1
|
Yabroff KR, Doran JF, Zhao J, Chino F, Shih YCT, Han X, Zheng Z, Bradley CJ, Bryant MF. Cancer diagnosis and treatment in working-age adults: Implications for employment, health insurance coverage, and financial hardship in the United States. CA Cancer J Clin 2024; 74:341-358. [PMID: 38652221 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21837] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The rising costs of cancer care and subsequent medical financial hardship for cancer survivors and families are well documented in the United States. Less attention has been paid to employment disruptions and loss of household income after a cancer diagnosis and during treatment, potentially resulting in lasting financial hardship, particularly for working-age adults not yet age-eligible for Medicare coverage and their families. In this article, the authors use a composite patient case to illustrate the adverse consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment for employment, health insurance coverage, household income, and other aspects of financial hardship. They summarize existing research and provide nationally representative estimates of multiple aspects of financial hardship and health insurance coverage, benefit design, and employee benefits, such as paid sick leave, among working-age adults with a history of cancer and compare them with estimates among working-age adults without a history of cancer from the most recently available years of the National Health Interview Survey (2019-2021). Then, the authors identify opportunities for addressing employment and health insurance coverage challenges at multiple levels, including federal, state, and local policies; employers; cancer care delivery organizations; and nonprofit organizations. These efforts, when informed by research to identify best practices, can potentially help mitigate the financial hardship associated with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California-Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cathy J Bradley
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Davis ES, Poulson MR, Yarbro AA, Franks JA, Bhatia S, Kenzik KM. Understanding racial differences in financial hardship among older adults surviving cancer. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38888939 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite Medicare coverage, financial hardship is a prevalent issue among those diagnosed with cancer at age 65 years and older, particularly among those belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group. Sociodemographic, clinical, and area-level factors may mediate this relationship; however, no studies have assessed the extent to which these factors contribute to the racial/ethnic disparities in financial hardship. METHODS Surveys assessing financial hardship were completed by 721 White (84%) or Black (16%) patients (aged 65 years and older) who were diagnosed with breast (34%), prostate (27%), lung (17%), or colorectal (14%) cancer or lymphoma (9%) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between 2000 and 2019. Financial hardship included material, psychological, and behavioral domains. Nonlinear Blinder-Oaxaca effect decomposition methods were used to evaluate the extent to which individual and area-level factors contribute to racial disparities in financial hardship. RESULTS Black patients reported lower income (65% vs. 34% earning <$50,000) and greater scores on the Area Deprivation Index (median, 93.0 vs. 55.0). Black patients reported significantly higher rates of overall (39% vs. 18%), material (29% vs. 11%), and psychological (27% vs. 11%) hardship compared with White patients. Overall, the observed characteristics explained 51% of racial differences in financial hardship among cancer survivors, primarily because of differences in income (23%) and area deprivation (11%). CONCLUSIONS The current results identify primary contributors to racial disparities in financial hardship among older cancer survivors, which can be used to develop targeted interventions and allocate resources to those at greatest risk for financial hardship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Davis
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael R Poulson
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alaina A Yarbro
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Franks
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kelly M Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Desai R, Jiang Y, VanWagner LB, Singal AG, Lieber SR. Financial burden in a US cohort of patients with HCC. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0453. [PMID: 38829203 PMCID: PMC11150032 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High financial burden for patients has been reported for multiple types of cancer, but there are limited data in those with HCC. We aimed to describe the financial burden for patients diagnosed with HCC and identify correlates of high financial burden. METHODS We used the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for Academics database to identify commercially insured patients diagnosed with HCC between 2006 and 2021. Patient financial liability was defined as the difference between allowed and paid amounts from adjudicated insurance claims. We reported total and HCC-related financial liabilities (i.e., cost for HCC-related claims), with high total financial liability defined as ≥$3000 annually and high HCC-related financial liability as ≥$1000 annually. We used multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with high total and HCC-related financial liability. RESULTS Among 11,609 patients with HCC, the median total financial liability during the year after HCC diagnosis was $2955 (Q1-Q3: $972-$6293). Nearly half (45%) of patients experienced high total financial liability, with the greatest liability incurred in the 3-month period immediately following HCC diagnosis. Older age, increased comorbidity, and cirrhosis-related complications were associated with higher total patient liability. Patient liability also varied by type of HCC treatment, with systemic therapy and liver transplantation having the highest financial liability in multivariable analysis. However, only 66.7% of the patients experienced HCC-related liability. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HCC experience significant financial liability underscoring a need for price transparency as well as financial counseling in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa B. VanWagner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah R. Lieber
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu J, Khan M, Chen X, Revere L, Hong YR. Comparison of Financial Hardship and Healthcare Utilizations Associated with Cancer in the United States Medicare Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1049. [PMID: 38786459 PMCID: PMC11121441 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101049] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with cancer often face significant financial challenges due to the expensive nature of cancer treatments and increased cost-sharing responsibilities. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the financial hardships and healthcare utilizations faced by those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) compared to those in traditional fee-for-service Medicare (TM) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to investigate the subjective financial hardships experienced by individuals enrolled in TM and MA and to determine whether these two Medicare programs exhibit differences in healthcare utilization during the pandemic. METHODS We utilized data from the 2020-2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), focusing on nationally representative samples of cancer survivors aged 65 or older. Financial hardship was categorized into three distinct groups: material (e.g., problems with medical bills), psychological (e.g., worry about paying), and behavioral (e.g., delayed care due to cost). Healthcare utilization included wellness visits (preventive care), emergency care services, hospitalizations, and telehealth. We used survey design-adjusted analysis to compare the study outcomes between MA and TM. RESULTS Among a weighted sample of 4.4 million Medicare beneficiaries with cancer (mean age: 74.9), 76% were enrolled in MA plans. Cancer survivors with a college degree (59.3% vs. 49.8%) and high family income (38.2% vs. 31.1%) were more likely to enroll in MA plans. There were no significant differences in any material, psychological, or behavioral financial hardship domains between beneficiaries with MA and TM plans except forgone counseling due to cost. For healthcare utilization measures, cancer survivors in MA were more likely than those in TM to have flu vaccination (77.2% vs. 70.1%) and experience lower hospitalizations (16.0% vs. 20.0%). However, there were no differences in other health service utilizations between MA and TM. CONCLUSION While no significant differences were observed in any materialized, psychological, or behavioral financial hardships, older cancer survivors enrolled in MA plans were more likely to receive vaccinations and lower hospitalization rates during COVID-19. Although other preventive or primary care visits (i.e., wellness visits) were higher, their difference did not reach statistical significance. As MA grows in popularity, it is essential to consistently monitor and evaluate the performance and outcomes of Medicare plans for cancer survivors as we navigate the post-pandemic landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Hu
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Mishal Khan
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Xiaobei Chen
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Lee Revere
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Young-Rock Hong
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Berg FM, Correia ETO, Abenojar EC, Basilion JP, Rosol TJ, Baroni RH, Exner AA, Bittencourt LK. Multispecies comparative prostate anatomy by imaging: Implications for experimental models of prostatic disease. Prostate 2024; 84:682-693. [PMID: 38477025 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing interest in using preclinical models for development and assessment of medical devices and imaging techniques for prostatic disease care. Still, a comprehensive assessment of the prostate's radiological anatomy in primary preclinical models such as dogs, rabbits, and mice utilizing human anatomy as a reference point remains necessary with no optimal model for each purpose being clearly defined in the literature. Therefore, this study compares the anatomical characteristics of different animal models to the human prostatic gland from the imaging perspective. METHODS We imaged five Beagle laboratory dogs, five New Zealand White rabbits, and five mice, all sexually mature males, under Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval. Ultrasonography (US) was performed using the Vevo® F2 for mice (57 MHz probe). Rabbits and dogs were imaged using the Siemens® Acuson S3000 (17 MHz probe) and endocavitary (8 MHz) probes, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also conducted with a 7T scanner in mice and 3T scanner in rabbits and dogs. RESULTS Canine transrectal US emerged as the optimal method for US imaging, depicting a morphologically similar gland to humans but lacking echoic zonal differentiation. MRI findings in canines indicated a homogeneously structured gland similar to the human peripheral zone on T2-weighted images (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). In rabbits, US imaging faced challenges due to the pubic symphysis, whereas MRI effectively visualized all structures with the prostate presenting a similar aspect to the human peripheral gland on T2W and ADC maps. Murine prostate assessment revealed poor visualization of the prostate glands in ultrasound due to its small size, while 7T MRI delineated the distinct prostates and its lobes, with the lateral and dorsal prostate resembling the peripheral zone and the anterior prostate the central zone of the human gland. CONCLUSION Dogs stand out as superior models for advanced preclinical studies in prostatic disease research. However, mice present as a good model for early stage studies and rabbits are a cost-effective alternative and serve as valuable tools in specific research domains when canine research is not feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe M Berg
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo T O Correia
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Eric C Abenojar
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - James P Basilion
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas J Rosol
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Ronaldo H Baroni
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agata A Exner
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kratzer TB, Bandi P, Freedman ND, Smith RA, Travis WD, Jemal A, Siegel RL. Lung cancer statistics, 2023. Cancer 2024; 130:1330-1348. [PMID: 38279776 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35128] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of declining mortality rates, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This article examines lung cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, survival, and mortality using population-based data from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Over the past 5 years, declines in lung cancer mortality became considerably greater than declines in incidence among men (5.0% vs. 2.6% annually) and women (4.3% vs. 1.1% annually), reflecting absolute gains in 2-year relative survival of 1.4% annually. Improved outcomes likely reflect advances in treatment, increased access to care through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and earlier stage diagnosis; for example, compared with a 4.6% annual decrease for distant-stage disease incidence during 2013-2019, the rate for localized-stage disease rose by 3.6% annually. Localized disease incidence increased more steeply in states with the highest lung cancer screening prevalence (by 3%-5% annually) than in those with the lowest (by 1%-2% annually). Despite progress, disparities remain. For example, Native Americans have the highest incidence and the slowest decline (less than 1% annually among men and stagnant rates among women) of any group. In addition, mortality rates in Mississippi and Kentucky are two to three times higher than in most western states, largely because of elevated historic smoking prevalence that remains. Racial and geographic inequalities highlight longstanding opportunities for more concerted tobacco-control efforts targeted at high-risk populations, including improved access to smoking-cessation treatments and lung cancer screening, as well as state-of-the-art treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Kratzer
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Priti Bandi
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Neal D Freedman
- Tobacco Control Research Branch, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert A Smith
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William D Travis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca L Siegel
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Graboyes EM, Lee SC, Lindau ST, Adams AS, Adjei BA, Brown M, Sadigh G, Incudine A, Carlos RC, Ramsey SD, Bangs R. Interventions addressing health-related social needs among patients with cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:497-505. [PMID: 38175791 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Health-related social needs are prevalent among cancer patients; associated with substantial negative health consequences; and drive pervasive inequities in cancer incidence, severity, treatment choices and decisions, and outcomes. To address the lack of clinical trial evidence to guide health-related social needs interventions among cancer patients, the National Cancer Institute Cancer Care Delivery Research Steering Committee convened experts to participate in a clinical trials planning meeting with the goal of designing studies to screen for and address health-related social needs among cancer patients. In this commentary, we discuss the rationale for, and challenges of, designing and testing health-related social needs interventions in alignment with the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 5As framework. Evidence for food, housing, utilities, interpersonal safety, and transportation health-related social needs interventions is analyzed. Evidence regarding health-related social needs and delivery of health-related social needs interventions differs in maturity and applicability to cancer context, with transportation problems having the most maturity and interpersonal safety the least. We offer practical recommendations for health-related social needs interventions among cancer patients and the caregivers, families, and friends who support their health-related social needs. Cross-cutting (ie, health-related social needs agnostic) recommendations include leveraging navigation (eg, people, technology) to identify, refer, and deliver health-related social needs interventions; addressing health-related social needs through multilevel interventions; and recognizing that health-related social needs are states, not traits, that fluctuate over time. Health-related social needs-specific interventions are recommended, and pros and cons of addressing more than one health-related social needs concurrently are characterized. Considerations for collaborating with community partners are highlighted. The need for careful planning, strong partners, and funding is stressed. Finally, we outline a future research agenda to address evidence gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Graboyes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Simon C Lee
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Stacy Tessler Lindau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine-Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alyce S Adams
- Departments of Health Policy/Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brenda A Adjei
- Office of the Associate Director, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mary Brown
- Adena Cancer Center, Hematology and Oncology, Chillicothe, OH, USA
| | - Gelareh Sadigh
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Ruth C Carlos
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Scott D Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rick Bangs
- SWOG Cancer Research Network, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Savage SA. Telomere length and cancer risk: finding Goldilocks. Biogerontology 2024; 25:265-278. [PMID: 38109000 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10080-9] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the nucleoprotein complex at chromosome ends essential in genomic stability. Baseline telomere length (TL) is determined by rare and common germline genetic variants but shortens with age and is susceptible to certain environmental exposures. Cellular senescence or apoptosis are normally triggered when telomeres reach a critically short length, but cancer cells overcome these protective mechanisms and continue to divide despite chromosomal instability. Rare germline variants in telomere maintenance genes cause exceedingly short telomeres for age (< 1st percentile) and the telomere biology disorders, which are associated with elevated risks of bone marrow failure, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck and anogenital regions. Long telomeres due to rare germline variants in the same or different telomere maintenance genes are associated with elevated risks of other cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or sarcoma. Early epidemiology studies of TL in the general population lacked reproducibility but new methods, including creation of a TL polygenic score using common variants, have found longer telomeres associated with excess risks of renal cell carcinoma, glioma, lung cancer, and others. It has become clear that when it comes to TL and cancer etiology, not too short, not too long, but "just right" telomeres are important in minimizing cancer risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 6E456, Bethesda, MD, 20892-6772, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gupta A, Chant ED, Mohile S, Vogel RI, Parsons HM, Blaes AH, Booth CM, Rocque GB, Dusetzina SB, Ganguli I. Health Care Contact Days Among Older Cancer Survivors. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300590. [PMID: 38452315 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Health care contact days-days spent receiving health care outside the home-represent an intuitive, practical, and person-centered measure of time consumed by health care. METHODS We linked 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and traditional Medicare claims data for community-dwelling older adults with a history of cancer. We identified contact days (ie, spent in a hospital, emergency department, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient hospice or receiving ambulatory care including an office visit, procedure, treatment, imaging, or test) and described patterns of total and ambulatory contact days. Using weighted Poisson regression models, we identified factors associated with contact days. RESULTS We included 1,168 older adults representing 4.51 million cancer survivors (median age, 76.4 years, 52.8% women). The median (IQR) time from cancer diagnosis was 65 (27-126) months. In 2019, these adults had mean (standard deviation) total contact days of 28.4 (27.6) and ambulatory contact days of 24.2 (23.6). These included days for tests (8.0 [8.8]), imaging (3.6 [4.1]), visits with any clinicians (12.4 [11.5]), and visits with primary care clinicians (4.4 [4.7]), and nononcology specialists (7.1 [9.4]) specifically. Sixty-four percent of days with a nonvisit ambulatory service (eg, a test) were not on the same day as a clinician visit. Factors associated with more total contact days included younger age, lower income, more chronic conditions, poor self-rated health, and tendency to "go to doctor as soon as feel bad." CONCLUSION Older adult cancer survivors spent nearly 1 month of the year receiving health care outside the home. This care was largely ambulatory, often delivered by nononcologists, and varied by factors beyond clinical characteristics. These results highlight the need to recognize patient burdens and improve survivorship care delivery, including through care coordination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma D Chant
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Supriya Mohile
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ishani Ganguli
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu VS, Shen X, de Moor J, Chino F, Klein J. Financial Toxicity in Radiation Oncology: Impact for Our Patients and for Practicing Radiation Oncologists. Adv Radiat Oncol 2024; 9:101419. [PMID: 38379894 PMCID: PMC10876607 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
With rising costs of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, financial burdens on patients with cancer and negative effects from high costs, called financial toxicity (FT), are growing. Research suggests that FT may be experienced by more than half of working-age cancer survivors and a similar proportion may incur debt or avoid recommended prescription medications due to treatment costs. As FT can lead to worse physical, psychological, financial, and survival outcomes, there is a discrete need to identify research gaps around this issue that constrain the development and implementation of effective screening and innovative care delivery interventions. Prior research, including within a radiation oncology-specific context, has sought to identify the scope of FT among patients with cancer, develop assessment tools to evaluate patient risk, quantify financial sacrifices, and qualify care compromises that occur when cancer care is unaffordable. FT is a multifactorial problem and potential solutions should be pursued at all levels of the health care system (patient-provider, institutional, and systemic) with specific regard for patients' individual/local contexts. Solutions may include selecting alternative treatment schedules, discussing financial concerns with patients, providing financial navigation services, low-cost transportation options, and system-wide health policy shifts. This review summarizes existing FT research, describes tools developed to measure FT, and suggests areas for intervention and study to help improve FT and outcomes for radiation oncology patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S. Wu
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Xinglei Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Cancer Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janet de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan Klein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Maimonides Medical Center and State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shafrin J, Kim J, Marin M, Ramsagar S, Davies ML, Stewart K, Kalsekar I, Vachani A. Quantifying the Value of Reduced Health Disparities: Low-Dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening of High-Risk Individuals Within the United States. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:313-321. [PMID: 38191024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to measure the value of increasing lung cancer screening rates for high-risk individuals and its impact on health disparities. METHODS The model estimated changes in health economic outcomes if low-dose computed tomography screening increased from current to 100% compliance, following clinical guidelines. Current low-dose computed tomography screening rates were estimated by income, education, and race, using 2017-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. The model contained a decision tree module to segment the population by screening outcomes and a Markov chain module to estimate cancer progression over time. Model parameters included information on survival, quality of life, and costs related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and adverse events. Distributional cost-effectiveness analysis estimated the net monetary value from reduced health disparities-measured using quality-adjusted life expectancy-across income, education, and race groups. Outcomes were assessed over 30 years. RESULTS Lung cancer screening eligibility using US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines was higher for individuals with income <$15 000 (47.2%) and without a high-school education (46.1%) than individuals with income >$50 000 (16.6%) and with a college degree (13.5%), respectively. Increasing lung cancer screening to 100% compliance was cost-effective ($64 654 per quality-adjusted life-year) and produced economic value by up to $560 per person ($182.1 billion for United States overall). Up to 32.2% of the value was due to reductions in health disparities. CONCLUSIONS Significant value in increasing lung cancer screening rates derived from reducing health disparities. Policy makers and clinicians may not be appropriately prioritizing cancer screening if value from reducing health disparities is unconsidered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Shafrin
- Center Healthcare Economics and Policy, FTI Consulting, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jaehong Kim
- Center Healthcare Economics and Policy, FTI Consulting, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Moises Marin
- Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy, FTI Consulting, District of Columbia, DC, USA
| | - Sangeetha Ramsagar
- Strategic Business Transformation & Lung Cancer Initiative, Johnson and Johnson, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | - Mark Lloyd Davies
- WW Govt Affairs & Policy & Lung Cancer Initiative, Johnson and Johnson, High Wycombe, England, UK
| | | | | | - Anil Vachani
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, US. Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pourmir I, Van Halteren HK, Elaidi R, Trapani D, Strasser F, Vreugdenhil G, Clarke M. A conceptual framework for cautious escalation of anticancer treatment: How to optimize overall benefit and obviate the need for de-escalation trials. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 124:102693. [PMID: 38330752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102693] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental workflow of the currently performed phase 1, 2 and 3 cancer trial stages lacks essential information required for the determination of the optimal efficacy threshold of new anticancer regimens. Due to this there is a serious risk of overdosing and/or treating for an unnecessary long time, leading to excess toxicity and a higher financial burden for society. But often post-approval de-escalation trials for dose-optimization and treatment de-intensification are not performed due to failing resources and time. Therefore, the developmental workflow needs to be restructured toward cautious systemic cancer treatment escalation, in order to guarantee optimal efficacy and sustainability. METHODS In this manuscript we discuss opportunities to produce the information needed for cautious escalation, based on models of cancer growth and cancer kill kinetics as well as exploratory biomarkers, for the purpose of designing the optimal phase 3 superiority trial. Subsequently, we compare the sample size needed for a phase 3 superiority trial, followed by a necessary de-escalation trial with the sample size needed for a multi-arm phase 3 trial with intervention arms of differing intensity. All essential items are structured within a Framework for Cautious Escalation (FCE). The discussion uses illustrations from the breast cancer setting, but aims to be applicable for all cancers. RESULTS The FCE is a promising model of clinical development in oncology to prevent overtreatment and associated issues, especially with regard to the number of repetitive treatment cycles. It will hopefully increase the relevance and success rate of clinical trials, to deliver improved patient-centric outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Pourmir
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; INSERM U970, Paris Research Cardiovascular Center, Paris, France
| | - H K Van Halteren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Adrz Hospital, Goes, the Netherlands.
| | - R Elaidi
- Consultant/advisor in Clinical Trials Methodology and Biostatistic, Paris, France
| | - D Trapani
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Haematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - F Strasser
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Gallen, St. Gallen University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Vreugdenhil
- Department of Medical Oncology, Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands
| | - M Clarke
- Professor and Director of Northern Ireland Methodology Hub, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu VS, Khlopin M, Chadha M, Smith-Graziani DJ, Jagsi R, McClelland S. Out-of-Pocket Cost Modeling of Adjuvant Antiestrogen and Radiation Therapy After Lumpectomy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Across Medicaid and Medicare Plans. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00351-1. [PMID: 38432284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal adjuvant therapy (antiestrogen therapy [ET] + radiation therapy or ET alone, or in some reports radiation therapy alone) in older women with early-stage breast cancer has been highly debated. However, granular details on the role of insurance in the out-of-pocket cost for patients receiving ET with or without radiation therapy are lacking. This project disaggregates out-of-pocket costs by insurance plans to increase treatment cost transparency. METHODS AND MATERIALS Several radiation therapy schedules are accepted standards as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. For our financial estimate model, we used the 5-fraction and 15-fraction radiation therapy and ET prescribed over a 5-year duration. The total aggregate out-of-pocket costs were determined from the sum of treatment costs, deductibles, and copays/coinsurance based on Medicaid, Original Medicare, Medigap Plan G, and Medicare Part D Rx plans. The model assumes a Medicare- and/or Medicaid-eligible patient ≥70 years of age with node-negative, early-stage estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Patient out-of-pocket costs were estimated from publicly available insurance data from plan-specific benefit coverage materials using a 5-year time horizon. RESULTS Original Medicare beneficiaries face a total out-of-pocket treatment charge of $2738.52 for ET alone, $2221.26 for 5-fraction radiation therapy alone, $2573.92 for 15-fraction radiation therapy alone, $3361.26 for combined ET+ 5-fraction radiation therapy, and $3713.92 for combined ET + 15-fraction radiation therapy. Medigap Plan G beneficiaries have an out-of-pocket charge of $1130.00 with radiation therapy alone and face an out-of-pocket of $2270.00 for ET alone and combined ET+ radiation therapy. For Medicaid beneficiaries, all treatments approved by Medicaid are covered without limit, resulting in no out-of-pocket expense for either adjuvant treatment option. CONCLUSIONS This model (based on actual cost estimates per insurance plan rather than claims data), by estimating expenses within Medicare and Medicaid plans, provides a level of transparency to patient cost. With knowledge of the costs borne by patients themselves, treatment decisions informed by patients' individual priorities and preferences may be further enhanced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Martha Khlopin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Manjeet Chadha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Demetria J Smith-Graziani
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shearwood McClelland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Neurological Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Alacevich C, Abi Nehme AM, Lee JH, Li D, Mobley EM, Close JL, George TJ, LeLaurin JH, Hong YR, Shenkman EA, Gutter MS, Salloum RG. A point-of-care pilot randomized intervention to connect patients with cancer-induced financial toxicity to telehealth financial counseling. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:393-403. [PMID: 37794203 PMCID: PMC10872295 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elevated costs of cancer treatment can result in economic and psychological "financial toxicity" distress. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of a point-of-care intervention to connect adult patients with cancer-induced financial toxicity to telehealth-delivered financial counseling. METHODS We conducted a three-armed parallel randomized pilot study, allocating newly referred patients with cancer and financial toxicity to individual, group accredited telehealth financial counseling, or usual care with educational material (1:1:1). We assessed the feasibility of recruitment, randomization, retention, baseline and post-intervention COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST), and Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) scores. RESULTS Of 382 patients screened, 121 were eligible and enrolled. 58 (48%) completed the intervention (9 individual, 9 group counseling, 40 educational booklet). 29 completed follow-up surveys: 45% female, 17% African American, 79% white, 7% Hispanic, 55% 45-64 years old, 31% over 64, 34% lived in rural areas, 24% had cancer stage I, 21% II, 7% III, 31% IV. Baseline characteristics were balanced across arms, retention status, surveys completion. Mean (SD) COST was 12.4 (6.1) at baseline and 16.0 (8.4) post-intervention. Mean (SD) COST score differences were 6.3 (11.6) after individual counseling, 5.8 (8.5) after group counseling, and 2.5 (6.4) after usual care. Mean TUQ score among nine counseling participants was 5.5 (0.9) over 7.0. Non-parametric comparisons were not statistically meaningful. CONCLUSION Recruitment and randomization were feasible, while study retention presented challenges. Nine participants reported good usability and satisfaction with telehealth counseling. Larger-scale trials focused on improving participation, retention, and impact of financial counseling among patients with cancer are justified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Alacevich
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
| | - Anna Maria Abi Nehme
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - Derek Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - Erin M Mobley
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Julia L Close
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Thomas J George
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Jennifer H LeLaurin
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Young-Rock Hong
- Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Shenkman
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Michael S Gutter
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Salazar MM, Khera N, Chino F, Johnston E. Financial hardship for patients with cancer and caregivers at end of life in the USA: narrative review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 14:25-35. [PMID: 38123962 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004556] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and their families face financial hardship during cancer treatment, which may intensify at end of life (EOL) due to increased symptoms and care needs. We undertook a narrative literature review to describe the current understanding of the causes, impacts and factors associated with financial hardship at EOL. We identify gaps in research, policy and clinical practice and propose steps to mitigate financial hardship for patients and caregivers at EOL. METHODS We conducted a Medline search to identify US studies since 2000 that examined EOL financial hardship for patients with cancer and their caregivers. RESULTS Twenty-seven adult and four paediatric studies met review criteria. Adults with cancer and their caregivers face significant financial hardship at EOL and in bereavement, especially due to employment changes and informal caregiving time costs. Financial hardship may be higher for younger caregivers and for patients who are uninsured, low income, rural, with high symptom burdens or with certain cancer types. The few paediatric studies showed high financial hardship and employment impact lasting well beyond a child's death. CONCLUSIONS There is limited literature examining financial hardship at EOL in the USA, especially in paediatrics. Priorities for future research include longitudinal studies in diverse populations of patients with cancer and informal caregivers using standardised financial hardship measures. Policies to address financial hardship at EOL, especially with hospice care, should include insurance coverage for family caregiving and medical leave policies. There is need for increased financial hardship screening at EOL and in bereavement and a need for financial navigation interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Martinez Salazar
- School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine-Scottsdale Campus, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Nandita Khera
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Johnston
- Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Storandt MH, Tella SH, Wieczorek MA, Hodge D, Elrod JK, Rosenberg PS, Jin Z, Mahipal A. Projected Incidence of Hepatobiliary Cancers and Trends Based on Age, Race, and Gender in the United States. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:684. [PMID: 38398075 PMCID: PMC10886529 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040684] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying the projected incidence of hepatobiliary cancers and recognizing patient cohorts at increased risk can help develop targeted interventions and resource allocation. The expected incidence of subtypes of hepatobiliary cancers in different age groups, races, and genders remains unknown. METHODS Historical epidemiological data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to project future incidence of hepatobiliary malignancies in the United States and identify trends by age, race, and gender. Patients ≥18 years of age diagnosed with a hepatobiliary malignancy between 2001 and 2017 were included. US Census Bureau 2017 National Population projects provided the projected population from 2017 to 2029. Age-Period-Cohort forecasting model was used to estimate future births cohort-specific incidence. All analyses were completed using R Statistical Software. RESULTS We included 110381 historical patients diagnosed with a hepatobiliary malignancy between 2001 and 2017 with the following subtypes: hepatocellular cancer (HCC) (68%), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) (11.5%), gallbladder cancer (GC) (8%), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) (7.6%), and ampullary cancer (AC) (4%). Our models predict the incidence of HCC to double (2001 to 2029) from 4.5 to 9.03 per 100,000, with the most significant increase anticipated in patients 70-79 years of age. In contrast, incidence is expected to continue to decline among the Asian population. Incidence of iCCA is projected to increase, especially in the white population, with rates in 2029 double those in 2001 (2.13 vs. 0.88 per 100,000, respectively; p < 0.001). The incidence of GC among the black population is expected to increase. The incidence of eCCA is expected to significantly increase, especially among the Hispanic population, while that of AC will remain stable. DISCUSSION The overall incidence of hepatobiliary malignancies is expected to increase in the coming years, with certain groups at increased risk. These findings may help with resource allocation when considering screening, treatment, and research in the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sri Harsha Tella
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.H.T.); (Z.J.)
| | - Mikolaj A. Wieczorek
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (M.A.W.); (D.H.)
| | - David Hodge
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (M.A.W.); (D.H.)
| | - Julia K. Elrod
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Philip S. Rosenberg
- Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Zhaohui Jin
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.H.T.); (Z.J.)
| | - Amit Mahipal
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.H.T.); (Z.J.)
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Waters AR, Easterly CW, Turner C, Ghazal L, Tovar I, Mulvaney M, Poquadeck M, Rains SA, Cloyes KG, Kirchhoff AC, Kent EE, Warner EL. LGBTQ+ inequity in crowdfunding cancer costs: The influence of online reach and LGBTQ+ state policy. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6926. [PMID: 38275010 PMCID: PMC10905337 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging literature suggests that LGBTQ+ cancer survivors are more likely to experience financial burden than non-LGBTQ+ survivors. However, LGBTQ+ cancer survivors experience with cost-coping behaviors such as crowdfunding is understudied. METHODS We aimed to assess LGBTQ+ inequity in cancer crowdfunding by combining community-engaged and technology-based methods. Crowdfunding campaigns were web-scraped from GoFundMe and classified as cancer-related and LGBTQ+ or non-LGBTQ+ using term dictionaries. Bivariate analyses and generalized linear models were used to assess differential effects in total goal amount raised by LGBTQ+ status. Stratified models were run by online reach and LGBTQ+ inclusivity of state policy. RESULTS A total of N = 188,342 active cancer-related crowdfunding campaigns were web-scraped from GoFundMe in November 2022, of which N = 535 were LGBTQ+ and ranged from 2014 to 2022. In multivariable models of recent campaigns (2019-2022), LGBTQ+ campaigns raised $1608 (95% CI: -2139, -1077) less than non-LGBTQ+ campaigns. LGBTQ+ campaigns with low (26-45 donors), moderate (46-87 donors), and high (88-240 donors) online reach raised on average $1152 (95% CI: -$1589, -$716), $1050 (95% CI: -$1737, -$364), and $2655 (95% CI: -$4312, -$998) less than non-LGBTQ+ campaigns respectively. When stratified by LGBTQ+ inclusivity of state level policy states with anti-LGBTQ+ policy/lacking equitable policy raised on average $1910 (95% CI: -2640, -1182) less than non-LGBTQ+ campaigns from the same states. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our findings revealed LGBTQ+ inequity in cancer-related crowdfunding, suggesting that LGBTQ+ cancer survivors may be less able to address financial burden via crowdfunding in comparison to non-LGBTQ+ cancer survivors-potentially widening existing economic inequities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin R. Waters
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Cancer Control and Population SciencesHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Caleb W. Easterly
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Cindy Turner
- College of NursingUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Lauren Ghazal
- Crowdfunding Cancer Costs (C3) LGBTQ+ Study Advisory BoardHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- School of NursingUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Ida Tovar
- College of NursingUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Megan Mulvaney
- Crowdfunding Cancer Costs (C3) LGBTQ+ Study Advisory BoardHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- School of Public HealthIndiana University BloomingtonBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Matt Poquadeck
- Crowdfunding Cancer Costs (C3) LGBTQ+ Study Advisory BoardHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Wilmot Cancer InstituteUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Stephen A. Rains
- Department of CommunicationUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Kristin G. Cloyes
- School of NursingOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Anne C. Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control and Population SciencesHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Echo L. Warner
- Cancer Control and Population SciencesHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- College of NursingUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Grant MJ, Chiang AC. Telehealth and Outcomes in Patients With Cancer: Data and Innovation. Cancer J 2024; 30:16-21. [PMID: 38265921 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000697] [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: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite that telehealth has been crucial to the delivery of oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of this care delivery mechanism on outcomes in cancer care has not been rigorously studied relative standard in-person care for patients with cancer. Patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life, patient satisfaction, and symptoms are important outcomes that have been the primary focus of many of the existing studies in this space, yet only a select few have evaluated overall survival and other objective efficacy endpoints. Studies have alluded to positive effects of telehealth on mitigating financial toxicity and enhancing cost-effective care delivery in oncology. Telehealth carries much potential for advancing care for patients with cancer, but future study should focus on additional efficacy endpoints, implementation, and ways to reduce disparities.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sturgeon C. Addressing financial toxicity in thyroid cancer survivors in the United States. Surgery 2024; 175:2-7. [PMID: 37953147 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cord Sturgeon
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Doshi SD, Bange EM, Daly B, Kuperman G, Panageas KS, Morris MJ. Telemedicine and Cancer Care: Barriers and Strategies to Optimize Delivery. Cancer J 2024; 30:8-15. [PMID: 38265920 PMCID: PMC10832391 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Telemedicine holds the potential to transform cancer care delivery and optimize value, access, and quality of care. A transformed regulatory environment coupled with the need to continue medical care despite operational limitations led to the rapid expansion of telemedicine in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its utilization has since varied, and it has faced significant challenges. In this review, we will explore the state of telemedicine in cancer care delivery, the challenges it faces, and strategies to enhance its successful implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin M. Bange
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Bobby Daly
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moss JL, Ledford SG, Bernacchi V, Shen C. Hospital- and county-level characteristics explain geographic variability in prices of cancer-related procedures: Implications for policy and interventions. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6792. [PMID: 38131646 PMCID: PMC10807617 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare costs in the U.S. are high and variable, which can hinder access and impact health outcomes across communities. This study examined hospital- and county-level characteristics to identify factors that explain geographic variation in prices for four cancer-related procedures. METHODS Data sources included Turquoise Health, which compiles publicly-available price data from U.S. hospitals. We examined list prices for four procedures: abdominal ultrasound, diagnostic colonoscopy, brain MRI, and pelvis CT scan, which we linked to characteristics of hospitals (e.g., number of beds) and counties (e.g., metropolitan status). We used multilevel linear regression models to assess multivariable relationships between prices and hospital- and county-level characteristics. Supplementary analyses repeated these models using procedures prices for commercial insurance plans. RESULTS For each procedure, list prices varied across counties (intraclass correlation: abdominal ultrasound = 23.2%; colonoscopy = 17.1%; brain MRI = 37.2%; pelvis CT = 50.9%). List prices for each procedure were associated with hospital ownership (all p < 0.001) and percent of population without health insurance (all p < 0.05). For example, list prices for abdominal ultrasound were higher for proprietary versus Government-owned hospitals (β = 539.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 256.12, 822.08, p < 0.001) and for hospitals in counties with more uninsured residents (β = 23.44, 95% CI: 2.55, 44.33, p = 0.03). Commercial insurance prices were negatively associated with metropolitan status. CONCLUSIONS Prices for cancer-related healthcare procedures varied substantially, with considerable heterogeneity associated with county location as well as county-level social determinants of health (e.g., health insurance coverage). Interventions and policy changes are needed to alleviate the financial burden of cancer care among patients, including geographic variation in prices for cancer-related procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Moss
- Department of Family and Community MedicinePenn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State UniversityHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Public Health SciencesPenn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State UniversityHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Savanna G. Ledford
- Department of Public Health SciencesPenn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State UniversityHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Veronica Bernacchi
- Department of Family and Community MedicinePenn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State UniversityHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Chan Shen
- Department of Public Health SciencesPenn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State UniversityHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of SurgeryPenn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State UniversityHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Narykov O, Zhu Y, Brettin T, Evrard YA, Partin A, Shukla M, Xia F, Clyde A, Vasanthakumari P, Doroshow JH, Stevens RL. Integration of Computational Docking into Anti-Cancer Drug Response Prediction Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:50. [PMID: 38201477 PMCID: PMC10777918 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease in that tumors of the same histology type can respond differently to a treatment. Anti-cancer drug response prediction is of paramount importance for both drug development and patient treatment design. Although various computational methods and data have been used to develop drug response prediction models, it remains a challenging problem due to the complexities of cancer mechanisms and cancer-drug interactions. To better characterize the interaction between cancer and drugs, we investigate the feasibility of integrating computationally derived features of molecular mechanisms of action into prediction models. Specifically, we add docking scores of drug molecules and target proteins in combination with cancer gene expressions and molecular drug descriptors for building response models. The results demonstrate a marginal improvement in drug response prediction performance when adding docking scores as additional features, through tests on large drug screening data. We discuss the limitations of the current approach and provide the research community with a baseline dataset of the large-scale computational docking for anti-cancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Narykov
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - Yitan Zhu
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - Thomas Brettin
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - Yvonne A. Evrard
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Alexander Partin
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - Maulik Shukla
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - Fangfang Xia
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - Austin Clyde
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Priyanka Vasanthakumari
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
| | - James H. Doroshow
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Rick L. Stevens
- Computing, Environment and Life Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA; (Y.Z.); (T.B.); (A.P.); (M.S.); (F.X.); (P.V.); (R.L.S.)
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wu Y, Liu X, Maculaitis MC, Li B, Berk A, Massa A, Weiss MC, McRoy L. Financial Toxicity among Patients with Breast Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:62. [PMID: 38201491 PMCID: PMC10778054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reported the prevalence of financial distress (financial toxicity (FT)) and COVID-19-related economic stress in patients with breast cancer (BC). Patients with BC were recruited from the Ciitizen platform, Breastcancer.org, and patient advocacy groups between 30 March and 6 July 2021. FT was assessed with the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) instrument. COVID-19-related economic stress was assessed with the COVID-19 Stress Scale. Among the 669 patients, the mean age was 51.6 years; 9.4% reported a COVID-19 diagnosis. The prevalence rates of mild and moderate/severe FT were 36.8% and 22.4%, respectively. FT was more prevalent in patients with metastatic versus early BC (p < 0.001). The factors associated with FT included income ≤ USD 49,999 (adjusted odds ratio (adj OR) 6.271, p < 0.0001) and USD 50,000-USD 149,999 (adj OR 2.722, p < 0.0001); aged <50 years (adj OR 3.061, p = 0.0012) and 50-64 years (adj OR 3.444, p = 0.0002); living alone (adj OR 1.603, p = 0.0476); and greater depression severity (adj OR 1.155, p < 0.0001). Black patients (adj OR 2.165, p = 0.0133), patients with income ≤ USD 49,999 (adj OR 1.921, p = 0.0432), or greater depression severity (adj OR 1.090, p < 0.0001) were more likely to experience COVID-19-related economic stress. FT was common in patients with BC, particularly metastatic disease, during COVID-19. Multiple factors, especially lower income and greater depression severity were associated with financial difficulties during COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 07103, USA;
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | | | - Benjamin Li
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Alexandra Berk
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Angelina Massa
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Lynn McRoy
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Williams CP, Liang MI, Rocque GB, Gidwani R, Caston NE, Pisu M. Cancer-Related Financial Hardship Screening as Part of Practice Transformation. Med Care 2023; 61:S116-S121. [PMID: 37963030 PMCID: PMC10635335 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on financial hardship, an "adverse event" in individuals with cancer, are needed to inform policy and supportive care interventions and reduce adverse economic outcomes. METHODS Lay navigator-led financial hardship screening was piloted among University of Alabama at Birmingham oncology patients initiating treatment in October 2020. Financial hardship screening, including reported financial distress and difficulty, was added to a standard-of-care treatment planning survey. Screening feasibility and completion and proportions of reported financial distress and difficulty were calculated overall and by patient race and rurality. The risk of financial distress by patient sociodemographics was estimated. RESULTS Patients who completed a treatment planning survey (N=2741) were 18% Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC) and 16% rural dwelling. The majority of patients completed financial hardship screening (90%), surpassing the target feasibility completion rate of 75%. The screening revealed 34% of patients were experiencing financial distress, including 49% of BIPOC and 30% of White patients. Adjusted models revealed BIPOC patients had a 48% higher risk of financial distress compared with those who were White (risk ratio 1.48, 95% CI, 1.31-1.66). Large differences in reported financial difficulties were seen comparing patients who were BIPOC and White (utilities: 33% vs. 10%, upfront medical payments: 44% vs. 23%, transportation: 28% vs. 12%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The collection of patient-reported financial hardship data via routine clinical care was feasible and identified racial inequities at treatment initiation. Efforts to collect patient economic data should support the design, implementation, and evaluation of patient-centered interventions to improve equity and reduce the impact of financial hardship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret I. Liang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
| | | | - Risha Gidwani
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nicole E. Caston
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Maria Pisu
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Parkes J, Dodhia V, Ziter S, Olson N, Ghose A, Cracknell ANV, Wendy Ng HW. Post COVID availability of oncology drugs - Is this the new normal on both sides of the Atlantic? J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023; 29:2045-2048. [PMID: 37728148 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231202212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Parkes
- Worcestershire Oncology Centre, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, UK
- British Oncology Pharmacy Association, UK
- Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network, UK
| | - Vikash Dodhia
- British Oncology Pharmacy Association, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire Trust, Northwood, UK
- Aseptic Services, NHS England East of England, UK
| | - Stephen Ziter
- National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, New York, USA
| | - Natasha Olson
- National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, New York, USA
| | - Aruni Ghose
- Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire Trust, Northwood, UK
- National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, New York, USA
- Barts Cancer Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, UK
- United Kingdom and Ireland Global Cancer Network, UK
| | - Annette Netty V Cracknell
- British Oncology Pharmacy Association, UK
- Ramsay Health Care, London, UK
- International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hei Wan Wendy Ng
- British Oncology Pharmacy Association, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire Trust, Northwood, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nathan PC, Yabroff KR. The long economic shadow of a cancer diagnosis during adolescence or young adulthood. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1237-1239. [PMID: 37459143 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Nathan
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Apple J, DerSarkissian M, Shah A, Chang R, Chen Y, He X, Chun J. Economic burden of early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer: an assessment of healthcare resource utilization and medical costs. J Comp Eff Res 2023; 12:e230107. [PMID: 37655686 PMCID: PMC10690396 DOI: 10.57264/cer-2023-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To quantify the economic burden of early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among patients with and without adjuvant therapy. Methods: All-cause and NSCLC-related healthcare resource utilization and medical costs were assessed among patients with resected stage IB-IIIA NSCLC in the SEER-Medicare database (1 January 2011-31 December 2019), from NSCLC diagnosis to death, end of continuous enrollment, or end of data availability (whichever occurred first). Results: Patients receiving adjuvant therapy had the lowest mean NSCLC-related medical costs (adjuvant [n = 1776]: $3738; neoadjuvant [n = 56]: $5793; both [n = 47]: $4818; surgery alone [n = 3478]: $4892, per-person-per-month), driven by lower NSCLC-related hospitalization rates. Conclusion: Post-surgical management of early-stage NSCLC was associated with high economic burden. Adjuvant therapy was associated with numerically lower medical costs over surgical resection alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Apple
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Maral DerSarkissian
- Analysis Group, 333 South Hope Street, 27th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
| | - Anne Shah
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Rose Chang
- Analysis Group, 111 Huntington Avenue, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02199, USA
| | - Yan Chen
- Analysis Group, 333 South Hope Street, 27th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
| | - Xuanhao He
- Analysis Group, 333 South Hope Street, 27th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
| | - Justin Chun
- Analysis Group, 333 South Hope Street, 27th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tachiki LML, Hippe DS, Williams Silva K, Hall ET, McCamy W, Fritzsche D, Perdue A, Majovski J, Pulliam T, Goldstein DA, Veatch J, Ho J, Nghiem PT, Thompson JA, Bhatia S. Extended duration of treatment using reduced-frequency dosing of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with advanced melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3839-3850. [PMID: 37733060 PMCID: PMC10576731 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal duration of treatment (DoT) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in metastatic cancers remains unclear. Many patients, especially those without radiologic complete remission, develop progressive disease after ICI discontinuation. Extending DoT with ICI may potentially improve efficacy outcomes but presents major logistical and cost challenges with standard frequency dosing (SFD). Receptor occupancy data supports reduced frequency dosing (RFD) of anti-PD-1 antibodies, which may represent a more practical and economically viable option to extend DoT. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients with metastatic melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), who received ICI at RFD administered every 3 months, after initial disease control at SFD. We evaluated efficacy, safety, and cost-savings of the RFD approach in this cohort. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2021, 23 patients with advanced melanoma (N = 18) or MCC (N = 5) received anti-PD-1 therapy at RFD. Median DoT was 1.1 years at SFD and 1.2 years at RFD. The 3 year PFS after start of RFD was 73% in melanoma and 100% in MCC patients, which compare favorably to historical control rates. In the subset of 15 patients who received at least 2 years of therapy, total savings amounted to $1.1 million in drug costs and 384 h saved despite the extended DoT (median 3.4 years), as compared to the calculated cost of 2 years at SFD. CONCLUSIONS ICI administration at RFD can allow extension of treatment duration, while preserving efficacy and reducing logistical and financial burden. RFD approach deserves further exploration in prospective clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa May Ling Tachiki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Daniel S Hippe
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karly Williams Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan Thomas Hall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William McCamy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dane Fritzsche
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea Perdue
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia Majovski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas Pulliam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Joshua Veatch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joel Ho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul T Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John A Thompson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Waters AR, Kent EE, Meernik C, Getahun D, Laurent CA, Xu L, Mitra S, Kushi LH, Chao C, Nichols HB. Financial hardship differences by LGBTQ+ status among assigned female at birth adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a mixed methods analysis. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:973-981. [PMID: 37392265 PMCID: PMC10688151 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are at an elevated risk of financial hardship. However, financial hardship among LGBTQ+ AYAs has not been widely explored. Thus, we used qualitative and quantitative survey data from the Horizon Study cohort to assess financial hardship of AYAs by LGBTQ+ status. METHODS Multivariable logit models, predicted probabilities, average marginal effects or differences in predicted probabilities (AME) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the association of LGBTQ+ status and two components of financial hardship: material and psychological. Qualitative content analysis of an open-ended survey question about financial sacrifices was used to describe the third component of financial hardship, behavioral. RESULTS Among 1,635 participants, 4.3% self-identified as LGBTQ+. Multivariable logit models controlling for demographic factors revealed that LGBTQ+ AYAs had an 18-percentage point higher probability of experiencing material financial hardship (95%CI 6-30%) and a 14-percentage point higher probability of experiencing psychological financial hardship (95%CI 2-26%) than non-LGBTQ+ AYAs. Controlling for economic factors attenuated the association of LGBTQ+ status with psychological financial hardship (AME = 11%; 95%CI - 1-23%), while the material financial hardship association remained statistically significant (AME = 14%; 95%CI 3-25%). In the qualitative analysis, LGBTQ+ AYAs frequently reported educational changes and costs (e.g., quitting school), unpaid bills and debt (e.g., medical debt, taking on credit card debt), as well as changes in housing and poor housing conditions (e.g., moving into less expensive house). CONCLUSIONS LGBTQ + targeted and tailored interventions are needed to move toward equity for LGBTQ+ AYAs-an overlooked minority population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin R Waters
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clare Meernik
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Cecile A Laurent
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Lanfang Xu
- MedHealth Statistical Consulting Inc., Solon, OH, USA
| | - Sara Mitra
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence H Kushi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Chun Chao
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2102A Mcgavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Lung cancer represents a large burden on society with a staggering incidence and mortality rate that has steadily increased until recently. The impetus to design an effective screening program for the deadliest cancer in the United States and worldwide began in 1950. It has taken more than 50 years of numerous clinical trials and continued persistence to arrive at the development of modern-day screening program. As the program continues to grow, it is important for clinicians to understand its evolution, track outcomes, and continually assess the impact and bias of screening on the medical, social, and economic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai V N Salfity
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way Suite 2472, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Betty C Tong
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 3531 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Madison R Kocher
- Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 3808 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tina D Tailor
- Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 3808 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Balkhi B, Alghamdi A, Alqahtani S, Al Najjar M, Al Harbi A, Bin Traiki T. Colorectal cancer-related resource utilization and healthcare costs in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101822. [PMID: 38023384 PMCID: PMC10630777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia. Although numerous studies worldwide have investigated the economic burden of colorectal cancer the information specific to Saudi Arabia remains limited. While advanced cancer treatments offer substantial benefits, they they also come with substantial financial challenges. Objective This study aimed to estimate the economic burden of colorectal cancer and identify the primary cost drivers. Method This retrospective, single-center cost of illness study examined all patients with colorectal cancer from January 2017 to December 2020. This study used a micro-costing, bottom-up approach to estimate healthcare resource utilization and direct medical costs associated with colorectal cancer. Result The study included 326 patients with colorectal cancer. The total direct medical cost for all patients were $19 million, with an annual cost per patient of $58,384. Medication costs were the primary driver of healthcare spending (45%) of the total cost, followed by surgical costs (27%). This study explained cost associated with colorectal cancer, which represents a significant cost to the Saudi healthcare budget. The expected growth and aging of the population and availability of costly treatments may lead to an increase in costs. These findings are valuable for healthcare policymakers seeking to comprehend the economic challenges posed by colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bander Balkhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alghamdi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwan Al Najjar
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Al Harbi
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer Bin Traiki
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Piringer G, Thaler J, Anchisi S, Geffriaud-Ricouard C, Gueldner M, Scholten F, Derigs HG, Bohanes P, Grünberger B, Schwarz L, von Moos R, Hofheinz RD. Quality of life, effectiveness, and safety of aflibercept plus FOLFIRI in older patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: An analysis of the prospective QoLiTrap study. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101638. [PMID: 37776611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101638] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) mainly affects older patients. The pivotal VELOUR phase III trial of aflibercept plus FOLFIRI in metastatic CRC (mCRC) included only 5.9% of patients aged ≥75 years. Herein, we report a preplanned analysis from QoLiTrap, a large prospective observational study evaluating the impact of age on quality of life (QoL), effectiveness, and safety of aflibercept plus FOLFIRI in daily clinical practice in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS Enrolled patients had progressive mCRC, had failed a prior oxaliplatin-based regimen, and had received aflibercept (4 mg/kg) plus FOLFIRI every two weeks until disease progression, death, unacceptable toxicity, or physician/patient decision. Analyses were performed by age classes (<60, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and ≥ 75 years). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients whose global health status (GHS) of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was maintained (i.e., no worsening from baseline by at least 5% over a 12-week treatment). Secondary endpoints included tumor objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS Overall, 1277 patients (<60 years, n = 327; 60-64 years, n = 231; 65-69 years, n = 227; 70-74 years, n = 259; and ≥ 75 years, n = 233) were treated, of whom 872 were evaluable for QoL. GHS was maintained in 36.5%, 41.6%, 38.9%, 41.8%, and 44.8% of patients aged <60, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and ≥ 75 years, respectively. Age did not influence PFS (median 7.8 months), OS (median 14.4 months), or ORR (20.8%). Number of cycles, dose delays for any cause, and dose reductions for adverse events (AEs) were comparable between age classes. Grade ≥ 3 AEs occurred in 47.7%, 51.9%, 51.5%, 55.2%, and 55.8% of patients aged <60, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and ≥ 75 years, respectively. The main grade ≥ 3 AEs were hypertension (11.2%) and diarrhea (9%) in patients aged ≥75 years. DISCUSSION The results suggest that aflibercept plus FOLFIRI maintains QoL and retains its activity, including a high objective tumor response, regardless of age and treatment line. In fit older patients, the safety profile seems manageable, with no new safety signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Piringer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Hospital, Grieskirchner Str. 42, 4600 Wels, Austria; Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Josef Thaler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Wels-Grieskirchen Hospital, Grieskirchner Str. 42, 4600 Wels, Austria
| | - Sandro Anchisi
- Department of Oncology, Valais Romand Hospital Center, Valais Hospital, Av. Grand-Champsec 86, 1951 Sion, Switzerland
| | | | - Max Gueldner
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Luetzowstraße 107, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felicitas Scholten
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine and Pneumology, Frankfurt Höchst Clinic, Gotenstrasse 6-8, 65929 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hans-Günter Derigs
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine and Pneumology, Frankfurt Höchst Clinic, Gotenstrasse 6-8, 65929 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pierre Bohanes
- Department of Oncology and Internal Medicine, Center for Chemotherapy, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Grünberger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Wiener Neustadt, Corvinusring 3-5, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Leonora Schwarz
- Department of Biometry, Alcedis, Winchesterstr 3, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Roger von Moos
- Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Graubuenden, Loestrasse 170, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gaba F, Ash K, Blyuss O, Bizzarri N, Kamfwa P, Saiz A, Cibula D. International Variations in Surgical Morbidity and Mortality Post Gynaecological Oncology Surgery: A Global Gynaecological Oncology Surgical Outcomes Collaborative Led Study (GO SOAR1). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5001. [PMID: 37894368 PMCID: PMC10605858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynaecological malignancies affect women in low and middle income countries (LMICs) at disproportionately higher rates compared with high income countries (HICs) with little known about variations in access, quality, and outcomes in global cancer care. Our study aims to evaluate international variation in post-operative morbidity and mortality following gynaecological oncology surgery between HIC and LMIC settings. Study design consisted of a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of women undergoing surgery for gynaecological malignancies (NCT04579861). Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested-models of patients within hospitals/countries. We enrolled 1820 patients from 73 hospitals in 27 countries. Minor morbidity (Clavien-Dindo I-II) was 26.5% (178/672) and 26.5% (267/1009), whilst major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III-V) was 8.2% (55/672) and 7% (71/1009) for LMICs/HICs, respectively. Higher minor morbidity was associated with pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation (OR = 1.474, 95%CI = 1.054-2.061, p = 0.023), longer surgeries (OR = 1.253, 95%CI = 1.066-1.472, p = 0.006), greater blood loss (OR = 1.274, 95%CI = 1.081-1.502, p = 0.004). Higher major morbidity was associated with longer surgeries (OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.128-1.664, p = 0.002), greater blood loss (OR = 1.398, 95%CI = 1.175-1.664, p ≤ 0.001), and seniority of lead surgeon, with junior surgeons three times more likely to have a major complication (OR = 2.982, 95%CI = 1.509-5.894, p = 0.002). Of all surgeries, 50% versus 25% were performed by junior surgeons in LMICs/HICs, respectively. We conclude that LMICs and HICs were associated with similar post-operative major morbidity. Capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Gaba
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Karen Ash
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Oleg Blyuss
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Nicolò Bizzarri
- UOC Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna e del Bambino e della Salute Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Kamfwa
- Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Allison Saiz
- Northwestern University in Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David Cibula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 121 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wain K, Carroll NM, Honda S, Oshiro C, Ritzwoller DP. Individuals Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening Less Likely to Receive Screening When Enrolled in Health Plans With Deductibles. Med Care 2023; 61:665-673. [PMID: 37582296 PMCID: PMC10840830 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and commercial insurance plans began covering lung cancer screening (LCS) without patient cost-sharing for all plans. We explore the impact of enrolling into a deductible plan on the utilization of LCS services despite having no out-of-pocket cost requirement. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed data from the Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process Lung Consortium. Our cohort included non-Medicare LCS-eligible individuals enrolled in managed care organizations between February 5, 2015, and February 28, 2019. We estimate a series of sequential logistic regression models examining utilization across the sequence of events required for baseline LCS. We report the marginal effects of enrollment into deductible plans compared with enrollment in no-deductible plans. RESULTS The total effect of deductible plan enrollment was a 1.8 percentage-point (PP) decrease in baseline LCS. Sequential logistic regression results that explore each transition separately indicate deductible plan enrollment was associated with a 4.3 PP decrease in receipt of clinician visit, a 1.7 PP decrease in receipt of LCS order, and a 7.0 PP decrease in receipt of baseline LCS. Reductions persisted across all observable races and ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest individuals enrolled in deductible plans are more likely to forgo preventive LCS services despite requiring no out-of-pocket costs. This result may indicate that increased cost-sharing is associated with suboptimal choices to forgo recommended LCS. Alternatively, this effect may indicate individuals enrolling into deductible plans prefer less health care utilization. Patient outreach interventions at the health plan level may improve LCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kris Wain
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Nikki M. Carroll
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Stacey Honda
- Center for Integrated Healthcare Research, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
- Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, Honolulu, HI
| | - Caryn Oshiro
- Center for Integrated Healthcare Research, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang T, Dossett LA. Incorporating Value-Based Decisions in Breast Cancer Treatment Algorithms. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2023; 32:777-797. [PMID: 37714643 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.05.008] [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] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Given the excellent prognosis and availability of evidence-based treatment, patients with early-stage breast cancer are at risk of overtreatment. In this review, we summarize key opportunities to incorporate value-based decisions to optimize the delivery of high-value treatment across the breast cancer care continuum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ton Wang
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lesly A Dossett
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bogdanovski AK, Sturgeon C, James BC. Financial toxicity in thyroid cancer survivors. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:238-243. [PMID: 37470486 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Financial burden and distress are high in patients with thyroid cancer. However, little has been done to evaluate potential interventions to mitigate financial toxicity in survivors. This review will cover current data on the impact of financial toxicity on quality of life and clinical outcomes in patients with thyroid cancer and highlight areas for future study. RECENT FINDINGS Thyroid cancer incidence has nearly tripled in the past decades, and cost of treatment is predicted to rise more than other cancers over the next decade. With mean age of diagnosis at 51 years, most patients begin treatment while still working, do not qualify for Medicare or Social Security, and are susceptible to higher financial burden. Though thyroid cancer has high survival rates, some studies suggest patients have worse quality of life and higher financial burden than more morbid cancers. SUMMARY Thyroid cancer survivors have high rates of financial toxicity, and there remains need for longitudinal studies to evaluate how financial burden may change during the treatment process while also assessing potential tools to mitigate this burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia K Bogdanovski
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cord Sturgeon
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yabroff KR, Zhao J, Chen MH, Hoque J, Arias G, Han X, Zheng Z. Financial hardship and psychosocial well-being and quality of life among prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:380-386. [PMID: 37202329 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.03.004] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among men in the United States and the prevalence of prostate cancer survivors is growing. Cancer treatment and lasting or late effects of disease and treatment can adversely affect financial health, psychosocial well-being, and health-related quality of life for prostate cancer survivors, even many years after cancer diagnosis and treatment. These outcomes are important, especially because most men live for many years following a prostate cancer diagnosis. In this essay, we describe health care spending associated with prostate cancer, including patient out-of-pocket costs, and summarize research examining medical financial hardship and associations of financial hardship and psychosocial well-being and health-related quality of life among cancer survivors. We then discuss implications for health care delivery and opportunities to mitigate financial hardship for patients with prostate cancer and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Min Hsuan Chen
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA; Department of Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Jennifer Hoque
- Department of Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Gladys Arias
- Department of Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Xuesong Han
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li M, Meheus F, Polazzi S, Delafosse P, Borson-Chazot F, Seigneurin A, Simon R, Combes JD, Dal Maso L, Colonna M, Duclos A, Vaccarella S. The Economic Cost of Thyroid Cancer in France and the Corresponding Share Associated With Treatment of Overdiagnosed Cases. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:1175-1182. [PMID: 36921898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thyroid cancer incidence in France has increased rapidly in recent decades. Most of this increase has been attributed to overdiagnosis, the major consequence of which is overtreatment. We aimed to estimate the cost of thyroid cancer management in France and the corresponding cost proportion attributable to the treatment of overdiagnosed cases. METHODS Multiple data sources were integrated: the mean cost per patient with thyroid cancer was estimated by using the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires data set; thyroid cancer cases attributable to overdiagnosis were estimated for 21 departments using data from the French network of cancer registries and extrapolated to the whole country; medical records from 6 departments were used to refine the diagnosis and care pathway. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2015, 33 911 women and 10 846 men in France were estimated to be diagnosed of thyroid cancer, with mean cost per capita of €6248. Among those treated, 8114 to 14 925 women and 1465 to 3626 men were due to overdiagnosis. The total cost of thyroid cancer patient management was €203.5 million (€154.3 million for women and €49.3 million for men), of which between €59.9 million (or 29.4% of the total cost, lower bound) and €115.9 million (or 56.9% of the total cost, upper bound) attributable to treatment of overdiagnosed cases. CONCLUSIONS The management of thyroid cancer represents not only a relevant clinical and public health problem in France but also a potentially important economic burden. Overdiagnosis and corresponding associated treatments play an important role on the total costs of thyroid cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Department of Cancer Prevention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Filip Meheus
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Polazzi
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Health Data Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Françoise Borson-Chazot
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Fédération d'Endocrinologie, Groupement Hospitalier Est and Registre des Cancers Thyroïdiens du Rhône, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Raphael Simon
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Damien Combes
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Luigino Dal Maso
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | | | - Antoine Duclos
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Health Data Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Salvatore Vaccarella
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Semprini J. Examining the effect of Medicaid expansion on early detection of head and neck cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx by HPV-type and generosity of dental benefits. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1840. [PMID: 37248803 PMCID: PMC10432424 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over a decade of evidence supports the claim that increased access to insurance through Medicaid expansions improves early detection of cancer. Yet, evidence linking Medicaid expansions to early detection of head and neck cancers (HNC) of the oral cavity and pharynx, specifically, may be limited by the lack of attention to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) etiology, generosity of dental coverage, and valid inference analyzing state cancer registry data. AIMS This study reexamined the effect of Medicaid expansion on early detection of HPV+/- HNC in states offering extensive dental benefits. MATERIALS AND METHODS Specialized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program was analyzed to account for, previously unmeasurable, differential detection patterns of HNCs associated with HPV. Then, to identify the effect of increasing Medicaid eligibility on staging patterns in states offering extensive benefits amidst potentially non-common trends between states, a "Triple Differences" design identifies the differential effect of Medicaid Expansion (with dental coverage) on HPV-negative HNCs relative to the change in HPV-positive HNCs. For valid inference analyzing a small number of state clusters (12) in cancer registry data, each regression model applies a Wild Cluster Bootstrap. RESULTS Expanding Medicaid eligibility was found to be associated with a decrease in the proportion of distant-stage diagnoses of HPV(-) HNCs, but only among states which increased Medicaid dental generosity at the time of Medicaid expansion. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that adding extensive Medicaid dental benefits was the primary mechanism impacting HNC detection. This study highlights the potential positive spillover effects of policies which increase access to public dental coverage for low-income adults, while also showing the limitation of access to dental services for improving early detection of HPV+ HNCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Semprini
- Department of Health Management and PolicyUniversity of Iowa College of Public HealthIowa CityIowaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhao J, Yabroff KR. High out‑of‑pocket spending and financial hardship at the end of life among cancer survivors and their families. Isr J Health Policy Res 2023; 12:24. [PMID: 37415261 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-023-00572-x] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat worldwide, affecting national and local spending, as well as household budgets for patients and their families. In this commentary about a recent paper from Tur‑Sinai et al., we discuss the high out-of-pocket spending and medical and non-medical financial hardship faced by cancer patients and their families at the end-of-life in Israel. We provide recent information about the costs of health care in Israel and other high-income countries with (i.e., Canada, Australia, Japan, and Italy) and without universal health insurance coverage (i.e., United States, a country with high healthcare costs and uninsurance rate), and highlight the role of improving health insurance coverage and benefit design in reducing financial hardship among cancer patients and their families. Recognizing that financial hardship at the end of life affects both patients and their families, developing comprehensive programs and policies in Israel as well as in other countries is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, 3380 Chastain Meadows Pkwy NW Suite 200, Kennesaw, GA, 30144, USA.
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, 3380 Chastain Meadows Pkwy NW Suite 200, Kennesaw, GA, 30144, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Schafer EJ, Jemal A, Wiese D, Sung H, Kratzer TB, Islami F, Dahut WL, Knudsen KE. Disparities and Trends in Genitourinary Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the USA. Eur Urol 2023; 84:117-126. [PMID: 36566154 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported on incidence and mortality patterns for individual genitourinary cancers in the USA. However, these studies addressed individual cancer types rather than genitourinary cancers overall. OBJECTIVE To comprehensively examine disparities and trends in the incidence and mortality for the four major genitourinary cancers (bladder, kidney, prostate, and testis) in the USA. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We obtained incidence data from the National Cancer Institute 22-registry Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database and the US Cancer Statistics database (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics to examine cross-sectional and temporal trends in incidence and death rates stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and county. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Age-adjusted incidence and death rates were calculated using SEER*Stat software. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression for a two-sided significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Incidence and mortality rates for bladder and kidney cancers were two to four times higher for men than for women. Among non-Hispanic White individuals, the highest incidence rates were found in the Northeast for bladder cancer and in Appalachia for kidney cancer, whereas the highest death rates for prostate cancer were found in the West. Incidence rates increased for cancers of the kidney and testis and for advanced-stage prostate cancer in almost all racial/ethnic populations and for bladder cancer in the American Indian/Alaska Native population. Death rates increased for testicular cancer in the Hispanic population and stabilized for prostate cancer among White and Asian American/Pacific Islander men after a steady decline since the early 1990s. Study limitations include misclassification of race/ethnicity on medical records and death certificates. CONCLUSIONS We found persistent sociodemographic disparities and unfavorable trends in incidence or mortality for all four major genitourinary cancers. Future studies should elucidate the reasons for these patterns. PATIENT SUMMARY In the USA, rates of cancer cases are increasing for kidney, testis, and advanced-stage prostate cancers in the overall population, and for bladder cancer in the American Indian/Alaska Native population. Differences in the rates by sex and race/ethnicity remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Schafer
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Daniel Wiese
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyuna Sung
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tyler B Kratzer
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Farhad Islami
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William L Dahut
- Office of the Chief Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen E Knudsen
- Office of the Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mudaranthakam DP, Nollen N, Wick J, Hughes D, Welch D, Calhoun E. Evaluating Work Impairment as a Source of Financial Toxicity in Cancer Healthcare and Negative Impacts on Health Status. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1166-1172. [PMID: 37415746 PMCID: PMC10321355 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
How the socioeconomic factors intersect for a particular patient can determine their susceptibility to financial toxicity, what costs they will encounter during treatment, the type and quality of their care, and the potential work impairments they face. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate financial factors leading to worsening health outcomes by the cancer subtype. A logistic model predicting worsening health outcomes while assessing the most influential economic factors was constructed by the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study. A forward stepwise regression procedure was implemented to identify the social risk factors that impact health status. Stepwise regression was done on data subsets based on the cancer types of lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer to determine whether significant predictors of worsening health status were different or the same across cancer types. Independent covariate analysis was also conducted to cross-validate our model. On the basis of the model fit statistics, the two-factor model has the best fit, that is, the lowest AIC among potential models of 3270.56, percent concordance of 64.7, and a C-statistics of 0.65. The two-factor model used work impairment and out-of-pocket costs, significantly contributing to worsening health outcomes. Covariate analysis demonstrated that younger patients with cancer experienced more financial burdens leading to worsening health outcomes than elderly patients aged 65 years and above. Work impairment and high out-of-pocket costs were significantly associated with worsening health outcomes among cancer patients. Matching the participants who need the most financial help with appropriate resources is essential to mitigate the financial burden. Significance Among patients with cancer, work impairment and out-of-pocket are the two primary factors contributing to adverse health outcomes. Women, African American or other races, the Hispanic population, and younger individuals have encountered higher work impairment and out-of-pocket costs due to cancer than their counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Pal Mudaranthakam
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Nicole Nollen
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jo Wick
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Dorothy Hughes
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Danny Welch
- University of Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Elizabeth Calhoun
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Population Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Phua ZJ, MacInnis RJ, Hodge AM, Lynch BM, Hopper JL, Smith-Warner SA, Giles GG, Milne RL, Jayasekara H. Pre-diagnostic cigarette smoking and risk of second primary cancer: The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 85:102406. [PMID: 37390701 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2023.102406] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced survival following a diagnosis of cancer has led to a steep rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with a second primary cancer. We examined the association between pre-cancer cigarette smoking and risk of second cancer in 9785 participants diagnosed with first invasive cancer after enrolment in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Follow-up was from date of first invasive cancer until diagnosis of second primary invasive cancer, death, or 31 July 2019, whichever came first. Data on cigarette smoking was collected at enrolment (1990-94) along with information on other lifestyle factors including body size, alcohol intake and diet. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for incident second cancer with several smoking measures, adjusted for potential confounders. After a mean follow-up of 7.3 years, 1658 second cancers were identified. All measures of smoking were associated with increased risk of second cancer. We observed a 44 % higher risk of second cancer for smokers of ≥ 20 cigarettes/day (HR=1.44, 95 % CI: 1.18-1.76), compared with never smokers. We also observed dose-dependent associations with number of cigarettes smoked (HR=1.05 per 10 cigarettes/day, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.09) and duration of smoking (HR=1.07 per 10 years, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.10). The risk of second cancer increased by 4 % per 10 pack-years of smoking (HR=1.04, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.06; p < 0.001). There was suggestive evidence of stronger associations with number of cigarettes smoked and pack-years of smoking for women (pinteraction<0.05), particularly for the highest risk categories of both variables. These associations with pre-diagnostic smoking were markedly stronger for second cancers known to be smoking-related than for others (phomogeneity<0.001). Our findings for pre-diagnostic cigarette smoking indicated increased risk of second primary cancer for cancer sites considered smoking-related, highlighting the importance of assessing smoking habits in cancer survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Jing Phua
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robert J MacInnis
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Allison M Hodge
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Brigid M Lynch
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - John L Hopper
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Smith-Warner
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Graham G Giles
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Precision Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Roger L Milne
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Precision Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Harindra Jayasekara
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Chronic Disease and Ageing, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Maraud J, Bedhomme S, Pereira B, Trévis S, Jary M, Balayssac D. Self-Medication during and after Cancer: A French Nation-Wide Cross-Sectional Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3190. [PMID: 37370800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123190] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Little data are available in Western countries regarding self-medication practices in the context of cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of self-medication practices during (cancer patients) and after cancer (cancer survivors). (2) Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional, and online study was designed to assess self-medication prevalence. Other objectives were explored, notably the medication types, the perceived risks, and the relation with symptoms and quality of life. (3) Results: Among the 518 patients analyzed, 56.4% declared they practiced self-medication. Dietary supplements and pain medications were used by more than half of the patients. Self-medication was practiced in order to manage the adverse effects of anticancer therapies (63.8%), for which pain was the leading indication (39%), and to improve the efficacy of anticancer therapies (43.8%, cancer patients). Patients believed that self-medication could not lead to drug interactions with anticancer therapies (84.9%, cancer patients), or to adverse effects (84.6%, cancer patients and survivors). Self-medication practices were associated with altered social functioning, pain, insomnia, and financial difficulties. (4) Conclusions: Self-medication was performed by more than half of the responders (ongoing or past cancer) and could be a marker of the undermanagement of cancer and treatment-related adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maraud
- UFR de Pharmacie, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sabrina Bedhomme
- UR ACCePPT, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Direction de la Recherche Clinique et de l'Innovation, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sophie Trévis
- Pharmacie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marine Jary
- Chirurgie et Oncologie Digestive, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Balayssac
- UMR1107, NEURO-DOL, INSERM, Direction de la Recherche Clinique et de l'Innovation, Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zheng Z, Han X, Zhao J, Fan Q, Yabroff KR. Parental Cancer History and Its Association With Minor Children's Unmet Food, Housing, and Transportation Economic Needs. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2319359. [PMID: 37347484 PMCID: PMC10288335 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.19359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance A cancer diagnosis is associated with substantial economic burden for patients and their families. Young adult cancer survivors with dependent children may be particularly vulnerable to financial hardship. Objective To examine associations of parental cancer with their children's unmet economic needs. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the nationally representative 2013 to 2018 US National Health Interview Survey. Children aged 5 to 17 years living in families with and without parental cancer history were queried about recent 1-year experiences. Statistical analyses were conducted from January 2022 to April 2023. Exposure Parental cancer history. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were children's unmet economic needs, including family-level food insecurity, parent's financial worry about paying for monthly bills and housing costs, and delayed child medical care owing to lack of transportation. Multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for (1) child's characteristics (ie, age group, sex, and race and ethnicity), (2) parent's characteristics (ie, age group, sex, health insurance coverage, comorbid conditions, and obesity status), and (3) family's characteristics (ie, family structure [married or cohabiting parents vs single parent families], highest educational attainment in the family, and family income). Additional analyses focused on children with a parental cancer history to identify potentially modifiable characteristics associated with unmet economic needs. Results In this cross-sectional study of 22 941 children with (812 children; weighted number, 860 488 children) and without (22 129 children; weighted number, 24 545 463 children) a parental cancer history, the majority of children were aged 5 to 11 years (12 022 children [52.4%]), male (11 920 children [52.0%]), and non-Hispanic White (11 863 children [51.7%]). In adjusted analyses, parental cancer history was associated with more severe family-level food insecurity, including worrying about food running out (odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.56-2.49; P < .001), food not lasting (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.56-2.58; P < .001), and inability to afford balanced meals (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.79; P = .02). Moreover, parental cancer history was associated with parent's worry about paying monthly bills (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.15-1.74; P = .001) and housing-related costs (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.60; P = .009) and delays in child medical care because of lack of transportation (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.49-3.59; P < .001). Among children with parental cancer history, female children, non-Hispanic Black children, children whose parents had multiple comorbidities, and children living in low-income families were especially vulnerable to unmet economic needs. Conclusions and Relevance Parental cancer is associated with greater likelihood of food insecurity, unaffordability of housing and other necessities, and transportation barriers to medical care for minor children. Strategies to identify such children and address their needs are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Qinjin Fan
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Olivier T, Haslam A, Prasad V. Is Financial Toxicity Captured in Assessments of Quality of Life In Oncology Randomized Clinical Trials? J Cancer Policy 2023; 36:100423. [PMID: 37075841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100423] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial difficulties in relation with diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer affects their quality-of-life (QoL). We aim to characterize how financial toxicity was captured in oncology randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and to estimate how often the study-drug or other expenses were covered by sponsors. METHODS This was a cross-sectional analysis of articles published in six high impact journals (The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, JAMA, The Lancet Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology). Selected articles needed to report on a RCT published between January 2018 and December 2019, study an anti-cancer drug, and have reported QoL results. We abstracted the QoL questionnaires used; whether the survey was directly assessing financial difficulties; whether a difference in financial toxicity was reported between arms; and whether the sponsor supplied the study-drug or covered other expenses. RESULTS For all 73 studies that met inclusion criteria, 34 studies (47%) utilized QoL questionnaires without direct assessment of financial difficulties. The study drug was provided by the sponsor in at least 51 trials (70%), provided according to local rules in 3 trials (4%), and undeterminated in the remaining 19 trials (26%). We found 2 trials (3%) with payments or compensation to enrolled patients. CONCLUSION This cross-sectional study found 47% of articles reporting on QoL in oncology RCTs did not use QoL questionnaires directly assessing financial toxicity. Additionnaly, the study drug was supplied by the sponsor in most trials. Financial toxicity occurs in real-life settings when patients have to pay for the drugs and other medical expenses. QoL assessments from oncology RCTs lack generalizability to real-world settings, due to limited querying of financial toxicity. POLICY SUMMARY Real-world evidence could be demanded by regulators as post-requirement studies to ensure QoL results observed in trials will replicate in patients treated outside investigational trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothée Olivier
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospital, 4 Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil Street, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, 2nd Fl, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Alyson Haslam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, 2nd Fl, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, 2nd Fl, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Homayoonfal M, Gilasi H, Asemi Z, Mahabady MK, Asemi R, Yousefi B. Quercetin modulates signal transductions and targets non-coding RNAs against cancer development. Cell Signal 2023; 107:110667. [PMID: 37023996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110667] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, various investigations have indicated that natural compounds have great potential in the prevention and treatment of different chronic disorders including different types of cancer. As a bioactive flavonoid, Quercetin (Qu) is a dietary ingredient enjoying high pharmacological values and health-promoting effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characterization. Conclusive in vitro and in vivo evidence has revealed that Qu has great potential in cancer prevention and development. Qu exerts its anticancer influences by altering various cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, cell cycle, and proliferation. In this way, Qu by targeting numerous signaling pathways as well as non-coding RNAs regulates several cellular mechanisms to suppress cancer occurrence and promotion. This review aimed to summarize the impact of Qu on the molecular pathways and non-coding RNAs in modulating various cancer-associated cellular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Gilasi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Khaksary Mahabady
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Reza Asemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Piccinelli S, Romee R, Shapiro RM. The natural killer cell immunotherapy platform: an overview of the landscape of clinical trials in liquid and solid tumors. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:42-51. [PMID: 37080710 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The translation of natural killer (NK) cells to the treatment of malignant disease has made significant progress in the last few decades. With a variety of available sources and improvements in both in vitro and in vivo NK cell expansion, the NK cell immunotherapy platform has come into its own. The enormous effort continues to further optimize this platform, including ways to enhance NK cell persistence, trafficking to the tumor microenvironment, and cytotoxicity. As this effort bears fruit, it is translated into a plethora of clinical trials in patients with advanced malignancies. The adoptive transfer of NK cells, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other immunotherapies, has been applied for the treatment of both liquid and solid tumors, with numerous early-phase trials showing promising results. This review aims to summarize the key advantages of NK cell immunotherapy, highlight several of the current approaches being taken for its optimization, and give an overview of the landscape of clinical trials translating this platform into clinic.
Collapse
|
49
|
Hensley A, Campbell T, Gonzales C. Using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) to Identify Physical and Psychosocial Quality of Life Issues in Lung Cancer Survivors. J Dr Nurs Pract 2023; 16:22-35. [PMID: 36918282 DOI: 10.1891/jdnp-2022-0018] [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: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer survivors (LCS) are living longer due to improved screening and treatment but often experience long-term treatment effects. Due to a traditionally poor prognosis, research related to LCS symptomology and associated quality of life (QOL) is lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a process for identifying symptomology and unmet needs affecting QOL in LCS. Methods: A literature review identified recommended methods of implementing a QOL screening program in LCS. Training guidelines using the best evidence were presented to the survivorship clinic (SC) staff. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS-29) profile was used to collect data from LCS. The experience of the SC staff (N = 2) and providers (N = 2) in implementing the QOL screening program in LCS was assessed. Results: A 100% compliance rate in completing the PROMIS-29 profile was achieved. Physical function and pain interference were the most impacted QOL domains identified by LCS, while depression was the least. No challenges were identified in assisting LCS with profile completion. Providers agreed that the PROMIS-29 was instrumental in identifying QOL issues. Conclusion: A QOL screening program tailored to LCS-improved compliance and reliability in identifying QOL issues. Implications for Nursing: A QOL screening program using the PROMIS-29 may improve patient-provider interactions and value-based oncology care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hensley
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tracy Campbell
- Forsyth Technical Community College, Clemmons, North Carolina, USA
| | - Clifford Gonzales
- Department of Academic Nursing, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hager A, Gracia G, Rodin D, Conti RM. Out-of-Pocket Costs of Treatment Among Employer-Insured Women With Invasive Breast Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e231507. [PMID: 36867412 PMCID: PMC9984972 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examines out-of-pocket costs for the treatment of invasive breast cancer in employer-insured women younger than 65 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Hager
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gabriela Gracia
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rena M. Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|