A new study led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has uncovered significant disparities in the use of immunotherapy for patients with advanced kidney and bladder cancers across the United States. The research, published in Urologic Oncology, reveals that factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and healthcare facility type influence whether patients receive these potentially life-saving treatments.
Between 2015 and 2020, only 34% of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma and 21% of those with advanced urothelial carcinoma of the bladder received immunotherapy. Notably, Black and Hispanic patients with kidney cancer were about 25% less likely to receive approved treatment compared to other groups. Similar trends were observed among those with lower income and education levels.
Dr. Solomon Woldu, the study’s leader, emphasized the importance of equal access to novel cancer treatments, stating, “Our study highlights critical gaps in health care equity when it comes to treatments that have been shown effective in prolonging survival.”
The research also found that patients without insurance were less likely to receive treatment than those with private insurance or Medicare. However, having health insurance didn’t guarantee access to these expensive therapies. Additionally, patients treated at non-academic facilities were less likely to receive immunotherapy, underscoring the benefits of academic medical centers.
Dr. Woldu stressed that these findings should encourage doctors to spend more time discussing novel therapies with kidney and bladder cancer patients. The study contributes to a growing body of research revealing persistent inequities in medical care across the United States and sets the stage for potential changes in clinical practice and policy to address these disparities.
See “Widespread disparities exist in treating advanced cancers” (September 4, 2024)
