Search

668 Background: We investigated the impact of distance traveled to a tertiary care center for treatment in the management and outcomes of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: Patients treated for operable PDAC at a single institution from 2010-2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data was collected on demographics, tumor characteristics, social determinants of health, diagnostic/staging work-up, surgical details, and outcomes. Patients were divided into three groups based on distance from our institution: Group A, 11-50 miles, or Group C, > 50 miles. The primary outcome was two-year survival. Results: There were 314 patients included. The mean age was 67.6+10.5 years. Patients farther from the hospital were less likely to undergo CT with contrast (Group B 97.1% versus Group C 89.0%, p = 0.02) and more likely to get MRCP (Group A 17.0% versus Group C 36.3%, p = 0.01) for staging. Distance was also associated with increased time to first encounter with medical or surgical oncology (Group A 6 days versus Group C 9 days, p = 0.02) and treatment initiation (Group A 22 days versus Group C 28 days, p < 0.001). There were no differences in postoperative complications, length of stay, discharge disposition, or follow-up. Two-year survival was better in Group A than Group B (54.1% versus 35.5%, p = 0.04). There was no difference in five-year survival. In the multivariable model for two-year survival, no patient or tumor characteristics were significant. Conclusions: In this PDAC population, patients living farther from a tertiary cancer center had worse two-year postoperative survival. Prospective studies in this area are needed.