According to findings presented at ASCO 2022, only 55% of patients with ovarian cancer underwent biomarker testing due to factors such as insurance type, ECOG status, and region. 

In this retrospective cohort study, Anna Jo Bodurtha Smith, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, and colleagues aimed to “examine the association of biomarker testing in ovarian cancer with patient and health system factors.”

Patients with ovarian cancer diagnosed between 2011 and 2021 were identified through the nationwide de-identified, electronic health record-derived Flatiron Health database. The association of patient, sociodemographic, health system, and cancer factors with receipt of biomarker testing were examined using multi-level regression models. BRCA, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) or genomic instability score (GIS) were analyzed.

A total of 8519 patients were selected for this study. Among participants, 55.4% (95%CI 54.3-56.4) underwent biomarker testing. Of those who underwent biomarker testing, 55.3% (95%CI 54.3-56.5) underwent BRCA testing and 6.1% HRD/GIS (95%CI 5.6-6.6). Factors such as medicare insurance, older age, ECOG of 2 or higher, and living in Puerto Rico were associated with lower likelihood of undergoing biomarker testing. Patients were more likely to undergo biomarker testing if they experienced recurrence or a later year of diagnosis.

“Insurance type, ECOG status, region, and recurrence were predictors of ever undergoing biomarker testing,” concluded Dr Smith and colleagues, adding, “Interventions to improve Medicare coverage and care of medically complex patients may improve biomarker testing and use of directed therapies in ovarian cancer.”

Source:

Bodurtha Smith AJ, Alvarez R, Heintz J, et al. Disparities in biomarker testing in ovarian cancer. Abstract presented at: ASCO Annual Meeting; June 3-7, 2022; Chicago, IL, and virtual. Abstract e18596.