Exploring Bone Oncology in a Medically Underserved Area: A Retrospective Cohort of Bone Metastases and Malignant Bone Neoplasia in the Rio Grande Valley
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a developing clinical research region characterized by its distinctive demographic profile that offers an opportunity to investigate diverse health issues. This pilot investigation sought to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics linked to bone metastases and primary malignant bone neoplasms (PMBNs) in patients from the RGV and to compare the frequency of these conditions with the US general population. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review in which data were gathered from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley UTHealth electronic database from January 1, 2018 to September 4, 2024. Various statistical analyses were performed to assess the demographic and clinical data. RESULTS: ) and weight (-17.6 kg) than those with PMBN. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial research indicates age and body weight variations among individuals with bone metastases and PMBN in the RGV, as well as differences in frequency of bone metastases and PMBN in this medically underserved region compared with the general US population. Despite the limited sample size, our results necessitate further exploration in a larger cohort to elucidate any demographic and clinical differences in bone metastases and PMBN subtypes in medically underserved areas.
Source: Southern Medical Journal
Authors: Blake C. Martin, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga, Michael D. Sander
Institution: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4416972014