Health Disparities and Precision Oncology in Foregut Malignancies

Abstract

Health disparities exist in incidence, treatment, and survival of esophageal and gastric cancer based on socioeconomic and minority racial/ethnic group status. How socioeconomic and minority status affect access and utilization of precision oncology in foregut malignancies is not well understood. Based on other cancer types, multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence utilization of cancer genetic testing, participation in precision oncology clinical trials, and access to molecularly targeted therapies. As precision oncology becomes more common in the treatment of foregut malignancies, health equity will require ongoing identification of sources of disparities and proposal of practical solutions.