrawal. Discussion This study has demonstrated that selection and attrition bias for age are apparent despite a range of ‘age friendly’ study design measures. Exploration of the underlying reasons for this and development of measures to address this should be the focus of further research.
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