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Stylianos SL, Goel CR, Lee RM, Yopp A, Kronenfeld J, Goel N, Datta J, Lee A, Silberfein E, Russell MC. Comparing barriers to early stage diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma between safety net hospitals and academic medical centers: An analysis from the United States Safety-Net Collaborative. J Surg Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39087490 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27787] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with improved survival. However, a greater proportion of patients treated at safety net hospitals (SNHs) present with late-stage disease compared to those at academic medical centers (AMCs). This study aims to identify barriers to diagnosis of HCC, highlighting differences between SNHs and AMCs. METHODS The US Safety Net Collaborative-HCC database was queried. Patients were stratified by facility of diagnosis (SNH or AMC). Patient demographics and HCC screening rates were examined. The primary outcome was stage at diagnosis (AJCC I/II-"early"; AJCC III/IV-"late"). RESULTS 1290 patients were included; 50.2% diagnosed at SNHs and 49.8% at AMCs. At SNHs, 44.4% of patients were diagnosed late, compared to 27.6% at AMCs. On multivariable regression, Black race was associated with late diagnosis in both facilities (SNH: odds ratio 1.96, p = 0.03; AMC: 2.27, <0.01). Screening was associated with decreased odds of late diagnosis (SNH: 0.46, p = 0.04; AMC: 0.37, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Black race was associated with late diagnosis of HCC, while screening was associated with early diagnosis across institutional types. These results suggest socially constructed racial bias in screening and diagnosis of HCC. Screening efforts targeting SNH patients and Black patients at all facilities are essential to reduce disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia L Stylianos
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Caroline R Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel M Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam Yopp
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Joshua Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Medical School, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Neha Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Medical School, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jashodeep Datta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Medical School, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ann Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, New York University Medical School, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Silberfein
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria C Russell
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Rezaee-Zavareh MS, Liang J, Yang JD. Ethnic disparities in the epidemiology, treatment, and outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States. HEPATOMA RESEARCH 2023; 9:18. [PMID: 38371172 PMCID: PMC10871674 DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2023.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
There are significant ethnic disparities in incidence, tumor stage, curative therapy receipt, and survival among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the US. While previous models had predicted an increasing trend in the incidence rate of HCC until 2030 in the US, recent studies have shown that HCC incidence plateaued in 2013 and then started to decline in 2015. The decreasing trend has been observed in all ethnicities except for American Indians/Alaska Natives, whose incidence rates of HCC continue to rise. Current evidence shows that African-Americans and Hispanics are two groups that are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage HCC, and this finding has been consistent in different socioeconomic statuses of the patients. These two ethnic minority groups are also among those who are less likely to have curative therapy for early-stage HCC. Finally, advances in early diagnosis and treatment approaches have led to an improvement in HCC survival for all ethnicities; however, African-Americans continue to have the worst survival. More studies to find the causes of these disparities and interventions to eliminate them are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeff Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, CA, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, CA, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, CA, USA
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, CA, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, CA, USA
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3
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Disparities in the first-ever diagnosed liver cancers between the emergency department and outpatient department in Taiwan: a population-based study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:283. [PMID: 36755232 PMCID: PMC9906857 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is ranked fifth in incidence and second in mortality among cancers in Taiwan. Nevertheless, the Taiwan government does not screen for liver cancer in its free cancer screening and preventive health examination service. This study compared the differences in cancer stage and survival between patients who received an initial liver cancer diagnosis in outpatient departments (OPDs) and those who received such a diagnosis in emergency departments (EDs). METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the 2000-2016 National Health Insurance Database to obtain a sample from 2 million Taiwanese residents. To evaluate the effect of the utilization of the adult health examination offered to people aged ≥ 40 years, patients aged ≥ 40 years who received an initial liver cancer diagnosis between 2003 and 2015 were followed up until December 31, 2016. RESULTS In total, 2,881 patients were included in this study. A greater proportion of cancer cases in the OPD group were non-advanced than those in the ED group (75.26% vs. 54.23%). Having stage C or D cancer, having a low monthly salary, and a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥ 8, not having hepatitis B, being divorced, and attending a non-public hospital as the primary care institution were risk factors for initial ED diagnosis. The risk of liver cancer-specific death among the ED group patients was 1.38 times that among the OPD group patients (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-1.68, P < 0.001). However, the use of health examination did not exert a significant effect on the likelihood of liver cancer diagnosis in an ED (adjusted odds ratio = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.61-1.21, P = 0.381). CONCLUSION Government-subsidized health examinations are insufficient to prevent first-ever diagnosed liver cancers in EDs. Patients with liver cancers diagnosed in EDs had a higher risk of advanced stage and mortality. For early detection and treatment, the government may consider implementing liver cancer screening for high-risk and low-socioeconomic people.
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Kronenfeld JP, Goel N. An Analysis of Individual and Contextual-Level Disparities in Screening, Treatment, and Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1209-1219. [PMID: 34611524 PMCID: PMC8487287 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s284430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and affects patients of all genders, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status. While the causes of HCC are numerous, the primary etiology is cirrhosis from alcohol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States and from infectious agents such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the developing world. In patients at-risk for developing HCC, screening is recommended with ultrasound imaging and alpha fetoprotein laboratory tests. In socioeconomically vulnerable patients, however, individual-level barriers (eg, insurance status) and contextual-level disparities (eg, health facilities) may not be readily available, thus limiting screening. Additional challenges faced by racial/ethnic minorities can further challenge the spectrum of HCC care and lead to inadequate screening, delayed diagnosis, and unequal access to treatment. Efforts to improve these multilevel factors that lead to screening and treatment disparities are critical to overcoming challenges. Providing health insurance to those without access, improving societal challenges that confine patients to a lower socioeconomic status, and reducing challenges to seeking healthcare can decrease the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Additionally, engaging with communities and allowing them to collaborate in their own healthcare can also help to attenuate these inequities. Through collaborative multidisciplinary change, we can make progress in tackling disparities in vulnerable populations to achieve health equity
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Neha Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Kronenfeld JP, Collier AL, Turgeon MK, Ju M, Alterio R, Wang A, Fernandez M, Porembka MR, Richter H, Lee AY, Russell MC, Merchant NB, Maker AV, Datta J. Attrition during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with decreased survival: A United States Safety-Net Collaborative analysis. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:1317-1328. [PMID: 34379324 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26638] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is standard management for localized gastric cancer (GC). Attrition during NAC due to treatment-related toxicity or functional decline is considered a surrogate for worse biologic outcomes; however, data supporting this paradigm are lacking. We investigated factors predicting attrition and its association with overall survival (OS) in GC. METHODS Patients with nonmetastatic GC initiating NAC were identified from the US Safety-Net Collaborative (2012-2014). Patient/treatment-related characteristics were compared between attrition/nonattrition cohorts. Cox models determined factors associated with OS. RESULTS Of 116 patients initiating NAC, attrition during prescribed NAC occurred in 24%. No differences were observed in performance status, comorbidities, treatment at safety-net hospital, or clinicopathologic factors between cohorts. Despite absence of distinguishing factors, attrition was associated with worse OS (median: 11 vs. 37 months; p = 0.01) and was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-15.2; p = 0.02). Fewer patients with attrition underwent curative-intent surgery (39% vs. 89%; p < 0.001). Even in patients undergoing surgical exploration (n = 89), NAC attrition remained an independent predictor of worse OS (HR: 50.8, 95% CI: 3.6-717.8; p = 0.004) despite similar receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Attrition during NAC for nonmetastatic GC is independently associated with worse OS, even in patients undergoing surgery. Attrition during NAC may reflect unfavorable tumor biology not captured by conventional staging metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Amber L Collier
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael K Turgeon
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michelle Ju
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rodrigo Alterio
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Manuel Fernandez
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Matthew R Porembka
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Harry Richter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ann Y Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria C Russell
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ajay V Maker
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jashodeep Datta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Kronenfeld JP, Collier AL, Choi S, Perez-Sanchez D, Shah AM, Lee C, Goel N. Surgical oncology operative experience at a high-volume safety-net hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:983-988. [PMID: 34291824 PMCID: PMC8426825 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to disruptions in operative and hospital capabilities as the country triaged resources and canceled elective procedures. This study details the operative experience of a safety-net hospital for cancer-related operations during a 3-month period at the height of the pandemic. METHODS Patients operated on for or diagnosed with malignancies of the abdomen, breast, skin, or soft-tissue (September 3, 2020-September 6, 2020) were identified from operative/clinic schedules. Sociodemographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and COVID-19 information was identified through retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS Fifty patients evaluated within this window underwent oncologic surgery. Median age was 61 (interquartile range: 53-68), 56% were female, 86% were White, and 66% were Hispanic. The majority (28%) were for colon cancer. Only two patients tested positive for COVID-19 preoperatively or within 30 days of their operation. There were no mortalities during the 1-year study period. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and operative centers limited interventions to preserve resources, but oncologic procedures continued at many large-volume academic cancer centers. This study underscores the importance of continuing to offer surgery during the pandemic for surgical oncology cases at safety-net hospitals to minimize delays in time-sensitive oncologic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Amber L Collier
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Seraphina Choi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dayana Perez-Sanchez
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ankit M Shah
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Christina Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Neha Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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7
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Kronenfeld JP, Graves KD, Penedo FJ, Yanez B. Overcoming Disparities in Cancer: A Need for Meaningful Reform for Hispanic and Latino Cancer Survivors. Oncologist 2021; 26:443-452. [PMID: 33594785 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hispanic and Latino (HL) cancer survivors are at a critical disadvantage compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients regarding sociodemographic adversities and access to equitable treatment options. By 2030, there will be about four million HL cancer survivors in the U.S., representing nearly 20% of survivors in this country. Hispanics and Latinos are subjected to significant challenges in accessing and receiving equitable care relative to NHWs. Hispanics and Latinos also experience lower rates of health insurance and financial resources, limiting health care options. These disparities often originate from disparate social determinants of health, including lower funding for education and school programs, greater neighborhood stressors and violence, lower access to healthy and affordable food, and greater barriers to community health and exercise opportunities. Even among HL cancer survivors with proper access to health care, they experience disparate treatment options, including low inclusion in clinical trials and/or access to experimental therapies. A solution to these barriers necessitates complex and systemic changes that involve, for example, investing in public health programs, increasing the diversity and cultural awareness of the medical workforce, and promoting research opportunities such as clinical trials that are inclusive of HLs. Only through meaningful reform will equitable cancer care be available for all in the U.S. regardless of racial and/or ethnic background. This article reviews some of the critical social determinants of health and biases relevant to HL cancer survivors and provides recommendations for achieving cancer health equity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Hispanics and Latinos experience a significant and often disproportionate cancer-related burden compared with non-Hispanic and Latino White individuals and other racial and ethnic groups. Meaningful reform to achieve health equity in oncology should focus on approaches to gaining trust among diverse patients, cultural and community sensitivity and engagement in oncology care and research, diversifying the workforce, and improving inclusion in clinical trial participation. Taken together, these recommendations can lead to exemplary and equitable care for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine & Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kristi D Graves
- Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Frank J Penedo
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine & Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Betina Yanez
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Kronenfeld JP, Graves KD, Penedo FJ, Yanez B. Overcoming Disparities in Cancer: A Need for Meaningful Reform for Hispanic and Latino Cancer Survivors. Oncologist 2021. [PMID: 33594785 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13729.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hispanic and Latino (HL) cancer survivors are at a critical disadvantage compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients regarding sociodemographic adversities and access to equitable treatment options. By 2030, there will be about four million HL cancer survivors in the U.S., representing nearly 20% of survivors in this country. Hispanics and Latinos are subjected to significant challenges in accessing and receiving equitable care relative to NHWs. Hispanics and Latinos also experience lower rates of health insurance and financial resources, limiting health care options. These disparities often originate from disparate social determinants of health, including lower funding for education and school programs, greater neighborhood stressors and violence, lower access to healthy and affordable food, and greater barriers to community health and exercise opportunities. Even among HL cancer survivors with proper access to health care, they experience disparate treatment options, including low inclusion in clinical trials and/or access to experimental therapies. A solution to these barriers necessitates complex and systemic changes that involve, for example, investing in public health programs, increasing the diversity and cultural awareness of the medical workforce, and promoting research opportunities such as clinical trials that are inclusive of HLs. Only through meaningful reform will equitable cancer care be available for all in the U.S. regardless of racial and/or ethnic background. This article reviews some of the critical social determinants of health and biases relevant to HL cancer survivors and provides recommendations for achieving cancer health equity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Hispanics and Latinos experience a significant and often disproportionate cancer-related burden compared with non-Hispanic and Latino White individuals and other racial and ethnic groups. Meaningful reform to achieve health equity in oncology should focus on approaches to gaining trust among diverse patients, cultural and community sensitivity and engagement in oncology care and research, diversifying the workforce, and improving inclusion in clinical trial participation. Taken together, these recommendations can lead to exemplary and equitable care for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine & Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kristi D Graves
- Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Frank J Penedo
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine & Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Betina Yanez
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Kronenfeld JP, Goel N. ASO Author Reflections: Access to Care and Screening Inequities for Patients At Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 28:1937-1938. [PMID: 32974697 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-09172-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Neha Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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