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Disparities in Neuro-Oncology

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Abstract

Purposeof Review

Health disparities are preventable differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of many diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This review will summarize and compile the existing literature on health disparities in neuro-oncology and provide directions for future research and interventions.

Recent Findings

Patients from historically marginalized groups are more likely to receive inadequate treatment, develop complications, and experience a shorter life expectancy. Financial toxicity can be particularly severe for patients with CNS tumors due to the high costs of treatment. Additionally, CNS clinical trials and research lack diverse representation.

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Data Availability

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Nara Miriam Michaelson

  2. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA

    Amanda Watsula

  3. Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Anu Bakare-Okpala & Joshua A. Budhu

  4. Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, C719, USA

    Maliheh Mohamadpour & Joshua A. Budhu

  5. Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA

    Ugonma N. Chukwueke

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N.M., A.W, A.B.O., M.M., U.N.C., and J.A.B. wrote the main manuscript text. N.M. prepared figure 1. All authors reviewed the mansucript. J.A.B conceived the manuscript and had final approval of the text and images.

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Correspondence to Joshua A. Budhu.

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Michaelson, N.M., Watsula, A., Bakare-Okpala, A. et al. Disparities in Neuro-Oncology. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 23, 815–825 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-023-01314-x

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