Newswise — ATS 2013, PHILADELPHIA – The surgical management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in U.S. hospitals varies widely depending on the race of the patient, according to a new study.

“In most patients, the initial treatment for Stage I and Stage II NSCLC is surgery,” said researcher Jayanth Adusumalli, MBBS, of the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. “In our study of more than 1,200,000 patients diagnosed with NSCLC in US hospitals between the years 2000 and 2010, we found statistically significant racial disparities in the surgical management of these patients.”

The results of the study will be presented at the ATS 2013 International Conference.

The study included 1,200,955 patients from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB); 975,229 of these patients had received their first course of treatment after initial diagnosis. African-Americans were less likely to undergo surgery as initial treatment for Stage I and Stage II disease than Caucasians and Hispanics, and Hispanics were more likely to undergo surgery as initial treatment of Stage I and II disease than Caucasians.”

Overall, 82% of Caucasians, 79% of African Americans, and 76% of Hispanics received some form of treatment.

Among patients with Stage I disease, surgical intervention was performed in 78% of Caucasians, 73% of African Americans, and 82% of Hispanics. Corresponding figures for Stage II were 64%, 56% and 67%.

“The significant racial differences in the initial treatment of NSCLC that we found in our study may contribute to the recognized racial disparities in cancer patient outcomes,” said Dr. Adusumalli. “Further research into the underlying causes of these treatment disparities may help improve the treatment and prognosis of all lung cancer patients.”

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* Please note that numbers in this release may differ slightly from those in the abstract. Many of these investigations are ongoing; the release represents the most up-to-date data available at press time.

Abstract 45364Racial Disparities In Treatment Of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer In The USType: Late Breaking AbstractCategory: 02.03 - Disparities in Lung Disease and Treatment (BSHSR)Authors: J. Adusumalli1, A. Singla1, A. Kallam1, P. Silberstein2; 1Creighton University Medical Center - Omaha, NE/US, 2Creighton University School of Medicine - Omaha, NE/US

Abstract BodyIntroduction: Surgery is the mainstay of treatment of loco regional of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study compares the racial disparities in surgery as an initial treatment given to a NSCLC patient.

Methods: We analyzed the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) for differences in the first course treatment received for NSCLC amongst three different ethnic groups (Caucasian, African American and Hispanic). Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1,200,955 patients were diagnosed with NSCLC in US hospitals between 2000 and 2010 of which 975,229 patients were given the first course treatment. 82%, 79% and 76% of Caucasians, African Americans and Hispanics respectively received treatment (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Surgical intervention was done in 78%, 73% and 82% of Stage I; 64%, 56% and 67% of Stage II patients belonging to the Caucasian , African American and Hispanic races respectively (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Among Stage III patients, significantly lesser percent of African Americans patients received surgical intervention compared to Caucasians (16% vs 22%; p<0.001) and Hispanics (16% vs 21%; p<0.001).

Discussion: Significant racial disparities exist in the surgical management of NSCLC. African-american are less likely to undergo surgery for Stage I to III NSCLC compared to Caucasians and Hispanics. Hispanics have higher rates of surgical management in initial treatment of Stage I and II NSCLC than Caucasians.

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American Thoracic Society 2013 International Conference