To describe patterns of disease presentation by race and ethnicity and examine differences in timing of treatment receipt among patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer (dnMBC) in the US, highlighting the significance of these disparities.
Key Findings:
Black women are more likely to present with dnMBC and aggressive subtypes compared to White women, with a quantifiable difference in presentation rates.
Disparities exist in treatment receipt, with Black and Hispanic women less likely to receive recommended therapies, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
Significant delays in treatment initiation are observed among Black women and those with lower socioeconomic status, with potential implications for survival outcomes.
Interpretation:
The study highlights critical racial and ethnic disparities in both the presentation of dnMBC and the initiation of treatment, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities and improve clinical outcomes.
Limitations:
Data pooled across all breast cancer subtypes may obscure specific disparities, limiting the ability to draw precise conclusions.
Limited understanding of racial and ethnic disparities in immunotherapy initiation may hinder efforts to address treatment gaps.
Conclusion:
Addressing the identified inequities in disease presentation and treatment initiation is essential for improving outcomes in dnMBC patients.
