Enhancing Catchment Area Tools: A De-Identification Method for Integrating Clinical Trial Data with Cancer InFocus.

Abstract

Background: National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers are entrusted with assessing the cancer burden within their catchment areas and using this information to guide research and outreach efforts. Data visualizations, like Cancer InFocus, have emerged as essential tools for facilitating this effort. Integrating clinical trial accrual data can further enhance our understanding of the catchment area. However, these data must be de-identified in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This study introduces a de-identification method through geographic aggregation, ensuring HIPAA compliance and enabling comprehensive catchment area surveillance.

Methods: Home addresses of patients enrolled in clinical trials at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center were geocoded to census tracts. Tracts with less than 20 accruals were merged using the R geographic aggregation tool. A risk assessment was conducted to ensure low re-identification risk. Accrual rates were calculated and integrated into Cancer InFocus.

Results: Successful aggregation exceeded the 20-patient threshold for all merged tracts with low re-identification risk. Disparities between clinical trial accruals and social determinants of health were identified.

Discussion: The geographic aggregation method, compliant with HIPAA standards and integrated with Cancer InFocus, can enhance catchment area surveillance, furthering cancer research and outreach by pinpointing area-specific needs.