A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals significant disparities in access to pituitary adenoma resection at high-volume facilities (HVFs) in the United States. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine analyzed data from the National Cancer Database, examining 57,807 adults diagnosed with pituitary adenomas between 2004 and 2019. The study found that access to HVFs, which perform at least 25 pituitary adenoma resections annually, is influenced by racial and socioeconomic factors.
The findings indicate that older age, non-White race/ethnicity, and Medicaid insurance are associated with lower access to HVFs. Specifically, African American and Hispanic patients have significantly lower odds of undergoing surgery at HVFs compared to White patients. Additionally, individuals living in rural areas, those with lower incomes, and those from zip codes with higher percentages of adults who did not complete high school are less likely to receive surgical care at HVFs.
The study highlights the superior surgical outcomes at HVFs compared to low-volume facilities (LVFs), emphasizing the importance of equitable access to high-quality care. Despite an overall increase in access to HVFs over time, disparities persist, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities. Researchers call for further efforts to ensure that all patients, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic background, can benefit from the advanced care provided at HVFs.
See: “Disparities Persist in Pituitary Adenoma Resection at High-Volume Facilities” (May 6, 2025)
