Analysis of Outpatient HER2 Testing in New York State Using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System

Erik Hefti, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
David M. Jacobs, The State University of New York at Buffalo
Khyatiben Rana, East Coast Institute for Research
Javier G. Blanco, The State University of New York at Buffalo

Abstract

Background: Human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) testing is necessary in the context of therapy with trastuzumab, pertuzumab, lapatinib, and neratinib. There is a paucity of reports describing the utilization rates of HER2 testing in large outpatient populations.

Methods: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) was used to examine HER2 testing across the state of New York during the 2012-2016 period.

Results: There was a linear increase in HER2 testing (r = 0.91, p = 0.030). There were increases in HER2 testing observed among minorities, including a 0.5-fold and 3.5-fold increases in individuals identified as black and Asian, respectively. Major state population centers showed the highest HER2 testing.

Conclusions: This study establishes a platform to further evaluate clinical utility, outcomes, and equity of access for “precision oncology” testing.