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Investigation of Treatment-Related Disparities in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Patients Using Real-World Data

  • 0Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Cancer Medicine +

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August 7, 2025

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August 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Racial disparities in metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPDAC) treatment show Black patients experience a slightly longer time to first treatment. However, overall survival and receipt of guideline-concordant therapies did not differ significantly by race.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Health Disparities Research
  • Real-World Evidence

Background

  • Racial disparities in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) treatment are documented, with patients of color receiving less surgical resection and chemotherapy.
  • Existing data suggests inequities in care for mPDAC patients based on race/ethnicity.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate racial disparities in time to first treatment (T2FT), receipt of guideline-concordant therapies, and overall survival in mPDAC patients.
  • To analyze differences in T2FT and treatment patterns between racial groups in mPDAC.

Main Methods

  • Utilized deidentified real-world data from the Flatiron Health electronic health record (EHR) database.
  • Defined T2FT as the interval between mPDAC diagnosis and initiation of first-line systemic anticancer therapy.
  • Assessed disparities using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Main Results

  • A significant difference in T2FT was observed for Black patients compared to White patients, primarily within the first two months post-diagnosis.
  • No significant differences in T2FT were found after two months.
  • Receipt of first-line therapy and the number of standard-guideline therapies did not significantly differ by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

  • A modest racial disparity exists in the initial T2FT for mPDAC, but overall survival was not significantly affected.
  • Further research with larger, diverse cohorts is recommended to fully understand race/ethnicity's impact on mPDAC treatment and survival.

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