Population Variations in the Initial Treatment of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose Dissemination of recommended therapies for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been described comprehensively. We report the patterns of initial therapy focusing on the investigation of differences in receipt of recommended therapies according to multiple clinical and nonclinical patient characteristics. Methods A population-based random sample of newly diagnosed NSCLC patients diagnosed in 10 separate geographic areas was collected in 1996 (n = 898). Data were obtained from medical records. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the use of recommended therapies. Results Overall, 52% of NSCLC patients received recommended therapy. Approximately 69%, 48%, and 41% of patients with stages I and II, III, or IV NSCLC received recommended therapy, respectively. For all stages combined, the use of recommended therapy was significantly inversely associated with age and stage at diagnosis. Recommended therapy also was more common in white versus black patients, and in married versus single...