Treatment Outcomes Differ for Racial and Ethnic Minorities with Advanced-Stage Laryngeal Cancer: A Florida Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• A significant disparity exists in advanced-stage laryngeal cancer survival rates, with Black patients experiencing poorer outcomes.
• Understanding racial and ethnic differences in treatment and survival is crucial for addressing health inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine real-world treatment patterns and outcomes based on race and ethnicity in advanced-stage laryngeal cancer patients in Florida.
• To identify associations between race/ethnicity and mortality risk in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the Florida Cancer Data System (2009-2020) for non-Hispanic (NH)-White, Hispanic, and NH-Black patients with advanced-stage laryngeal cancer.
• Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for sociodemographic and tumor characteristics.
• Treatment-stratified analyses were conducted, focusing on patients who received chemoradiation.

Main Results:

• Among 4,316 patients, NH-Black patients had a higher initial risk of death compared to NH-White patients, while Hispanic patients had a lower risk.
• After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the mortality difference between NH-Black and NH-White patients was not statistically significant.
• However, in treatment-stratified analysis, NH-Black patients who received chemoradiation showed a significantly higher risk of death compared to NH-White patients.

Conclusions:

• NH-Black patients with advanced-stage laryngeal cancer undergoing chemoradiation experienced higher mortality compared to NH-White patients.
• Hispanic patients demonstrated lower mortality rates, suggesting a complex interplay of factors influencing cancer outcomes.
• Further investigation into healthcare access, comorbidities, and treatment response is recommended to mitigate these racial and ethnic disparities.