A new study, co-authored by HDI Principal Health Data Analyst Craig Knott, titled “Factors associated with receipt of systemic anticancer treatment for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in England: a population-based study,” has been published in Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. The study investigated anticancer treatment for patients diagnosed with advanced urothelial carcinoma in England between 2013 and 2019, using data collected by the NHS England National Disease Registration Service.
Results from this observational, real-world, national study sponsored by Merck and initially conducted under an alliance between Merck and Pfizer, showed that 69% of patients diagnosed with advanced urothelial carcinoma during this period did not receive treatment. This was within the range reported across other real-world studies of European populations, but higher than a central estimate reported by a meta-analysis of all studies combined. Reasons for the relatively high rate of non-treatment in England are unclear. Various factors were associated with not receiving treatment, including female sex, older age, worse performance status, greater comorbidity, and residing in income-deprived areas. Median overall survival in treated vs. untreated patients was 19.9 vs 5.8 months. Further studies are needed to understand why the nonclinical factors identified might drive lack of treatment in some patients.
As the main goals of treatment for advanced urothelial cancer are to prevent disease progression, maintain health-related quality of life, relieve cancer symptoms and extend life, the findings highlight a need for further investigation to address the possible reasons for under-treatment. The study also suggests that future research could focus on whether the introduction of newer therapies will boost treatment rates and improve patient survival.
For further information please visit Factors associated with receipt of systemic anticancer treatment for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in England: a population-based study – healthdatainsight.org.uk