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New Research Reveals Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer Outcomes

In a groundbreaking study published in the April 2025 edition of JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, researchers from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered alarming disparities in treatment opportunities and survival rates among patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPDAC), particularly among those from vulnerable social backgrounds.

The study offers a critical look at how race, socioeconomic status, and other social factors impact cancer care. By analyzing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, researchers assessed 14,147 mPDAC patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2019. The study aimed to evaluate quality care indicators, which included adherence to systematic therapy guidelines, access to palliative care, and survival rates extending beyond 12 months.

The findings were stark: patients identified as socially vulnerable, meaning they had high scores on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), demonstrated a 30% lower likelihood of meeting at least one quality care indicator compared to those categorized as less vulnerable. Importantly, the research showed that individuals from underserved racial or ethnic groups were 25% less likely to experience one or multiple quality indicators, regardless of their income levels. Excluding race from the calculation, lower socioeconomic status resulted in a 34% decrease in the chance of meeting these quality indicators.

The Urgent Need for Targeted Interventions

Dr. Diamantis Tsilimigras, an expert from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, highlighted the necessity for targeted interventions to bridge these gaps in cancer treatment. He advocated for federal policies that could expand Medicaid or Medicare coverage for palliative care to dismantle these treatment barriers. Policies addressing social determinants of health, such as providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable populations and addressing implicit biases related to treatment recommendations, are vital for resolving disparities in healthcare access.

The study emphasizes how patients receiving appropriate systemic treatment and/or palliative care post-diagnosis are statistically more likely to survive for over a year. Additionally, the research indicates a gradual improvement in quality scores and survival rates from 2005 to 2019, suggesting that while progress is being made, substantial disparities in care still exist.

Commentary from Notable Experts

Dr. Timothy M. Pawlik, who co-authored the research, stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to guideline-concordant treatment for all pancreatic cancer patients. He noted that despite improvements in adherence to the NCCN Guidelines over the years, significant differences remain in the quality of care received by metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, which subsequently affects treatment outcomes.

Dr. Jason S. Gold, an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and not involved in this research, commented on the increasing awareness regarding disparities in pancreatic cancer treatment and survival outcomes. His response, found in the same April issue, elaborates on how social vulnerability, marital status, and income levels correlate independently with the quality of care for patients with mPDAC.

For more details on the complete study titled Quality Score Among Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Trends, Racial Disparities, and Impact on Outcomes and the associated commentary, visit JNCCN.org. The journal is an invaluable resource for over 25,000 oncologists and healthcare professionals focusing on innovative translational cancer medicine and relevant scientific research related to cancer health services.

In a broader context, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), which celebrated its 30th anniversary, aims to define and improve the quality of cancer treatment, ensuring that effective, equitable, and accessible care enhances the quality of life for all individuals. Their NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines are thoroughly recognized as the gold standard for cancer management clinical directives and policy methodologies.

Stay informed and empowered with quality information provided by NCCN as they continue to advance education, advocacy, and collaborative cancer care solutions across the globe.