The impact of demographics and socioeconomic status on the receipt of immunotherapy for stage III melanoma

Background

There is limited data examining potential disparities in the receipt of immunotherapy among patients with stage III melanoma.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort review using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) including adult patients with stage III melanoma between 2004 and 2017. We compared receipt of immunotherapy based on demographic and socioeconomic factors for patients diagnosed 2004–2014 and 2016–2017, before and after FDA approval of immune checkpoint blockade.

Results

12,099 patients were included. The proportion of stage III patients who received immunotherapy significantly increased over time, from 24.0 % in 2004–2014 to 43.7 % in 2016–2017 (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in patients who receive immunotherapy based on age (p < 0.001), insurance (p < 0.001), facility location (p < 0.001).On multivariable analysis, increased odds of immunotherapy receipt were found in patients with diagnosis in 2016–2017 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.3, 95 % CI 2.9–3.7), younger age (65–80 years aOR 0.43, 95 % CI 0.35–0.52), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.1–2.1), and private insurance (not insured aOR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.52–0.85).

Conclusions

Although narrowing, gaps persist in the receipt of immunotherapy after FDA approval. Understanding disparities in the receipt of immunotherapy will aid in understanding barriers to treatment and ensuring patients have equitable access to advanced care.