OBJECTIVE: In the United States, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more common among communities with low socioeconomic status (SES), and these groups tend to be diagnosed with later-stage cancers. Sorafenib is the primary treatment for advanced HCC, however its substantial cost raises concern for access to treatment. METHODS: The newly developed Case-Background method was used to estimate odds ratios for the impacts of various sociodemographic factors on sorafenib access in clinically eligible patients. Socioeconomic status was defined as a factor of median income and education level based on ZIP code of residence. RESULTS: There was a strong association between sorafenib prescription and residence in an area of higher SES. While controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and insurance status, high SES residence doubled the odds of sorafenib prescription (OR=2.05, p<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Low socioeconomic status communities appear to have a reduced chance of receiving the only effective treatment for advanced HCC.
OBJECTIVE: In the United States, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more common among communities with low socioeconomic status (SES), and these groups tend to be diagnosed with later-stage cancers. Sorafenib is the primary treatment for advanced HCC, however its substantial cost raises concern for access to treatment. METHODS: The newly developed Case-Background method was used to estimate odds ratios for the impacts of various sociodemographic factors on sorafenib access in clinically eligible patients. Socioeconomic status was defined as a factor of median income and education level based on ZIP code of residence. RESULTS: There was a strong association between sorafenib prescription and residence in an area of higher SES. While controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and insurance status, high SES residence doubled the odds of sorafenib prescription (OR=2.05, p&lt;.01). CONCLUSIONS: Low socioeconomic status communities appear to have a reduced chance of receiving the only effective treatment for advanced HCC.
Authors: Aman Opneja; Gino Cioffi; Asrar Alahmadi; Nelroy Jones; Tin-Yun Tang; Nirav Patil; David L Bajor; Joel N Saltzman; Amr Mohamed; Eva Selfridge; Ankit Mangla; Jill Barnholtz-Sloan; Richard T Lee Journal: Cancer Med Date: 2021-05-31 Impact factor: 4.711
Authors: Ruth P Norris; Rosie Dew; Linda Sharp; Alastair Greystoke; Stephen Rice; Kristina Johnell; Adam Todd Journal: BMC Med Date: 2020-10-23 Impact factor: 8.775