DISP-09. Exploratory retrospective study of geographical and socioeconomic differences in outcomes in glioblastoma patients across the state of Maine

Abstract BACKGROUND Maine has a high incidence rate of brain cancer even when adjusted for age. We looked at socioeconomic status (SES) and geographic factors as potential contributors to outcomes of glioblastoma. While Maine is an overall rural state, the geographic variation within the state may allow us to assess the impact of within stated geographic and SES differences on survival. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of glioblastoma patients who received treatment through Maine Medical Center from 2010-2022. Stratification was done via geographic and SES subgroups. Geographic location was expressed by county and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) code. Median county income was used as surrogate measure of SES. Low income was designated as median income less than $50,000. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log rand test was used to compare survival amongst rural and income stratification. RESULTS One hundred sixty-four patients were analyzed with the majority from 16 counties of Maine. Eighty patients (48.8%) were from urban areas, 42 (25.6%) were from suburban regions and 41 (25%) were from rural regions. No difference in survival was noted (p = 0.87). Of 150 evaluable patients for SES, 35 (23%) were low SES; there was no difference in survival between low income versus middle/high income (p = 0.79). Finally, we looked at Optune use and enrollment in clinical trials. There was no correlation between Optune usage based on low income (p =0.29) or urban location (p=0.64) or clinical trial enrollment based on low income (p=0.19) or urban location (p=0.59). DISCUSSION This initial exploratory analysis of outcomes in a rural state shows that survival outcomes do not seem to vary based on SES or geographic location. Access to Optune and clinical trials did not vary based on SES and geography. The current limited sample size may affect findings though clinically relevant trends were noted.