Treatment delays in patients with lung cancer: a retrospective study conducted at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico between 2004 and 2021.

Abstract

Importance: Lung cancer management involves navigating a complex pathway from symptom onset to treatment initiation, where delays can compromise outcomes.

Objective: To identify the length of treatment intervals among Mexican lung cancer patients, compare treatment intervals to results from other countries, and identify determinants of delays.

Design: Retrospective study collecting patient records and exploring the treatment interval in lung cancer.

Setting: The study was conducted at Mexico's National Cancer Institute.

Participants: 2645 lung cancer patients with a confirmed diagnosis between 2004 and 2021 were included in the analysis.

Exposure: Social determinants of health.

Main outcome: Treatment interval (from diagnosis to treatment).

Results: Logistic regression models revealed significant associations between delays and various factors, including marital status, education, region, first symptom at presentation, treatment type, and political period. A comparison with international guidelines highlighted substantial delays in patients diagnosed at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología and diagnosed externally.

Conclusions: Targeted interventions should consider patient characteristics to enhance care efficiency. Concerns should be raised about the observed increase in treatment intervals from 2014 and the associated impact on survival rates. There is an urgency for timely interventions, continuous research, and collaborative efforts to optimize care delivery and outcomes for lung cancer patients in Mexico.