Identification of Disparities in Personalized Cancer Care—A Joint Approach of the German WERA Consortium
Florian Lüke, Florian Haller, Kirsten Utpatel, Markus Krebs, Norbert Meidenbauer, Alexander Scheiter, Silvia Spoerl, Daniel Heudobler, Daniela Sparrer, Ulrich Kaiser, Felix Keil, Christoph Schubart, Lars Tögel, Sabine Einhell, Wolfgang Dietmaier, Ralf Huss, Sebastian Dintner, Sebastian Sommer, Frank Jordan, Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler, Michaela Metz, Diana Haake, Mithun Scheytt, Elena Hartmann, Katja Maurus, Stephanie Brändlein, Andreas Rosenwald, Arndt Hartmann, Bruno Märkl, Hermann Einsele, Andréas Mackensen, Wolfgang Herr, Volker Kunzmann, Ralf C. Bargou, Matthias W. Beckmann, Tobias Pukrop, Martin Trepel, Matthias Evert, Rainer Claus, Alexander Kerscher
Abstract
(1) Background: molecular tumor boards (MTBs) are crucial instruments for discussing and allocating targeted therapies to suitable cancer patients based on genetic findings. Currently, limited evidence is available regarding the regional impact and the outreach component of MTBs; (2) Methods: we analyzed MTB patient data from four neighboring Bavarian tertiary care oncology centers in Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg, and Augsburg, together constituting the WERA Alliance. Absolute patient numbers and regional distribution across the WERA-wide catchment area were weighted with local population densities; (3) Results: the highest MTB patient numbers were found close to the four cancer centers. However, peaks in absolute patient numbers were also detected in more distant and rural areas. Moreover, weighting absolute numbers with local population density allowed for identifying so-called white spots-regions within our catchment that were relatively underrepresented in WERA MTBs; (4) Conclusions: investigating patient data from four neighboring cancer centers, we comprehensively assessed the regional impact of our MTBs. The results confirmed the success of existing collaborative structures with our regional partners. Additionally, our results help identifying potential white spots in providing precision oncology and help establishing a joint WERA-wide outreach strategy.