Cancer survivorship care plans, financial toxicity, and financial planning alleviating financial distress among cancer survivors

Financial toxicity of total cancer care immunotherapy patients and caregivers: impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and inflation

PURPOSE

Financial toxicity, cancer-treatment-related financial harm, is associated with expensive treatments like immunotherapy. The purpose of this study was to explore financial toxicity among advanced cancer patients receiving immunotherapies and their caregivers and, secondarily, to study how recent inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted these experiences.

METHODS

Advanced cancer patients receiving immunotherapies and their caregivers were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews about supportive care needs from 2022 to 2023. The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity was collected. Guided by Jones et al.'s cancer financial toxicity model, the content analysis was conducted by two trained coders using NVIVO R1.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients and 10 caregivers (including 7 dyads) across 5 states participated in interviews in 2022-2023. Participants averaged 63.43 years (SD = 12.75), and patients received an average of 14.6 months of immunotherapy (SD = 9.415). The majority lived in non-metropolitan areas (67%) and were white (95%). Three theory-driven themes were developed: (1) Sources of Financial Toxicity, (2) Buffers of Financial Toxicity, and (3) Consequences of Financial Toxicity. Inflation was added to financial toxicity for non-metropolitan dwelling participants due to increased prices of gas and accommodation. Social support systems buffered the impact of financial toxicity. Material and psychological impacts of financial toxicity disproportionately affected younger and privately insured participants.

CONCLUSION

While immunotherapy patients face high medical costs of treatment, the burdens of accessing treatment for people living at a distance from the cancer center can exacerbate financial toxicity. Clinicians and researchers should also consider external financial pressures such as national economic impacts that compound the financial toxicity of treatment.

Addition of prophylactic compression garments to standard care to prevent irreversible lower limb lymphoedema after gynaeco-oncological therapy (Gynolymph): protocol for a randomised controlled trial embedded within an observation cohort study

INTRODUCTION

In female patients diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, the main priority is treating cancer itself. However, a significant number of these patients develop lower limb lymphoedema (LLL), with its incidence strongly influenced by the diagnostic cut-off (a difference in leg circumference between both legs of 5% or 10%). LLL significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL) due to functional impairment, the daily time investment required for treatment, financial costs and affected body image. Additionally, it increases the risk of cellulitis, often leading to hospitalisation for intravenous antibiotics. Timely recognition and acknowledgement of symptoms are crucial first steps in improving the QoL for these women. LLL is a common and irreversible complication following treatment for gynaecological cancer. Despite its clinical significance, there are limited prospective studies investigating LLL incidence, risk factors, early detection and clinical course in this patient population. Therefore, the objective of this observational cohort study is to investigate the incidence rate of stage 0-1 or stage 2-3 LLL based on the International Society of Lymphology criteria in the first 2 years after gynaecological cancer treatment. The embedded randomised control study (RCT) examines the added value of prophylactic compression garments (class II) to standard care in preventing irreversible lymphoedema after gynaeco-oncological therapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In June 2022, two university hospitals in Belgium initiated a multicentre observational cohort study, which also includes an embedded RCT. The study aims to enrol 400 patients before they begin cancer treatment or within 14 days of starting chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. This cohort will be followed for up to 2 years. The embedded RCT will focus on patients who develop clinical lymphoedema stage 0-1 within the first 12 months following their initial cancer treatment. A total of 196 patients will be randomised into two groups: the intervention group (98 patients), receiving usual care plus prophylactic compression garments (compression class 2 (CCL2): 23-32 mm Hg), and the control group (98 patients), receiving only usual care. The RCT aims to assess the impact of adding prophylactic compression garments to standard care on further deterioration. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and at 3, 12 and 24 months after initial cancer treatment. An additional assessment (T-visit) will be provided if there is a transition to LLL stage 0-1 or from stage 0-1 to stage 2-3 LLL, based on follow-up findings or patient initiative, using the predictive value of a validated self-report lower extremity questionnaire. This questionnaire is part of a lymph diary app provided to all patients. The primary outcome of the observational study is to determine the incidence rate of stage 0-1 or stage 2-3 LLL in the first 2 years after gynaecological cancer treatment. The primary outcome of the RCT is to evaluate the effect of wearing CCL2 preventive garments to avoid progression to higher-stage lymphoedema in patients who develop LLL within 1 year of treatment. Key secondary outcomes of the observational study include the timing of the development of LLL, risk factors for developing LLL and the impact of LLL on QoL and sexuality, as well as the evaluation of screening and diagnostic tools. The secondary outcomes of the RCT include tolerance and compliance with wearing the preventive compressive garments, the impact of the garments on limb volume and the patient's time and financial investment.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the two academic hospitals: the University Hospital of Ghent in September 2021 and the University Hospital of Leuven in December 2021. Approval has been granted for the study protocol, informed consent forms and other related documents by the main Ethics Committee of Ghent (BC-09915) and the local Ethics Committee of Leuven (S65724). All patients will provide written informed consent before participating in the trial. The results will be shared through peer-reviewed journals and presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05469945.

Experienced financial toxicity among long-term cancer survivors: results from a national cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE

Financial toxicity, the subjective distress caused by objective financial burden, significantly impacts cancer survivors. Yet, enduring effects on survivors remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the experienced objective financial burden and subjective financial distress in long-term cancer survivors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional nationwide online survey of adult cancer survivors ≥ 5y after diagnosis were analyzed. Objective financial burden was measured via extra expenses and income loss, while subjective financial distress covered psychological well-being, coping and support-seeking behavior, and financial concerns. Groups were compared (i.e., having cancer vs. former patients) by t-tests and chi-squared tests. Financial toxicity was visualized with Sankey plots and sunburst diagrams.

RESULTS

4,675 respondents completed the survey, of whom 2,391 (51%) were ≥ 5y after their cancer diagnosis. Among them, 75% experienced income loss and/or extra expenses after diagnosis. One-third of the previously employed respondents relied on work disability benefits. Further, 'being unable to make ends meet' increased from 2% before diagnosis to 13% ≥ 5y after diagnosis (p < .001). Additionally, 58% reported negative psychological impacts of financial toxicity, and 47% worried about their financial future.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors often face income loss and additional expenses, leading to ongoing financial difficulties that affect their psychological well-being. Despite this significant impact, there is a lack of guidance and support to help them manage these financial challenges. These findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to recognize and address the financial challenges.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

This study underscores the widespread financial challenges cancer survivors encounter, emphasizing the need for ongoing financial support and comprehensive assessments of their physical and psychological well-being.

Metastatic patterns and treatment options for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (Review)

According to current predictions, one-fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) most commonly occurs in the head and neck region, which is the area of the body with the highest level of sun exposure. High-risk head and neck cSCC (HNcSCC) is a broad category with numerous high-risk factors that are associated with unfavorable results. In cSCC staging systems, clinical and tumor traits that are likely to result in poor outcomes are identified. Metastasis occurs in ~2.5% of patients with cSCC, most often in the local lymph nodes, and there is some indication that lymph node metastasis has a distinct pattern based on the tumor site. Current findings on tumor molecular targets have suggested the use of systemic treatments, particularly immunotherapy (such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab), over radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of metastasis. However, when used simultaneously with immunotherapy, radiotherapy may be beneficial in the treatment of metastatic HNcSCC by improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. The present review aims to assess the existing literature on metastatic HNcSCC pathways and treatment options, in order to define current and future directions. Notably, there is an urgent need to identify patients who may benefit from local or systemic cancer treatments. The treatment of lymph node metastasis presents a therapeutic challenge and requires comprehensive management.

ESMO expert consensus statements on the screening and management of financial toxicity in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Financial toxicity, defined as both the objective financial burden and subjective financial distress from a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, is a topic of interest in the assessment of the quality of life of patients with cancer and their families. Current evidence implicates financial toxicity in psychosocial, economic and other harms, leading to suboptimal cancer outcomes along the entire trajectory of diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, survivorship and palliation. This paper presents the results of a virtual consensus, based on the evidence base to date, on the screening and management of financial toxicity in patients with and beyond cancer organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in 2022.

METHODS

A Delphi panel of 19 experts from 11 countries was convened taking into account multidisciplinarity, diversity in health system contexts and research relevance. The international panel of experts was divided into four working groups (WGs) to address questions relating to distinct thematic areas: patients with cancer at risk of financial toxicity; management of financial toxicity during the initial phase of treatment at the hospital/ambulatory settings; financial toxicity during the continuing phase and at end of life; and financial risk protection for survivors of cancer, and in cancer recurrence. After comprehensively reviewing the literature, statements were developed by the WGs and then presented to the entire panel for further discussion and amendment, and voting.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 25 evidence-informed consensus statements were developed, which answer 13 questions on financial toxicity. They cover evidence summaries, practice recommendations/guiding statements and policy recommendations relevant across health systems. These consensus statements aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of financial toxicity and guide clinicians globally in mitigating its impact, emphasizing the importance of further research, best practices and guidelines.

Banking on Fertility Preservation: Financial Concern for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients Considering Oncofertility Services

Purpose: Financial concern is a major issue for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Furthermore, unaddressed oncofertility challenges (e.g., infertility) are linked to psychological distress and decreased overall quality of life. Little is known about how financial concern in terms of oncofertility (i.e., concern regarding affording fertility preservation [FP] services) impacts AYAs' decision making and experiences. Methods: AYA cancer patients (n = 27) aged 12-25 years whose cancer treatment conferred risk of infertility were recruited through electronic health record query. Participants completed semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and deductively coded for themes related to information needs, knowledge of treatment effects on fertility, and reproductive concerns after cancer. Emergent, inductive themes related to financial concern were identified. The Institutional Review Board at the University of Michigan approved this study (HUM#00157267). Results: Financial concern was a dominant theme across the qualitative data. Emergent themes included (1) varied access to health insurance, (2) presence of parental/guardian support, (3) reliance upon financial aid, (4) negotiating infertility risk, and (5) lack of preparation for long-term costs. AYAs relied heavily upon parents for out-of-pocket and insurance coverage support. Some participants sought financial aid when guided by providers. Several participants indicated that no financial support existed for their circumstance. Conclusions: Financial consequences in terms of oncofertility are a major issue affecting AYA cancer patients. The incidence and gravity of financial concern surrounding affording oncofertility services merits attention in future research (measuring financial resources of AYAs' parental/support networks), clinical practice (strategically addressing short- and long-term costs; tailored psychosocial support), and health care policy (promoting legislation to mandate pre- and post-treatment FP coverage).

'Survivorship care is one big gap': a qualitative study of post-treatment supportive care in Aotearoa New Zealand

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the provision of supportive care services and programmes for cancer survivors post-treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). It aims to aid our understanding of an often challenging and fragmented phase of cancer survivorship, and lay the groundwork for future research into the development of survivorship care in NZ.

METHODS

This study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with a range of healthcare providers (n = 47) involved in service provision for cancer survivors post active treatment, including supportive care providers; clinical and allied health providers; primary health providers; and Māori health providers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We found that cancer survivors in NZ face a range of psycho-social and physical issues post-treatment. The provision of supportive care to meet these needs is currently fragmented and inequitable. The key barriers to improved supportive care provision for cancer survivors post-treatment include a lack of capacity and resources within the existing cancer care framework; divergent attitudes to survivorship care within the cancer care workforce; and a lack of clarity around whose responsibility post-treatment survivorship care is.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-treatment cancer survivorship should be established as a distinct phase of cancer care. Measures could include greater leadership in the survivorship space; the implementation of a survivorship model(s) of care; and the use of survivorship care plans; all of which could help improve referral pathways, and clarify clinical responsibility for post-treatment survivorship care.

Financial toxicity in patients with leukemia undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review

Financial toxicity (FT) is a term used to describe the objective financial burden of cancer care including the associated coping behaviors used by patients and their caregivers. FT has been shown to result in both direct financial burdens and in clinically relevant outcomes, such as non-adherence with care, diminished quality of life, and even decreased overall survival. Much of the data has been described in solid tumors, with limited investigations in the malignant hematology population. Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) face a unique financial burden driven by lengthy hospitalizations and acute and chronic morbidity that have downstream implications on their income and costs. In this review, we discuss the prevalence of FT in patients with leukemia who are eligible for HSCT. We review the impact of FT on financial and clinical outcomes and the role of various interventions that have been studied within this population.

Impact of a Comprehensive Financial Resource on Financial Toxicity in a National, Multiethnic Sample of Adult, Adolescent/Young Adult, and Pediatric Patients With Cancer

PURPOSE

Financial toxicity is a well-recognized problem for patients with cancer. However, a crucial gap remains in describing and implementing mitigation strategies. We conducted a national survey of a multiethnic adolescent/pediatric and adult patient population served by Family Reach, a nonprofit organization focused on removing financial barriers to cancer care, to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive financial resource on patient-reported financial toxicity.

METHODS

An electronic survey was administered to characterize patients' current financial health and the impact of Family Reach's resources on financial toxicity. The survey was e-mailed to all patients or caregivers who received resources from Family Reach between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Factors associated with higher financial stress and higher potential impact of resources on financial burden were evaluated through separate multivariate regression models. Qualitative responses were analyzed using manual coding and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty socioeconomically and racially diverse respondents (overall response rate 40%; 46% non-Hispanic White; 48% with incomes below the federal poverty line) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. More than half of respondents reported high financial stress in the previous week. Hispanic ethnicity, Black race, and low annual household income were associated with higher financial toxicity. A greater amount of financial assistance was associated with a higher confidence rating that resources provided would decrease financial stress. In open-ended comments, respondents highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting job loss on financial toxicity, the importance of financial navigation, the benefits of financial assistance, and anxiety about long-term financial health.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive financial resource, particularly financial assistance, alleviated financial toxicity in a multiethnic national sample of patients with cancer. Ongoing work is critical to address sustainable funding sources and financial navigation to support patients during treatment and survivorship.

Barriers and facilitators to the use of survivorship care plans by hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors and clinicians

PURPOSE

Survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) have complex care needs for the remainder of their lives, known as the survivorship period. Survivorship care plans (SCPs) have been proposed to improve care coordination and ultimately survivorship outcomes. We explored the barriers and facilitators of SCP use among HSCT survivors and their clinicians in order to develop more useful SCPs for the HSCT context.

METHODS

Analogous surveys regarding perceived barriers to and facilitators of SCP use based on a sample SCP for a female allogenic HSCT survivor were administered to HSCT survivors and non-transplant oncology and primary care clinicians.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven HSCT survivors and 18 clinicians completed the survey. The main barriers to SCP use were lack of awareness of SCP existence, uncertainty regarding where to find SCP, unclear roles and responsibilities among healthcare teams, length of SCP, and difficultly understanding SCPs. The facilitators of SCP use were increased understanding of survivorship care needs, clarified roles and responsibilities of survivors and clinicians, SCPs that are readily available and searchable in electronic health record, increased awareness of SCP existence and provision to all survivors, and if the SCP is survivor-specific and up-to-date.

CONCLUSIONS

Much of the work regarding SCPs has looked at barriers to creation and provision; however, our study examines factors influencing use of SCPs. By determining the barriers and facilitators surrounding SCP use for HSCT survivors and their clinicians, we can create SCP templates and clinical workflows to optimize SCP use, ideally leading to better outcomes for HSCT survivors.

Financial assistance programs for cancer patients

Background:

The high costs of oncology care can lead to financial stress and have deleterious effects on the well-being of patients and their families. However, only a handful of financial assistance programs for cancer patients have been implemented and evaluated to date.

Recent findings:

Key features of reported programs include instrumental support through financial navigation or education for patients, and financial or charitable support for healthcare costs. Only one of the programs successfully reduced actual out-of-pocket costs for patients, though others were associated with psychosocial benefits or increased knowledge of financial resources. Four of the 5 programs evaluated to date were pilot studies with small sample sizes, and most lack control groups for comparison.

Conclusions:

Additional studies are needed that include larger sample sizes and with comparison groups of cancer patients in order to determine whether the counseling and navigator programs are effective in addressing financial distress in this patient population. Of particular interest are programs designed for low-income patients and those who lack health care insurance. Financial assistance programs that implement solutions at different levels of the healthcare system (individual patients, providers, healthcare institutions) are more likely to be effective. Multi-level interventions are needed that address the systems in which patients access care, the actual costs of services and drugs, and the individual needs of patients in order to reduce financial hardship for cancer patients.

A cross-sectional study of financial distress in persons with multimorbidity

BACKGROUND

Financial distress among persons with multimorbidity is an important topic which has been inadequately addressed to date.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the extent of financial distress among persons with multimorbidity, using data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, population-based study.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults ages ≥ 18 years with multimorbidity.

MAIN MEASURES

Low income and selected social determinants of health that are indicators of financial distress.

KEY RESULTS

Multimorbidity was more common among those with a household income of less than $15,000 per year (P < 0.001) and among those who were 65 years of age or older (P < 0.001). There was an approximately linear increase in the percentage of individuals who had a household income of less than $15,000 or $25,000 per year with increasing number of morbidities. About one-quarter of individuals who had five or more morbidities had a household income of less than $15,000 per year as compared with 4.49% of individuals with no morbidities (P < 0.001). For all of the social determinants of health examined (Couldn't pay bills, didn't have money for food, didn't have money for balanced meals, didn't have enough money to make ends meet, and felt this kind of stress), there was an approximately linear increase in the percentage of individuals with an indicator of financial distress with increasing number of morbidities. Further research is needed examining the prevalence and correlates of financial distress in this population as well effective strategies for ameliorating its impact on the health and wellbeing of these persons.

Unequal distribution of financial toxicity among people with cancer and its impact on access to care: a rapid review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Research demonstrates that patients and their families often carry a good portion of the economic burden during and following cancer treatment, frequently resulting in implications for access to care. This rapid review summarizes how this knowledge has evolved in recent years.

RECENT FINDINGS

The number of articles on patient financial burden is increasing, suggesting awareness about the growing impact of economic burden on patients. This is particularly evident when discussing out-of-pocket costs, and lost work for patients/caregivers. However, there is an increasing focus on 'foregone care' and 'financial distress'. Additionally, emerging literature is examining policies and approaches to screen and/or mitigate these patient financial risks, thereby improving access to care. There is also increasing focus on populations that shoulder a disproportionate financial burden, including ethnic minorities (blacks, Asians, Latinos) as well as those with lower socioeconomic status. Additionally, there is evidence that this burden also affects the middle class.

SUMMARY

As healthcare budgets become stretched, especially during a pandemic, supportive programs benefiting the less fortunate often shrink, which impacts access to care. The emerging research on strategies with government or institutions to mitigate these burdens and access issues are both welcome and needed.

Exploring the role of general practitioners in addressing financial toxicity in cancer patients

Purpose

Financial toxicity (FT) describes financial distress or hardship as an outcome of cancer and its treatment. Minimising the impact of FT requires early assessment and intervention. General practice plays a significant role in the support of a person with cancer and may have an important role in the management of FT. The purpose of this study was to understand perspectives of general practitioners (GP) on addressing FT in the primary care setting, which may then help inform strategies to further support collaborative efforts to address FT.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive approach was utilised for this study. GPs were recruited through a GP conference and other professional networks using purposive, snowballing sampling techniques. Data collection continued until sufficient rich data had been obtained. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using inductive analysis techniques.

Results

Twenty (n = 20) GPs participated in semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews. GPs identified that their role positions them well to provide some FT support, but there are limitations. Perceptions and philosophies about cancer management were drivers of referrals and financial conversations. Priorities for care of FT by GPs included improved cost information provision and accessible support.

Conclusion

GPs can play an important role in helping to address FT associated with cancer and its treatments if supported with the right information.

Circulating HPV DNA in the Management of Oropharyngeal and Cervical Cancers: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with invasive malignancies, including almost 100% of cervical cancers (CECs), and 35–70% of oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs). HPV infection leads to clinical implications in related tumors by determining better prognosis and predicting treatment response, especially in OPC. Currently, specific and minimally invasive tests allow for detecting HPV-related cancer at an early phase, informing more appropriately therapeutical decisions, and allowing for timely disease monitoring. A blood-based biomarker detectable in liquid biopsy represents an ideal candidate, and the use of circulating HPV DNA (ct-DNA) itself could offer the highest specificity for such a scope. Circulating HPV DNA is detectable in the greatest part of patients affected by HPV-related cancers, and studies have demonstrated its potential usefulness for CEC and OPC clinical management. Unfortunately, when using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the detection rate of serum HPV DNA is low. Innovative techniques such as droplet-based digital PCR and next generation sequencing are becoming increasingly available for the purpose of boosting HPV ct-DNA detection rate. We herein review and critically discuss the most recent and representative literature, concerning the role of HPV ctDNA in OPC and CEC in the light of new technologies that could improve the potential of this biomarker in fulfilling many of the unmet needs in the clinical management of OPC and CEC patients.

Patient-reported financial toxicity, quality of life, and health behaviors in insured US cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Fighting cancer is a costly battle, and understanding the relationship between patient-reported financial toxicity (FT) and health outcomes can help inform interventions for post-treatment cancer survivors.

METHODS

Stages I-III solid tumor, insured US cancer survivors (N = 103) completed a survey addressing FT (as measured by the standardized COST measure) and clinically relevant health outcomes (including health-related quality of life [HRQOL] and adherence to recommended survivorship health behaviors). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess demographic and disease-specific correlates of FT, and to assess the predictive value of FT on HRQOL and adherence to survivorship health behaviors.

RESULTS

Approximately 18% of respondents noted FT levels associated with significant financial burden. In univariate analyses, after correcting for multiple comparisons, greater FT was associated with unpartnered status, non-retirement, and lower level of educational attainment. Greater FT was also significantly associated with HRQOL components of anxiety, fatigue, pain, physical functioning, and social functioning. FT was not significantly associated with any measured survivorship health behaviors. In multivariate analyses, FT was found to be a meaningful predictor of patient-reported anxiety, fatigue, physical functioning, and social functioning above and beyond theoretically and statistically relevant demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Although overall levels of FT were lower among cancer survivors in this sample, as compared with active treatment patients assessed in previous studies, financial burden continued to be a concern for a significant minority of cancer survivors and was associated with components of reduced HRQOL. Further research is needed to understand FT among underinsured survivors and those treated in community oncology settings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Incorporation of FT assessment into survivorship care planning could enhance clinical assessment of survivors' FT vulnerability, help address the dynamic and persistent challenges of survivorship, and help identify those most in need of intervention across the cancer care continuum.

Plasma Circulating Tumor HPV DNA for the Surveillance of Cancer Recurrence in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

PURPOSE

Plasma circulating tumor human papillomavirus DNA (ctHPVDNA) is a sensitive and specific biomarker of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We investigated whether longitudinal monitoring of ctHPVDNA during post-treatment surveillance could accurately detect clinical disease recurrence.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A prospective biomarker clinical trial was conducted among patients with nonmetastatic HPV-associated (p16-positive) OPSCC. All patients were treated with curative-intent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Patients underwent a 3-month post-CRT positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan and were thereafter clinically evaluated every 2-4 months (years 1-2), then every 6 months (years 3-5). Chest imaging was performed every 6 months. Blood specimens were collected every 6-9 months for analysis of plasma ctHPVDNA using a multianalyte digital polymerase chain reaction assay. The primary endpoint was to estimate the negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of ctHPVDNA surveillance.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen patients were enrolled, and 1,006 blood samples were analyzed. After a median follow-up time of 23 months (range, 6.1-54.7 months), 15 patients (13%) developed disease recurrence. Eighty-seven patients had undetectable ctHPVDNA at all post-treatment time points, and none developed recurrence (NPV, 100%; 95% CI, 96% to 100%). Twenty-eight patients developed a positive ctHPVDNA during post-treatment surveillance, 15 of whom were diagnosed with biopsy-proven recurrence. Sixteen patients had 2 consecutively positive ctHPVDNA blood tests, 15 of whom developed biopsy-proven recurrence. Two consecutively positive ctHPVDNA blood tests had a PPV of 94% (95% CI, 70% to 99%). Median lead time between ctHPVDNA positivity and biopsy-proven recurrence was 3.9 months (range, 0.37-12.9 months).

CONCLUSION

Detection of ctHPVDNA in two consecutive plasma samples during post-treatment surveillance has high PPV and NPV for identifying disease recurrence in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer and may facilitate earlier initiation of salvage therapy.

Implementing routine communication about costs of cancer treatment: perspectives of providers, patients, and caregivers

OBJECTIVES

Rising costs in oncology care often impact patients and families directly, making communication about costs and financial impacts of treatment crucial. Cost expenditures could offer opportunities for estimation and prediction, affording personalized conversations about financial impact. We sought to explore providers', patients', and caregivers' preferences towards implementing communication about cost, including when, how, and by whom such information might be provided.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured phone interviews with a diverse population including 12 oncology providers, 12 patients, and 8 patient caregivers (N = 32). The constant comparative method was used to identify mutually agreed upon themes.

RESULTS

Participant groups differed in their concerns surrounding cost communication, namely whether they want to receive this information and how such information might impact provider and patient treatment decisions. All participants agreed that oncology providers should not be leading cost conversations. Patients and caregivers identified social workers or financial advisors as most equipped to communicate about cost. Participants emphasized timely cost conversations, ideally around the time of diagnosis. Participants favored various metrics of financial impact beyond overall costs of care including disability, days lost from work, and out-of-pocket expenses.

CONCLUSION

Cost transparency should be incorporated into usual care; however, there are several challenges to making cost conversations a part of everyday practice. Patients and family members need resources related to cost to aid in decision-making and those delivering cost information should have competency in oncology, financial advisement, and patient-centered care.

Psychological and Financial Distress Management in Adults With Acute Leukemia

OBJECTIVES

To review and summarize psychological and financial distress in adults with acute leukemia and provide evidence-based methods that nurses can apply to alleviate distress experienced by patients.

DATA SOURCES

Oncology and palliative care literature published over the past decade.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence supports the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to improve psychological well-being and reduce distress for adults undergoing treatment for leukemia.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses play a critical role, not only in identifying patients who are experiencing impaired psychological well-being and high levels of distress, but also in providing prompt support to these patients.

Financial Vulnerability: A Case Study Involving a Patient With Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) face unique financial challenges. Even with stable income and health insurance, many patients become overwhelmed with direct and indirect treatment-associated costs.

OBJECTIVES

This article discusses how prolonged financial burden in patients with cancer can result in compromised patient outcomes.

METHODS

A case study is presented that highlights financial burden associated with reduced income, treatment-related commuting, and challenges in resuming a job while dealing with functional impairments and long-term treatment effects from HNC. It also describes the financial impact on a spousal caregiver.

FINDINGS

Nurses must initiate discussions with their patients about potential and actual financial concerns and barriers to care. In addition, nurses should include repeated assessment of financial health throughout the cancer care trajectory and provide appropriate resources and referrals when issues are identified.