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

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.