Disparities in access to optimal glioma care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Disparities in neuro-oncologic care are increasingly recognized, but their cumulative impact across the glioma treatment continuum remains unclear. Prior studies have largely examined isolated aspects of care without integrating access, treatment delivery, and survival outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and guidelines. Observational studies published between 2010 and 2025 examining socioeconomic, insurance-related, geographic, or health-system disparities in adult glioma were identified. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using random-effects models. RESULTS: = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: Structural disadvantage is associated with reduced access to care, lower treatment intensity, and worse survival in adult glioma, underscoring the need for system-level interventions to address socioeconomic and geographic inequities. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD420261277787.