Assessing Pharmacoequity in PARPi Therapy Utilization and Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer Patients: Insights From Real-World Evidence

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to assess any racial/ethnic disparities in the utilization, initiation, and outcomes of PARPi therapy in Ovarian Cancer (OC) patients.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Optum® de-identified Market Clarity Dataset. OC patients aged ≥18 was identified using ICD-9 & 10 codes, with a study period from Jan 1, 2014, to Sept 30, 2021. The index event was defined as the first OC diagnosis. Only newly diagnosed patients with continuous enrollment or clinical activity of at-least pre 12 months and at-least 18 months of post-index were taken into consideration. The study evaluated disparities among different racial groups (reported in our database) and different quantiles of census derived county-level racial minority population mix in a) utilization of PARPi therapy, b) time to initiate PARPi treatment, c) POS utilization outcomes. These metrics will be statistically evaluated using Kaplan-Meier, Cox proportional hazards models, and Kruskalwalis post-hoc analysis.

RESULTS: Of 52,517 newly identified OC patients, 2,939 patients received the PARPi therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated 32,925 Caucasians and 4,263 African Americans (AA) OC patients at day zero. The cumulative incidence of receiving PARPi therapy at 2, 3, 4 and 5 years in Caucasians vs AA was 1.34% vs 0.88%, 1.98% vs 1.20%, 2.47% vs 1.49%, and 2.73% vs 1.61%, respectively. Analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) in patients receiving the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Women’s health is a paramount concern in contemporary healthcare, with particular attention being paid to pharmacoequity in cancer care. This real-world data study highlights the existence of racial disparities in treatment utilization and outcomes among African Americans and Caucasian OC patients. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve outcomes for all women with OC.