National Cancer Institute 5R01CA287360-02

A Systems Theory Approach to the Study of Colon and Lung Cancer Survivorship Using Novel Data Linkages

This award funds a project to study colon and lung cancer survivorship using novel data linkages to examine targeted therapies, co-morbidities, and multi-level contributors to survival outcomes, aiming to improve cancer care and survivorship.

Description

We will conduct innovative linkages between our state cancer registry, all-payer claims data, and mental health treatment sources from the South Carolina Integrated Data Warehouse to create a population-based cohort of cancer patients (including < 65 years of age) that will allow us to comprehensively examine utilization of emerging and novel targeted therapies, the joint and individual effects of treatment and co-morbidities, and multi-level contributors across multiple domains to cancer survival trajectories. While we have made significant improvements in cancer prevention and control since the 1950’s, a significant number of individuals do not receive novel treatments such as targeted therapies. Lung and colon cancer survival can be significantly improved with utilization of novel and emerging targeted therapies. Furthermore, a comprehensive (including diagnosis and all treatment courses) and national cancer surveillance system that includes younger cancer survivors (< 65 years of age) is currently impossible in our current cancer registry infrastructure. The investigation aims to examine patterns of targeted therapies, effects of co-morbidities, and modifiable, multi-level contributors on treatment outcomes and survival trajectories. Specific aims include examining access to care, effects of co-morbidities, applying geospatial approaches to identify modifiable targets, and disseminating findings to improve cancer survivorship.

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