Disparities in access to radiotherapy among Hispanic/Latinx populations in the United States: How far have we left to go? Review


Authors: Verdini, N. P.; Santos, P. M. G.; Vicioso-Mora, Y. M.; Rivera, A.; Perez, C. A.; McClelland, S. 3rd
Review Title: Disparities in access to radiotherapy among Hispanic/Latinx populations in the United States: How far have we left to go?
Abstract: Objectives: The Hispanic/Latinx population has consistently faced disparities in oncology access and outcomes with cancer being the leading cause of death in this population. We evaluate recent research in radiation therapy disparities among the Hispanic/Latinx population in the United States since our seminal analysis from 2017. Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted for articles published from January 2017 through March 2023. Four term combinations were utilized, including: (1) "Hispanic" and "Radiotherapy" and "Disparities", (2) "Latino" and "Radiotherapy" and "Hispanic", (3) "Hispanic" and "Radiation" and "Disparities", and (4) "Latino" and "Radiation" and "Disparities." Included studies were those taking place in the United States, examined radiation oncology care, and examined health disparities. Results: Fifty-eight of 245 articles returned met inclusion criteria and spanned 6 disparity-types: (1) Stage at Presentation, (2) Time to Treatment Initiation & Completion, (3) Receipt of Treatment and Guideline-Concordant Care, (4) Geography, (5) Clinical Trial Access and (6) Insurance Barriers and Treatment Center Type. The most common disparity was receipt of treatment and guideline-concordant care (n=39 studies), demonstrating that the Hispanic/Latinx population was less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment or treatment at all. In additon, studies identified disparities in time to treatment and completion (n=12), geography (n=5), clinical trial access (n=3), and insurance and treatment center access (n=5). Conclusions: Disparities in radiotherapy access remain prominent for the Hispanic/Latinx population through a multitude of barriers, despite increasing interest in disparities research. Continued health care disparities research with tangible interventions are needed in radiation oncology to properly understand and address this problem. © 2024 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.
Keywords: review; united states; cancer radiotherapy; practice guideline; health insurance; patient care; radiation oncology; race difference; health care access; geography; hispanic; health care disparity; clinical trial (topic); health services accessibility; healthcare disparities; disparities; latino; time to treatment; humans; human; hispanic or latino; radiotherapy access
Journal Title: American Journal of Clinical Oncology
Volume: 47
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0277-3732
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2024-01-01
Start Page: 40
End Page: 47
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001063
PUBMED: 37880834
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Patricia Mae Garcia Santos
    46 Santos