A study presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting found that among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), those who are Black, Hispanic, or have non-commercial insurance face nearly a 50% increase in the odds of a delay in initiating neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The research analyzed data from the National Cancer Database, focusing on patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2020.
Lead author Dr. [Name not verified] from [Institution not verified] stated, 'These disparities in timely treatment initiation are concerning and highlight the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to care.' The study defined a delay as starting NACT more than eight weeks after diagnosis, a timeframe associated with worse outcomes.
Specifically, Black patients had 48% higher odds of delay, Hispanic patients 46% higher odds, and those with Medicaid or no insurance had 52% higher odds compared to White or commercially insured patients. The findings underscore persistent inequities in cancer care delivery in the United States.
