A lung cancer patient from a deprived area is less likely to receive a targeted drug than a wealthier patient with the same tumour type — but no one has measured exactly how big that gap is across the UK. This project will quantify those disparities for the first time, using NHS Digital records from 2018 onward to map who gets genomic testing and who receives the novel therapies that follow. The researchers will focus on melanoma and lung cancer, two common solid tumours where precision oncology now drives treatment decisions. Without this data, the NHS cannot target resources to close the access gap. If the work succeeds, it will provide the first national picture of socio-demographic inequities in genomic testing and novel therapeutics, enabling policymakers and cancer alliances to design interventions that reach the patients currently being left behind. The project is primarily a feasibility study for a future PhD, but its immediate output — a clear, quantitative map of who gets what — is a prerequisite for any serious effort to make precision oncology equitable across the UK.
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BACKGROUND Socio-demographic inequities are recognised as impacting patients with cancer throughout their journey from diagnosis to treatment decisions. Genomic testing for targetable mutations and subsequent access to treatments is increasingly important across many solid tumour types. Previous research has identified socio-economic disparities in access to novel therapeutics in lung cancer. Melanoma and lung cancers represent common solid tumour types where genomic testing has impact on patient care and treatment decisions, moving towards a precision Oncology model. Currently, the extent of inequities of access to these rapidly evolving testing and treatment pathways is not known. AIMS In recognising the inequity of access to cancer care in the UK, we aim to advance our understanding of disparities of access to genomic testing and novel therapeutics by aiming: To characterise the socio-demographics of patients with melanoma and lung cancers receiving genomic testing in the UK. To characterise the receipt of novel therapeutics for patients with melanoma and lung cancers in the UK To assess for socio-demographic disparities in access to genomic testing and novel therapeutics in the UK. METHODS Data is proposed to be obtained from NHS Digital Data Access Request Service in accordance with their data security and protection standards. This should detail socio-demographic characteristics of patients with melanoma and lung cancer and receipt of genomic testing and treatment modalities. This field has expanded rapidly since 2018 therefore data specifically after this time to as recently as feasible would be of interest. Data will be analysed for descriptive and inferential statistics utilising appropriate information technology programmes to establish present disparities of access in the UK. HOW THE RESEARCH WILL BE USED This research will be used as preliminary data to assess feasibility of and generate an application for a PhD focussing on novel cancer care socio-demographic inequities. The current extent of such disparities of access are not yet characterised and through enhanced understanding of these targeted interventions may be planned. This will contribute to the more equitable cancer care for all patients in the era of precision Oncology.
Research Careers Committee - Training Intervention
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