2024 Hot Topic in Basic & Translational Science: Tolerance & Resistance to Targeted Therapy in NSCLC - Posters-PP01.25: Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic and Geographic Factors on Immunotherapy Discontinuation and Success in Northern Ontario: A Retrospective, Single-Center Cohort Study

PP01.25: Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic and Geographic Factors on Immunotherapy Discontinuation and Success in Northern Ontario: A Retrospective, Single-Center Cohort Study

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This study explores the challenges faced by cancer patients in Northern Ontario undergoing immunotherapy, focusing specifically on socioeconomic and geographic factors that impact treatment discontinuation rates. Data was collected from the electronic medical records of 450 cancer patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2022, with detailed analysis performed on 96 cases that included complete data on patient outcomes, such as death.<br /><br />Key findings indicate that geographic and lifestyle factors, such as location, smoking, professional shortages, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, have significant effects on treatment outcomes. The study found that treatment progression was a leading cause for immunotherapy discontinuation, accounting for 62% of the cases. Pneumonitis endocrinopathy was the most prevalent, especially among lung cancer patients. On average, patients underwent 7 cycles of immunotherapy, but the number ranged between 1 and 34 cycles.<br /><br />Smoking was noted as a significant risk factor, with a prevalence of 88% among the patients studied. Rural patients were less tolerant of treatments, with an 80% intolerance rate compared to 60% for urban patients. This intolerance in rural areas may be linked to limited access to healthcare, delayed diagnoses, advanced diseases, and psychological and social challenges.<br /><br />The study emphasizes the intricate relationship between geographic and socioeconomic factors and the efficacy of immunotherapy. It suggests that these factors profoundly influence treatment responses due to limited access to healthcare resources and additional stressors unique to rural populations. Consequently, this highlights the need for tailored healthcare strategies to better support rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer patients in Northern Ontario.

Asset Subtitle

Alesha Bishop

Keywords

cancer patients

immunotherapy

Northern Ontario

socioeconomic factors

geographic factors

treatment discontinuation

healthcare infrastructure

rural healthcare

smoking risk

treatment outcomes