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Kurnot JA, Kaye DR. Reducing financial toxicity in bladder cancer care. Curr Opin Urol 2024:00042307-990000000-00184. [PMID: 39219372 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Financial toxicity is a significant concern for many individuals with bladder cancer, which is, overall, the most expensive malignancy, per patient. Financial toxicity, defined as the harmful effects of treatment costs on an individual's quality of life, is associated with worse outcomes and decreased quality of life. Awareness of the objective and subjective factors that contribute to financial toxicity, and ways to mitigate their effects on patients, is essential to reduce the burden of bladder cancer care. This commentary aims to discuss the elements contributing to financial toxicity amongst bladder cancer patients, identify at-risk populations, and review current and potential strategies for mitigating financial burden. RECENT FINDINGS Bladder cancer is becoming more expensive as the use of novel therapies increases. Early data suggest how some of these novel treatments or changes in treatment delivery may impact costs. Potential innovative strategies for cost reduction include blue light cystoscopy, intravesical gemcitabine-docetaxel rather than BCG for high-risk nonmuscle-invasive patients, home BCG therapy, and surveillance guideline optimization. However, there is still much work to be done on the potential impacts of these treatment on financial toxicity. While there is a paucity of data on treatment changes to reduce financial toxicity, and cost data can be hard to access, clinicians can still reduce the financial burden of cancer care. Awareness, financial toxicity screening, cost communication, and/or early referral to financial navigators or other similar resources have the potential to reduce financial burden. Despite mounting evidence, these tools/techniques are largely underutilized. SUMMARY Many individuals with bladder cancer face significant financial toxicity, with the potential for this to worsen in the setting of rising treatment costs. Novel diagnostic and treatment modifications may reduce financial toxicity. However, awareness, screening, cost discussions, and utilization of financial navigators are tools/techniques that are currently available and should be used to reduce financial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deborah R Kaye
- Department of Urology
- Duke-Margolis Center for Public Policy, Duke University
- Duke Cancer Institute
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Samaha NL, Mady LJ, Armache M, Hearn M, Stemme R, Jagsi R, Gharzai LA. Screening for Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review. J Am Coll Radiol 2024; 21:1380-1397. [PMID: 38762031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the pervasiveness and adverse impacts of financial toxicity (FT) in cancer care, there are no definitive measures for FT screening that have been widely integrated into clinical practice. The aim of this review is to evaluate current methods of assessing FT among patients with cancer and confirm factors associated with higher risk of FT. METHODS A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. We included peer-reviewed studies that cross-sectionally, longitudinally, or prospectively measured the self-reported financial impact of patients undergoing cancer care in the United States. RESULTS Out of 1,085 identified studies, 51 met final inclusion criteria. Outcomes evaluated included FT measures or tools, time and setting of screening, FT prevalence, and sociodemographic or clinical patient-level associated factors. Our findings demonstrate that there is wide variability in FT screening practices including in the timing (diagnosis versus treatment versus survivorship), setting (clinic-based, online, telephone or mail), tools used (21 unique tools, 7 previously validated), and interpretations of screening results (varying FT score cutoffs defining high versus low FT). Younger age, lower income, lower education, non-White race, employment status change, advanced cancer stage, and systemic or radiation therapy were among factors associated with worse FT across the studies. DISCUSSION FT screening remains heterogenous within the United States. With the ever-escalating cost of cancer care, and the strong association between FT and poor patient outcomes, universal and routine FT screening is imperative in cancer care. Further research and multifaceted interventions identifying best practices for FT screening are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia L Samaha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Leila J Mady
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maria Armache
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Madison Hearn
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rachel Stemme
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laila A Gharzai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
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Su ZT, Florissi IS, Mahon KM, Li T, Rezaee ME, Singla N, Patel SH, Townsend JP, Kates MR. Varying the intensity of cystoscopic surveillance for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. BJU Int 2024. [PMID: 39210627 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the clinical, economic, and health utility outcomes associated with alternative cystoscopic surveillance regimens for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HRNMIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed real-world clinical data-driven microsimulations of a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 patients diagnosed with HRNMIBC at age 70 years. The cohort was simulated to undergo alternative surveillance regimens recommended by five guidelines, and two hypothetical regimens-surveillance intensity escalation and de-escalation-which had a surveillance intensity moderately higher and lower, respectively, than the guideline-recommended regimens. We evaluated the 10-year cumulative incidence of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and cost-effectiveness from a United States healthcare payer perspective. RESULTS The guideline-recommended surveillance regimens led to an estimated 10-year cumulative incidence of MIBC ranging from 11.0% to 11.6%, CSS 95.0% to 95.2%, and OS 69.7% to 69.8%. Surveillance intensity escalation resulted in a 10-year cumulative incidence of MIBC of 10.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.3-10.7%), CSS of 95.4% (95% CI 95.2-95.5%), and OS of 69.9% (95% CI 69.6-70.1%), vs 11.9% (95% CI 11.7-12.1%), 94.9% (95% CI 94.8-95.1%), and 69.6% (95% CI 69.3-69.9%), respectively, from surveillance intensity de-escalation. By increasing surveillance intensity, the number-needed-to-treat to prevent one additional MIBC progression over 10 years was ≥80, and ≥257 to avoid one additional cancer-related mortality. Compared to surveillance intensity de-escalation, higher-intensity regimens incurred an incremental cost of ≥$336 000 per incremental quality-adjusted life year gained, which well exceeded conventional willingness-to-pay thresholds, ≥$686 000 per additional MIBC progression prevented, and ≥$2.2 million per additional cancer-related mortality avoided. CONCLUSION In microsimulations testing a wide range of cystoscopic surveillance intensity for patients newly diagnosed with HRNMIBC, moderate surveillance de-escalation appears associated with an insignificant change in 10-year OS and furthermore is cost-effective vs higher-intensity surveillance regimens. These results suggest that moderate surveillance de-escalation can reduce costs of care without compromising life expectancy for many patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Tony Su
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Isabella S Florissi
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine M Mahon
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taibo Li
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael E Rezaee
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nirmish Singla
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sunil H Patel
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Townsend
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Program in Microbiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Max R Kates
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Smelser W. Editorial Comment on "Low-grade Urothelial Carcinoma Recurs at a Tempo That Naturally Accelerates Over Time". Urology 2024:S0090-4295(24)00648-4. [PMID: 39127158 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Woodson Smelser
- Division of Urology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
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Fiala MA. Financial Toxicity and Willingness-to-Pay for Cancer Treatment Among People With Multiple Myeloma. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2400016. [PMID: 38885465 DOI: 10.1200/op.24.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study used willingness-to-pay (WTP) exercises to explore the relationships between race, financial toxicity, and treatment decision making among people with cancer. METHODS A convenience sample of people with multiple myeloma who attended an academic medical center in 2022 was surveyed. Financial toxicity was assessed by the Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity, with scores <26 indicating financial toxicity. WTP was assessed with (1) a discrete choice experiment (DCE), (2) fixed-choice tasks, and (3) a bidding game. RESULTS In total, 156 people were approached, and 130 completed the survey. The majority of the sample was White (n = 99), whereas 24% (n = 31) was African American or Black. Forty-six percent (n = 60) of the sample were experiencing financial toxicity. In the DCE, the relative importance of cost was twice as high for those with financial toxicity (30% compared with 14%; P < .001). In the fixed-choice tasks, they were twice as likely to accept a treatment with shorter progression-free survival but lower costs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.47; P = .049). In the bidding game, the median monthly WTP of those with financial toxicity was half that of those without ($100 in US dollars [USD] compared with $200 USD; P < .001). Only in the bidding game was race statistically associated with WTP; after controlling for financial toxicity, African American or Black participants were three times as likely (aOR, 3.06; P = .007) to report a lower WTP. CONCLUSION Across all three exercises, participants with financial toxicity reported lower WTP than those without. As financial toxicity disproportionally affects some segments of patients, it is possible that financial toxicity contributes to cancer disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Fiala
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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Washington SL, Lonergan PE, Odisho AY, Meng MV, Porten SP. Association of household net worth with healthcare costs after radical cystectomy using real-world data. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7116. [PMID: 38553953 PMCID: PMC10980929 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial toxicity of bladder cancer care may influence how patients utilize healthcare resources, from emergency department (ED) encounters to office visits. We aim to examine whether greater household net worth (HHNW) confers differential access to healthcare resources after radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS This population-based cohort study examined the association between HHNW and healthcare utilization costs in the 90 days post-RC in commercially insured patients with bladder cancer. Costs accrued from the index hospitalization to 90 days after including health plan costs (HPC) and out-of-pocket costs (OPC). Multivariable logistic regression models were generated by encounter (acute inpatient, ED, outpatient, and office visit). RESULTS A total of 141,903 patients were identified with HHNW categories near evenly distributed. Acute inpatient encounters incurred the greatest HPC and OPC. Office visits conferred the lowest HPC while ED visits had the lowest OPC. Black patients harbored increased odds of an acute inpatient encounter (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.16-1.29) and ED encounter (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14-1.27) while Asian (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.85) and Hispanic (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.69-0.78, p < 0.001) patients had lower odds of an outpatient encounter, compared to White counterpart. Increasing HHNW was associated with decreasing odds of acute inpatient or ED encounters and greater odds of office visits. CONCLUSIONS Lower HHNW conferred greater risk of costly inpatient encounters while greater HHNW had greater odds of less costly office visits, illustrating how financial flexibility fosters differences in healthcare utilization and lower costs. HHNW may serve as a proxy for financial flexibility and risk of financial hardship than income alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel L. Washington
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Peter E. Lonergan
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of UrologySt. James's HospitalDublinIreland
- Department of SurgeryTrinity CollegeDublinIreland
| | - Anobel Y. Odisho
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Maxwell V. Meng
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sima P. Porten
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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Deboever N, Eisenberg MA, Antonoff MB, Hofstetter WL, Mehran RJ, Rice DC, Roth JA, Sepesi B, Swisher SG, Vaporciyan AA, Walsh GL, Rajaram R. Perspectives, risk factors, and coping mechanisms in patients with self-reported financial burden following lung cancer surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 167:478-487.e2. [PMID: 37356476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated self-reported financial burden (FB) after lung cancer surgery and sought to assess patient perspectives, risk factors, and coping mechanisms within this population. METHODS Patients with lung cancer resected at our institution between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021, were surveyed. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the association between clinical and financial characteristics with patient-reported major ("significant" or "catastrophic") FB. RESULTS Of 1477 patients contacted, 31.3% (n = 463) completed the survey. Major FB was reported by 62 (13.4%) patients. multivariable analyses demonstrated increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.96), credit score >740 (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.60), and employer-based insurance (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.80) were protective factors. In contrast, an out of pocket cost greater than expected (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.67-7.88), decrease in work hours (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 1.59-12.25), or cessation of work (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 2.06-12.78), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis (OR, 5.39, 95% CI, 1.87-15.50), and hospital readmission (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.11-21.42) were risk factors for FB. To pay for care, some patients reported "often" or "always" decreasing food (n = 102 [23.4%]) or leisure spending (n = 179 [40.7%]). Additionally, use of savings (n = 246 [62.9%]), borrowing funds (n = 72 [16.6%]), and skipping clinic visits (n = 36 [8.3%]) at least once were also reported. Coping mechanisms occurred more often in patients with major FB compared with those without (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with resected lung cancer may experience major FB related to treatment with several identifiable risk factors. Targeted interventions are needed to limit the adoption of detrimental coping mechanisms and potentially affect survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Deboever
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Michael A Eisenberg
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Mara B Antonoff
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Wayne L Hofstetter
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Reza J Mehran
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - David C Rice
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Jack A Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Boris Sepesi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Stephen G Swisher
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Ara A Vaporciyan
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Garrett L Walsh
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex
| | - Ravi Rajaram
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex.
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Myers A, Ristau B, Mossanen M, Tyson MD, Chisolm S, Sloan F, Ball CT, Smith A, Lyon TD. Patient reported treatment burden and attitudes towards in-home intravesical therapy among patients with bladder cancer. Urol Oncol 2024; 42:29.e17-29.e22. [PMID: 37993341 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify patient reported treatment burden while receiving intravesical therapy for bladder cancer and to survey patient perspectives on in-home intravesical therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Patient Survey Network. Survey questions were developed by investigators, then iteratively revised by clinician and patient advocates. Eligible participants had to have received at least 1 dose of intravesical therapy delivered in an ambulatory setting. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-three patients responded to the survey with median age of 70 years (range 33-88 years). Two-thirds of respondents (66%, 151/232) had received greater than 12 bladder instillations. A travel time of >30 minutes to an intravesical treatment facility was reported by 55% (126/231) of respondents. Fifty-six percent (128/232) brought caregivers to their appointments, and 36% (82/230) missed work to receive treatment. Sixty-one respondents (26%) felt the process of receiving bladder instillations adversely affected their ability to perform regular daily activities. Among those surveyed, 72% (168/232) reported openness to receiving in-home intravesical instillations and 54% (122/228) answered that in-home instillations would make the treatment process less disruptive to their lives. CONCLUSIONS Bladder cancer patients reported considerable travel distances, time requirements, and need for caregiver support when receiving intravesical therapy. Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents reported openness to receiving intravesical instillations in their home, with many identifying potential benefits for home over clinic-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Myers
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Matthew Mossanen
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Mark D Tyson
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | | | - Frank Sloan
- Department of Economics, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Colleen T Ball
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Angela Smith
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Azzani M, Atroosh WM, Anbazhagan D, Kumarasamy V, Abdalla MMI. Describing financial toxicity among cancer patients in different income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1266533. [PMID: 38229668 PMCID: PMC10789858 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited evidence of financial toxicity (FT) among cancer patients from countries of various income levels. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of objective and subjective FT and their measurements in relation to cancer treatment. Methods PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched to find studies that examined FT. There was no limit on the design or setting of the study. Random-effects meta-analysis was utilized to obtain the pooled prevalence of objective FT. Results Out of 244 identified studies during the initial screening, only 64 studies were included in this review. The catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) method was often used in the included studies to determine the objective FT. The pooled prevalence of CHE was 47% (95% CI: 24.0-70.0) in middle- and high-income countries, and the highest percentage was noted in low-income countries (74.4%). A total of 30 studies focused on subjective FT, of which 9 used the Comprehensive Score for FT (COST) tool and reported median scores ranging between 17.0 and 31.9. Conclusion This study shows that cancer patients from various income-group countries experienced a significant financial burden during their treatment. It is imperative to conduct further studies on interventions and policies that can lower FT caused by cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meram Azzani
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre of Occupational Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wahib Mohammed Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Aden, Aden, Yemen
| | - Deepa Anbazhagan
- Department of Microbiology, International Medical School (IMS), Management & Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla
- Physiology Department, Human Biology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Stone BV, Labban M, Filipas DK, Beatrici E, Lipsitz SR, Reis LO, Feldman AS, Kibel AS, Cole AP, Morgans AK, Trinh QD. The Risk of Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditures Among Prostate and Bladder Cancer Survivors in the United States. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2023; 21:617-625. [PMID: 37316413 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2023.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the rates of catastrophic health care expenditures among survivors of prostate and bladder cancer or the factors that place patients at highest risk for undue cost. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was utilized to identify prostate and bladder cancer survivors from 2011 to 2019. Rates of catastrophic health care expenditures (out-of-pocket health care spending >10% household income) were compared between cancer survivors and adults without cancer. A multivariable regression model was used to identify risk factors for catastrophic expenditures. RESULTS Among 2620 urologic cancer survivors, representative of 3,251,500 (95% CI 3,062,305-3,449,547) patients annually after application of survey weights, there were no significant differences in catastrophic expenditures among respondents with prostate cancer compared to adults without cancer. Respondents with bladder cancer had significantly greater rates of catastrophic expenditures (12.75%, 95% CI 9.36%-17.14% vs. 8.33%, 95% CI 7.66%-9.05%, P = .027). Significant predictors of catastrophic expenditures in bladder cancer survivors included older age, comorbidities, lower income, retirement, poor health status, and private insurance. Though White respondents with bladder cancer had no significantly increased risk of catastrophic expenditures, among Black respondents the risk of catastrophic expenditures increased from 5.14% (95% CI 3.95-6.33) without bladder cancer to 19.49% (95% CI 0.84-38.14) with bladder cancer (OR 6.41, 95% CI 1.28-32.01, P = .024). CONCLUSIONS Though limited by small sample size, these data suggest that bladder cancer survivorship is associated with catastrophic health care expenditures, particularly among Black cancer survivors. These findings should be taken as hypothesis-generating and warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes and, ideally, prospective investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin V Stone
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Muhieddine Labban
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dejan K Filipas
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edoardo Beatrici
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stuart R Lipsitz
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Leonardo O Reis
- UroScience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, and Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, PUC-Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adam S Feldman
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Adam S Kibel
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Alexander P Cole
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alicia K Morgans
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Quoc-Dien Trinh
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Deboever N, Eisenberg M, Hofstetter WL, Mehran RJ, Rice DC, Roth J, Sepesi B, Swisher SG, Vaporciyan AA, Walsh GL, Antonoff MB, Rajaram R. Financial Toxicity in Patients With Resected Lung Cancer. Ann Surg 2023; 278:1038-1044. [PMID: 37249193 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe financial toxicity (FT) in patients with resected lung cancer and identify risk factors in this population. BACKGROUND FT describes the financial burden associated with cancer care and its impact on the quality of survivorship. Few prior studies have examined FT in patients with lung cancer. METHODS Patients who underwent lung cancer resection at our institution between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021, were surveyed to gather demographic information and evaluate FT using a validated questionnaire. A multivariable model was built to identify risk factors for FT. RESULTS Of the total, 1477 patients were contacted, of whom 463 responded (31.3%). Most patients were stage I (n = 349, 75.4%) and lobectomy was performed often (n = 290, 62.8%). There were 196 patients (42.3%) who experienced FT. Upon multivariable analyses, divorced marital status [odds ratio (OR) = 3.658, 95% CI: 1.180-11.337], household income <$40,000 (OR = 2.544, 95% CI: 1.003-6.455), credit score below 739 (OR = 2.744, 95% CI: 1.326-5.679), clinical stage >I (OR = 2.053, 95% CI: 1.088-3.877), and change in work hours or work cessation (all P < 0.05) were associated with FT. Coping mechanisms, such as decreased spending on food or clothing and increased use of savings or borrowing money, were more likely to be reported by patients experiencing FT than those who did not ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing lung cancer resection often experienced significant financial stress with several identifiable risk factors. FT should be considered early in the care of these patients to alleviate detrimental coping mechanisms and enhance their quality of survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Deboever
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Glazyrine V, Au D, Starkey J, Thompson J, Parker W. Evaluating Financial Toxicity in Urologic Practice. Urology 2023; 179:16-22. [PMID: 37353088 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate financial toxicity in Urologic surgery using the Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) as well as validate a single item measure of toxicity. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 182 patients undergoing oncologic and benign urologic procedures at a single academic medical center. Oncologic procedures included robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor, and radical cystectomy. Benign procedures included holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, intravesical chemodenervation, ureteroscopy laser lithotripsy, and ureteral stent exchange. Retrospective review, patient interviews, and the previously validated COST survey, as well as a novel single item measure of toxicity were used pre and post-op. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models compared COST scores by type of urologic procedure. RESULTS Eighty (44%) patients underwent oncologic procedures and 102 (56%) benign procedures. Benign patients were most likely to have lower income and be younger than oncologic patients, with a median age of 56.7 vs 64.9. One in 4 patients undergoing urologic procedures experienced moderate to severe financial toxicity, without a statistically significant difference between the benign and the oncology groups pre- or post-operatively. Single item measure strongly correlated with COST (r = -0.80) pre- and post-operative. CONCLUSION The COST survey and a single-item financial toxicity measure are both valid tools that can be used to measure financial toxicity in urology. Further research is needed to elicit the exact cause of financial toxicity in the heterogenous urologic patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Au
- The University of Kansas, Department of Urology, Kansas City, KS
| | - Jared Starkey
- The University of Kansas, Department of Urology, Kansas City, KS
| | - Jeffrey Thompson
- The University of Kansas, Department of Urology, Kansas City, KS
| | - William Parker
- The University of Kansas, Department of Urology, Kansas City, KS.
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13
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Zafar SY, Peppercorn J. Reflections on the Financial Toxicity of Cancer: 10 Years Later. Oncologist 2023:oyad179. [PMID: 37315202 PMCID: PMC10400133 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary reflects on the decade since the publication of an article on the financial toxicity of cancer treatment and the international recognition of the scope and depth of the problem, in the hope that the coming decade is characterized by evaluation and demonstration of optimal solutions to the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yousuf Zafar
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey Peppercorn
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Herrera CD, Guerra CE, Narayan V, Guzzo TJ, Mamtani R, Lee DJ, Tasian GE, Talwar R. Financial toxicity in prostate cancer survivors: A national cross-sectional assessment of subjective financial burden. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:105.e1-105.e8. [PMID: 36372635 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In prostate cancer (CaP) survivorship, subjective financial burden (SFB), an aspect of financial toxicity, has not been studied using a national sample. Our goal was to explore and identify factors associated with patient-reported SFB in CaP survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 264 adult individuals with a history of CaP that completed the AHRQ - Medical Expenditures Panel Survey - Household Component and Cancer Self-Administered Questionnaire Supplement in 2016 or 2017. Primary outcomes were the presence of cancer-related SFB and the severity of this burden. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the severity of SFB and different domains of burden. RESULTS Most participants were non-Hispanic white, had 3 or more comorbidities and had a median age of 72 years. 62.1% of survivors indicated SFB associated with their CaP care and long-term effects. 49.2% of CaP survivors indicated coping SFB, 27.7% psychological, and 29.2% material. Older (OR: 0.95, 95%CI 0.92-0.98) was associated with less SFB. Low-income level (OR: 2.1, 95%CI 1.01-4.36) was associated with higher SFB. Hispanic survivors (OR: 2.8 95%CI 1.1-7.4) indicated more psychologic SFB. Presence of a caregiver was noted as a predictor of material (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.45-4.49) and psychological (OR: 2.2, 95%CI 1.13-3.91) SFB. CONCLUSIONS Many CaP survivors experience SFB and associated factors differ in domain of financial burden. This provides evidence and groundwork for understanding financial burden and improving the quality of counseling and care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Herrera
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Carmen E Guerra
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Vivek Narayan
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thomas J Guzzo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ronac Mamtani
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniel J Lee
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Ruchika Talwar
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Liu M, Huang D, Liu Y. Financial toxicity of patients with lung cancer in China: Results from a National Survey Study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4751-4760. [PMID: 36128854 PMCID: PMC9972021 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a comprehensive understanding of financial toxicity (FT) among patients with lung cancer in China and the major factors affecting FT. METHODS Drawing from a national cross-sectional survey, which used the validated comprehensive score for financial toxicity (COST) questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence and degree of FT. Patient coping actions were investigated. Pearson's chi tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to evaluate the predictors of FT in patients with lung cancer. RESULTS The median score of FT was 20 (scored on a range of 0-44, with lower scores indicating more severe toxicity). Altogether, 77% of the sample patients had FT (COST <26), 54.5% had mild FT (COST 14-25), and 22.5% had moderate and severe FT (COST 0-13). Living in the less-developed western region of China, being male, having a lower educational level, lower annual family income, and advanced stage or worse self-reported health status were significantly related to higher FT than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Patients with higher FT tended to have a lower level of medical compliance, a higher risk of incurring debts, and reduced living expenditures relative to those with lower FT. CONCLUSION Despite China's remarkable progress in the past two decades with regard to Universal Healthcare Coverage, FT still presents a serious challenge for patients with lung cancer. Keen attention must be paid to reducing the disproportionate high financial risks of patients with low socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meicen Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengmin Huang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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16
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Pangestu S, Rencz F. Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer and Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:300-316. [PMID: 36064514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Financial toxicity is recognized as an important adverse effect of cancer treatment that may decrease patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on studies investigating the association of HRQOL and financial toxicity measured with the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity in patients with cancer and survivors. METHODS A systematic literature search was completed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycInfo (last update April 2022). Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Cohort Study Checklist. Where possible, study outcomes were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Thirty-one studies were included with a combined sample of 13 481 patients and survivors with more than 25 cancer types from 9 countries. Nineteen different validated HRQOL instruments were used in these studies, with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (n = 9), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (n = 5), and EQ-5D (n = 5) being the most common. All but one included studies reported that higher financial toxicity was significantly associated with worse HRQOL. Ten HRQOL domains were correlated with financial toxicity, including physical health (r = 0.34-0.66), social health (r = 0.16-0.55), mental health (r = 0.21-0.54), and daily functioning (r = 0.23-0.52). The meta-analysis indicated a moderate correlation between financial toxicity and overall HRQOL as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy instruments (r = 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.44-0.54). CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the literature on the association of financial toxicity and HRQOL in patients with cancer and survivors. Our findings substantiate financial toxicity as a relevant outcome of cancer care that is associated with a decline of HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevanus Pangestu
- Department of Health Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Business and Management, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary; Faculty of Economics and Business, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Fanni Rencz
- Department of Health Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
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Jiang H, Lyu J, Mou W, Jiang L, Zeng Y, Liu Y, Hu A, Jiang Q. Prevalence and risk factors of self-reported financial toxicity in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analyses. J Psychosoc Oncol 2022:1-18. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2022.2142877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jiang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxia Lyu
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenxuan Mou
- School of Nursing, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Luxi Jiang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- School of Nursing, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Nursing, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiping Hu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Jiang
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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18
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Ali HJR, Valero-Elizondo J, Wang SY, Cainzos-Achirica M, Bhimaraj A, Khan SU, Khan MS, Mossialos E, Khera R, Nasir K. Subjective Financial Hardship from Medical Bills Among Patients with Heart Failure in the United States: The 2014-2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. J Card Fail 2022; 28:1424-1433. [PMID: 35839928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) poses a substantial economic burden to the United States (US) healthcare system. In contrast, little is known about the financial challenges faced by patients with HF. In this study, we examined the scope and sociodemographic predictors of subjective financial hardship from medical bills in patients with HF. METHODS In the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS; years 2014-2018), a US nationally representative database, we identified all patients who reported having HF. Any subjective financial hardship from medical bills was assessed based on patients reporting either themselves or their families 1) having difficulties paying medical bills in the past 12 months, 2) paid bills late, or 3) unable to pay bills at all. Logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of financial hardship among patients with HF. All analyses took into consideration the survey's complex design. RESULTS A total of 116,563 MEPS participants were included in the analysis, of whom 858 (0.7%) had a diagnosis of HF, representing 1.8 million (95% CI 1.6 to 2.0) patients annually. Overall, 33% (95% CI 29% to 38%) reported any financial hardship from medical bills with 13.2% not being able to pay bills at all. Age ≤65 years and lower educational attainment were independently associated with higher odds of subjective financial hardship from medical bills. CONCLUSION Subjective financial hardship is a prevalent issue among patients with HF in the US, particularly those who are younger and have lower educational attainment. There is a need for policies that reduce out-of-pocket costs in the care of HF, an enhanced identification of this phenomenon in the clinical setting, and approaches to help minimize financial toxicity in patients with HF while ensuring optimal quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Ju Ryoo Ali
- Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Javier Valero-Elizondo
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Y Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miguel Cainzos-Achirica
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arvind Bhimaraj
- Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Safi U Khan
- Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Elias Mossialos
- London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Rohan Khera
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA.
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Financial toxicity in female patients with breast cancer: a national cross-sectional study in China. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:8231-8240. [PMID: 35819521 PMCID: PMC9512750 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify financial toxicity of female patients with breast cancer in China and investigate its factors and patients' coping strategies. METHODS The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) is defined by using a structured questionnaire containing 12 items measuring perceived affordability of healthcare services, with the range of scoring of which being from 0 to 44 (higher score indicates lower financial toxicity). From January to March 2021, a total of 664 female patients diagnosed with stage 0-IV breast cancer were recruited from 33 public tertiary cancer hospitals located in 31 provinces of China. Multivariate linear regression models were used. RESULTS The median age of patients was 48 years (range: 26-84 years), and 62.04% lived in urban areas. The median COST score was 21.00 (interquartile range: 15-26). Older age, higher household income, and better self-reported health status were associated with lower financial toxicity, while a bigger household size, being retired or unemployed, stage IV cancer, and a history of targeted therapy were associated with higher financial toxicity (all P < 0.05). Nearly half of the patients reported using at least one coping strategy, including considering quitting treatment, delaying treatment, and failing to take medicine or attend medical visits as instructed. The people with increased financial toxicity seem to adopt more coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS Financial toxicity and coping strategies are common among Chinese women with breast cancer. An understanding of the factors regarding financial toxicity may help oncologists and policy-makers identify at-risk patients and develop targeted interventions.
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Longo CJ, Fitch MI. Unequal distribution of financial toxicity among people with cancer and its impact on access to care: a rapid review. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2021; 15:157-161. [PMID: 34232132 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Longo
- Health Policy and Management, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Sanchez A, Agarwal N. Quantifying the Costs of Care Among Patients With High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e213816. [PMID: 33787916 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.3816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Sanchez
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Neeraj Agarwal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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