Majority of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Patients Lack Guideline-Based Care

Core Concepts

Guideline-concordant care is crucial for improving overall survival in inflammatory breast cancer patients.

Abstract

The study presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium highlighted the importance of guideline-concordant care in improving overall survival rates for patients with inflammatory breast cancer. The majority of patients, especially Black and Asian individuals, did not receive the recommended treatment, leading to disparities in survival outcomes. The study emphasized the need to address barriers to guideline-concordant care to enhance patient outcomes and reduce racial disparities in survival rates.

Key Highlights:

• Guideline-concordant care linked to improved survival in inflammatory breast cancer.
• Black women had the lowest overall survival without guideline-concordant care.
• Only about one third of patients received guideline-concordant treatment.
• Timely receipt of care positively impacted overall survival, particularly for Black patients with triple-negative disease.

Stats

Most patients (88%) did not start neoadjuvant chemotherapy within 60 days of diagnosis.
Black and Asian patients were less likely than White patients to start chemotherapy within 60 days (odds ratio [OR] 0.54 and 0.51, respectively; P < .001).
Patients treated between 2014 and 2018 were less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment than patients treated between 2010 and 2013 (OR, 0.63; P <.001).
Receiving guideline-concordant care and being privately insured were both positively associated with improved overall survival (OR, 0.75 and 0.62, respectively; P < .001).

Quotes

"Improving guideline-concordant care will improve outcomes for all patients with inflammatory breast cancer." - Kathryn Hudson, MD

Key Insights Distilled From

Few With Inflammatory Breast Cancer Get Guideline-Based Care

by Megan Brooks at www.medscape.com 12-13-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/few-inflammatory-breast-cancer-get-guideline-based-care-2023a1000vbe

Deeper Inquiries

How can healthcare systems address the disparities in receiving guideline-concordant care among different racial groups?

Healthcare systems can address the disparities in receiving guideline-concordant care among different racial groups by implementing targeted interventions. This can include increasing access to care for underserved populations, providing culturally competent care, and addressing implicit biases within the healthcare system. Additionally, healthcare providers can engage in ongoing education and training to ensure equitable treatment for all patients regardless of their race or ethnicity.

What strategies can be implemented to ensure timely initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for all patients with inflammatory breast cancer?

To ensure timely initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for all patients with inflammatory breast cancer, healthcare systems can implement strategies such as streamlining the referral process, reducing administrative barriers, and improving communication between healthcare providers. Patient education and support programs can also help patients understand the importance of timely treatment initiation and empower them to advocate for their care. Additionally, utilizing technology and telemedicine can facilitate quicker access to care and reduce delays in treatment initiation.

How can the findings of this study be used to advocate for better access to care and improved outcomes for underserved populations?

The findings of this study can be used to advocate for better access to care and improved outcomes for underserved populations by highlighting the disparities in guideline-concordant care and survival outcomes among different racial groups. Advocacy efforts can focus on increasing funding for programs that support underserved populations, improving healthcare infrastructure in marginalized communities, and promoting policies that address healthcare disparities. By raising awareness about the importance of guideline-concordant care and the impact of racial disparities on outcomes, stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system for all patients.