Medical Record Level-Evaluation of Impact of Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Outcomes at Children's Hospital Colorado

Abstract Purpose A medical record-level cohort study to investigate demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing treatment, timing of care, and survival outcomes in pediatric patients diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Methods Using electronic health records of patients at Children's Hospital Colorado from 1986–2020, we identified 898 patients treated for CNS tumors. The primary outcomes of interest were 5-year survival, timing of diagnosis, and treatment. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to identify covariates associated with our outcomes of interest. Results We found that age, race, tumor type, diagnosis year, and social concerns influenced receipt and timing of treatment. Age, race, patient rural vs. urban residence, and tumor impacted survival outcomes. Time to presentation and treatment were significantly different between White and minority patients. American Indian/Alaska Native and Black patients were less likely to receive chemo compared to White patients (OR 0.28, 0.93 p = 0.037, < 0.001). Patients with 3 + social concerns were more likely to survive after 5 years than children with no or unknown social concerns (OR 1.84, p = 0.011). However, with an adjusted hazards ratio, children with 2 social concerns were less likely to survive to 5 years than children with no or unknown concerns (OR 0.58, p = 0.066). Conclusions Demographic and socioeconomic factors influence timing of care and survival outcomes in pediatric patients with CNS tumors. Minority status, age, social factors, rural, and urban patients experience differences in care. This emphasizes the importance of considering these factors and addressing disparities to achieve equitable care.