Scoping Reviews
Monday, October 14, 2024
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Background:
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a leading deadly cancer in the US with variance in outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups. Medication use, including chemotherapy and supportive care drugs, plays a crucial role in the management of pancreatic cancer yet differences related to medication use have not been extensively studied. This scoping review aims to explore these racial and ethnic disparities in medication use among pancreatic cancer patients.
Methods:
The specific objectives of this review were to identify and characterize disparities in medication use among racial and ethnic minorities. A systematic search of original and grey literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to studies conducted in the US that identify racial and ethnic disparities in medication use among pancreatic cancer patients published from 2000 to June 2023. A data extraction form developed on Covidence was used to chart study characteristics, patient demographics, medications analyzed, and disparities in medication access.
Results:
The initial search yielded 1521 studies. Following removing duplications and screening, 24 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria, with most of the studies being cohort studies (n=22). Most studies (n=19) included analysis of the receipt of chemotherapy, while the rest evaluated various supportive care medications (SCM). SCM studies included pain, psychiatric, pancreatic enzyme replacement, and receipt of statins. Collectively, results strongly implied the presence of racial disparities in the receipt of medications, particularly among African Americans (AA), with only one study reporting equivalent results among all racial-ethnic minority groups studied.
Discussion:
Findings indicate significant disparities in medication use among racial and ethnic minority groups. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions to improve access to medications, culturally sensitive patient education, and further research to understand the underlying reasons.
Other: n/a
Presenting Author
Olga Monika Trejos Kweyete PharmD, BS, BAUniversity of Florida
Authors
John M. Allen PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
MegCholack Awunti PharmD
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Yasmine Ibrahim PharmD Candidate
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Deyaneira Laboy Baiz PharmD Candidate
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Angeles Morales PharmD Candidate
University College of Pharmacy
Mary-Pearl Ojukwu PharmD Candidate
University College of Pharmacy