Sociodemographic characteristics as predictors of outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

503 Background: It has been established that race, insurance status, and socioeconomic class play an important role in predicting health care outcomes. However, the impact of these factors has yet to be investigated in the setting of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the SEER program (2007-2015) to identify patients with resectable HCC (N = 28518). Exposures of interest were race (Asian [AS], Black [BL], Native American/Alaska Native [NA/AN], or White [WH]), insurance status (Medicare/Private Insurance [ME/PI], Medicaid [MAID], or No Insurance [NI]), and median household income. Endpoints included: (1) likelihood of surgical recommendation and (2) overall survival. Multinomial logistic regression for relative risk ratio (RRR) and Cox models were used to identify pertinent associations. Results: Race, insurance status, and socioeconomic class had statistically significant effects on the likelihood of surgical recommendation and overall survival. AS were more likely to receive a recommendation for hepatic resection (RRR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.42 – 1.80; Reference Race: BL) and exhibited prolonged overall survival (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.73 – 0.82) as compared to members of other ethnic groups; there was no difference in these endpoints between BL, NA/AN, or WH individuals. Patients who had ME/PI were more likely than those with MAID or NI to receive a surgical recommendation. ME/PI was also associated with superior overall survival. Individuals with a household income in the highest quintile were less likely to receive a surgical recommendation than those in the lower quintiles, but nevertheless demonstrated prolonged survival. Conclusions: Race, insurance status, and socioeconomic class have measurable effects on HCC management and outcomes. The underlying causes of these disparities warrant further investigation. [Table: see text]