Disparity of the Treatment of Unresectable Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Regarding Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study investigates disparities in chemotherapy treatment for unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between urban and rural populations. Despite advancements in NSCLC treatments enhancing survival, significant inequities persist, notably in rural areas where access to care is often limited, resulting in poorer outcomes. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we analyzed data from selected studies that compare chemotherapy access and usage between these populations from 2010 to 2024. Our findings indicate that rural patients are consistently less likely to receive advanced chemotherapy treatments than urban counterparts, with a pooled odds ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-1.00), suggesting a marginal but noticeable disparity. This highlights a crucial gap in healthcare provision, underscoring the need for policy interventions and improved healthcare practices to ensure equitable treatment access. This research calls for further investigation into socioeconomic and cultural factors contributing to these disparities to inform targeted improvement strategies.