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Badr H, Han J, Mims M. Development and validation of FinTox: A new screening tool to assess cancer-related financial toxicity. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7306. [PMID: 39113222 PMCID: PMC11306290 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to develop and validate FinTox, a concise tool for screening and managing financial toxicity in oncology settings. METHODS Development involved qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and patients, and feedback from a 7-member expert panel resulting in a 5-item measure that evaluates financial strain, psychological responses, and care modifications. Psychometric evaluations examined factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent and convergent validity. Associations between FinTox scores and sociodemographic/medical factors were also analyzed using univariate and multivariable regression models. RESULTS Twelve healthcare providers and 20 patients were interviewed, and 268 patients (69.8% female, 47.4% non-Hispanic White) completed surveys including FinTox, the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures, and sociodemographic questions. FinTox demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.95). Significant correlations with the COST (r = -0.62, p < 0.001) and HRQOL measures corroborated content and convergent validity. Diagnostic accuracy was evidenced by a sensitivity of 72.3%, specificity of 85.2%, positive predictive value of 83.2%, and negative predictive value of 70.3%. Higher FinTox scores were also associated with receiving care at a safety-net hospital, Black race, household income <600% of the federal poverty level, and Stage 4 cancer. CONCLUSION FinTox's robust psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy position it as a reliable tool for detecting financial toxicity. Future research should evaluate its responsiveness to changes over time and integration into clinical workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Badr
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Jessie Han
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Martha Mims
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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Yabroff KR, Sylvia Shi K, Zhao J, Freedman AN, Zheng Z, Nogueira L, Han X, Klabunde CN, de Moor JS. Importance of Patient Health Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Genomic Testing in Oncologists' Treatment Decisions. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:429-437. [PMID: 38194620 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Use of genomic testing, especially multimarker panels, is increasing in the United States. Not all tests and related treatments are covered by health insurance, which can result in substantial patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Little is known about oncologists' treatment decisions with respect to patient insurance coverage and OOP costs for genomic testing. METHODS We identified 1,049 oncologists who used multimarker tumor panels from the 2017 National Survey of Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment. Separate multivariable ordinal logistic regressions examined associations of oncologist-, practice-, and area-level characteristics and oncologists' ratings of importance (very, somewhat, or a little/not important) of insurance coverage and OOP costs for genomic testing in treatment decisions, adjusting for oncologist years of experience, sex, race and ethnicity, specialty, use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests, region, tumor boards, patient insurance mix, and area-level socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS Among oncologists, 47.3%, 32.7%, and 20.0% reported that patient insurance coverage for genomic testing was very, somewhat, or a little/not important, respectively, in treatment decisions. In addition, 56.9%, 28.0%, and 15.2% reported that OOP costs for testing were very, somewhat, or a little/not important, respectively. In adjusted analyses, oncologists who used NGS tests were more likely to report patient insurance and OOP costs as important (odds ratio [OR], 2.00 [95% CI, 1.16 to 3.45] and OR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.22 to 3.68], respectively) in treatment decisions compared with oncologists who did not use these tests, as were oncologists who treated solid tumors, rather than only hematological cancers. More years of experience and higher percentages of Medicaid or self-paid/uninsured patients in the practice were associated with reporting insurance coverage (OR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.89]) and OOP costs (OR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.13 to 2.01]) as important. Oncologists in practices with molecular tumor boards for genomic tests were less likely to report coverage (OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.47 to 0.85]) and OOP costs (OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.97]) as important than their counterparts in practices without these tumor boards. CONCLUSION Most oncologists rate patient health insurance and OOP costs for genomic tests as important considerations in subsequent treatment recommendations. Modifiable factors associated with these ratings can inform interventions to support patient-physician decision making about care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kewei Sylvia Shi
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrew N Freedman
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carrie N Klabunde
- Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD
| | - Janet S de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
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Ozluk AA, Outlaw D, Akce M, Fowler ME, Hess DL, Giri S, Williams GR. Management of Older Adults With Colorectal Cancer: The Role of Geriatric Assessment. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2023; 22:390-401. [PMID: 37949790 PMCID: PMC11065137 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Older adults share a growing burden of cancer morbidity and mortality. This is present across the spectrum of oncologic diagnoses and is particularly true with colorectal cancer (CRC), where older adults continue to share the burden of diagnoses. However, optimal cancer treatment decision making in older adults remains a significant challenge, as the majority of previous clinical trials shaping the current treatment landscape have focused on younger patients, often with more robust performance status and fewer medical comorbid conditions. The heterogeneous aging process of older adults with CRC necessitates a personalized treatment approach, as approximately three-quarters of older adults with CRC also have a concominant geriatric syndrome and more than half of older adults with CRC are pre-frail or frail. Treatment decisions shoud be multifaceted, including consultation with the patient and their familes regarding their wishes, with consideration of the patient's quality of life, functional status, medical comorbid conditions, social support, and treatment toxicity risk. Geriatric assessment is a systematic and validated approach to assess an older adults's potential strengths and vulnerabilities, which can in turn be used to assist with comprehensive cancer care planning and support. In this review, we will summarize current treatment approaches for older adults with CRC, with a particular focus on the incorporation of the geriatric assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Anil Ozluk
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Darryl Outlaw
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Mackenzie E Fowler
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Daniel L Hess
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Smith Giri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Grant R Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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Halpern MT, de Moor JS, Han X, Zhao J, Zheng Z, Yabroff KR. Association of Employment Disruptions and Financial Hardship Among Individuals Diagnosed with Cancer in the United States: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1830-1839. [PMID: 37705562 PMCID: PMC10496757 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Financial hardship (FH), defined as adverse patient effects due to cancer costs, is experienced by approximately half of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Many individuals diagnosed with cancer also experience disruptions with their employment. This study examines associations of employment disruptions and FH among a nationally representative sample of individuals diagnosed with cancer in the United States. We utilized 2016/2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences with Cancer data from individuals who worked for pay following cancer diagnosis. Employment disruption included taking extended paid time off work; switching to part-time/less demanding jobs; and/or retiring early due to cancer diagnosis/treatment. FH domains included: material (e.g., borrowing money/financial sacrifices); psychologic (e.g., worrying about medical bills/income); and behavioral (delaying/forgoing healthcare services because of cost). Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined associations of employment disruption and FH. Among 732 individuals with a cancer history, 47.4% experienced employment disruptions; 55.9% experienced any FH. Any FH was significantly more common among individuals with versus without employment disruptions across multiple measures and domains (68.7% vs. 44.5%; P value of difference <0.0001). Individuals with employment disruptions were more likely to have any FH [OR, 2.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.62-3.52] and more FHs (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.96-3.89]. This study highlights that employment disruptions are common and significantly associated with multiple domains of FH among individuals with a cancer history. Employer workplace accommodation, physician discussions regarding potential impacts of cancer care on employment, and other policies to minimize employment disruptions among individuals diagnosed with cancer may reduce FH in this vulnerable population. Significance Individuals diagnosed with cancer may have employment disruptions; they may also develop FHs. People with cancer who have employment changes are more likely to also have FHs. Physicians and employers can help individuals with cancer through advancing planning, workplace assistance, and improved medical leave and insurance policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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5
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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.
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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
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6
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Meng L, Thapa R, Delgado MG, Gomez MF, Ji R, Knepper TC, Hubbard JM, Wang X, Permuth JB, Kim RD, Laber DA, Xie H. Association of Age With Treatment-Related Adverse Events and Survival in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2320035. [PMID: 37358854 PMCID: PMC10293914 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.20035] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance While the incidence of early-onset metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has been increasing, studies on the age-related disparity in this group of patients are limited. Objective To evaluate the association of age with treatment-related adverse events and survival in patients with mCRC and explore the potential underlying factors. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included 1959 individuals. Individual data on 1223 patients with mCRC who received first-line fluorouracil and oxaliplatin therapy in 3 clinical trials, and clinical and genomic data of 736 patients with mCRC from Moffitt Cancer Center were used to assess genomic alterations and serve as an external validation cohort. All statistical analyses were conducted from October 1, 2021, through November 12, 2022. Exposures Metastatic colorectal cancer. Main Outcomes and Measures Survival outcomes and treatment-related adverse events were compared among patients in 3 age groups: younger than 50 (early onset), 50 to 65, and older than 65 years. Results In the total population of 1959 individuals, 1145 (58.4%) were men. Among 1223 patients from previous clinical trials, 179 (14.6%) in the younger than 50 years group, 582 (47.6%) in the 50 to 65 years group, and 462 (37.8%) in the older than 65 years group had similar baseline characteristics except for sex and race. The younger than 50 years group had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.22-1.76; P < .001) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.19-1.84; P < .001) compared with the 50 to 65 years group after adjustment for sex, race, and performance status. Significantly shorter OS in the younger than 50 years group was confirmed in the Moffitt cohort. The younger than 50 years group had a significantly higher incidence of nausea and vomiting (69.3% vs 57.6% [50-65 years] vs 60.4% [>65 years]; P = .02), severe abdominal pain (8.4% vs 3.4% vs 3.5%; P = .02), severe anemia (6.1% vs 1.0% vs 1.5%; P < .001), and severe rash (2.8% vs 1.2% vs 0.4% P = .047). The younger than 50 years group also had earlier onset of nausea and vomiting (1.0 vs 2.1 vs 2.6 weeks; P = .01), mucositis (3.6 vs 5.1 vs 5.7 weeks; P = .05), and neutropenia (8.0 vs 9.4 vs 8.4 weeks; P = .04), and shorter duration of mucositis (0.6 vs 0.9 vs 1.0 weeks; P = .006). In the younger than 50 years group, severe abdominal pain and severe liver toxic effects were associated with shorter survival. The Moffitt genomic data showed that the younger than 50 years group had a higher prevalence of CTNNB1 mutation (6.6% vs 3.1% vs 2.3%; P = .047), ERBB2 amplification (5.1% vs 0.6% vs 2.3%; P = .005), and CREBBP mutation (3.1% vs 0.9% vs 0.5%; P = .05), but lower prevalence of BRAF mutation (7.7% vs 8.5% vs 16.7%; P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 1959 patients, those with early-onset mCRC showed worse survival outcomes and unique adverse event patterns, which could be partially attributed to distinct genomic profiles. These findings may inform individualized management approaches in patients with early-onset mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
| | - Ram Thapa
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Maria G. Delgado
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Maria F. Gomez
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Rui Ji
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
| | - Todd C. Knepper
- Department of Personalized Cancer Medicine, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jennifer B. Permuth
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Richard D. Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Damian A. Laber
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa
| | - Hao Xie
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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7
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Baltussen JC, de Glas NA, Liefers GJ, Slingerland M, Speetjens FM, van den Bos F, Cloos-van Balen M, Verschoor AJ, Jochems A, Spierings LEAMM, Holterhues C, van Gerven LA, Mooijaart SP, Portielje JEA, Derks MGM. Time trends in treatment patterns and survival of older patients with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer in the Netherlands: A population-based study. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2043-2051. [PMID: 36620951 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34422] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
New treatment strategies have improved survival of metastatic colorectal cancer in trials. However, it is not clear whether older patients benefit from these novel therapies, as they are often not included in pivotal trials. Therefore, we investigated treatment patterns and overall survival over time in older patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in a population-based study. We identified 22.192 Dutch patients aged ≥70 years diagnosed with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer between 2005 and 2020 from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Changes in treatment over time were assessed with logistic regression models. Survival was assessed by Cox proportional hazard ratios (HR). Results showed that chemotherapy use increased between 2005 and 2015, but declined from 2015 onwards, while more patients received best supportive care. Over time, fewer patients underwent primary tumor resection alone. Although survival of both metastatic colon and rectal cancer improved until 2014, survival of colon cancer decreased from 2014 onwards (HR 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.05), which was seen in all age groups. Survival of metastatic rectal cancer patients remained unchanged from 2014 onwards (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.03) in all age groups. In conclusion, treatment patterns of Dutch older patients with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer rapidly changed from 2005 to 2020, with increasing percentages of patients receiving best supportive care. Survival of metastatic colon cancer decreased from 2014 onwards. The implementation of a colorectal cancer screening program and patient selection might explain why only a subset of older patients seem to benefit from the availability of novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joosje C Baltussen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke A de Glas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit-Jan Liefers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marije Slingerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frank M Speetjens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frederiek van den Bos
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan J Verschoor
- Department of Medical Oncology, Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk Jochems
- Department of Medical Oncology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cynthia Holterhues
- Department of Medical Oncology, Haga Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Leander A van Gerven
- Department of Internal Medicine, LangeLand Hospital, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
| | - Simon P Mooijaart
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marloes G M Derks
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Factors Associated with the Decision to Decline Chemotherapy in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061686. [PMID: 36980573 PMCID: PMC10046757 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes have long been well-documented in the medical literature. With the eruption of advances in new treatment modalities, the long-existing disparities are now being further uncovered and brought to the attention of the medical community. While social health determinants have previously been linked to treatment disparities in lung cancer, we analyzed data from the National Cancer Database to explore sociodemographic and geographic factors related to accepting or declining physician-recommended chemotherapy. Patients diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer between 2004 and 2016 who declined chemotherapy recommended by their physicians were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Cox Regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to look for survival characteristics. (2) Results: 316,826 patients with Stage IV lung cancer were identified. Factors related to a higher rate of refusal by patients included older age > 70, female sex, low income, lack of insurance coverage, residency in the New England region, and higher comorbidity. Patients living in areas with lower education were less likely to decline chemotherapy. (3) Conclusion: Further understanding of the factors impacting treatment decisions would be essential to improve the efficacy of care delivery in patients with cancer and reduce reversible causes of disparity.
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Nathan PC, Huang IC, Chen Y, Henderson TO, Park ER, Kirchhoff AC, Robison LL, Krull K, Leisenring W, Armstrong GT, Conti RM, Yasui Y, Yabroff KR. Financial Hardship in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the Era After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:1000-1010. [PMID: 36179267 PMCID: PMC9928627 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of financial hardship among adult survivors of childhood cancer compared with siblings and identify sociodemographic, cancer diagnosis, and treatment correlates of hardship among survivors in the era after implementation of the Affordable Care Act. METHODS A total of 3,555 long-term (≥ 5 years) survivors of childhood cancer and 956 siblings who completed a survey administered in 2017-2019 were identified from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Financial hardship was measured by 21 survey items derived from US national surveys that had been previously cognitively tested and fielded. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified domains of hardship. Multiple linear regression examined the association of standardized domain scores (ie, scores divided by standard deviation) with cancer and treatment history and sociodemographic characteristics among survivors. RESULTS Survivors were more likely than siblings to report hardship in ≥ 1 item (63.4% v 53.7%, P < .001). They were more likely to report being sent to debt collection (29.9% v 22.3%), problems paying medical bills (20.7% v 12.8%), foregoing needed medical care (14.1% v 7.8%), and worry/stress about paying their rent/mortgage (33.6% v 23.2%) or having enough money to buy nutritious meals (26.8% v 15.5%); all P < .001. Survivors reported greater hardship than siblings in all three domains identified by principal component analysis: behavioral hardship (mean standardized domain score 0.51 v 0.35), material hardship/financial sacrifices (0.64 v 0.46), and psychological hardship (0.69 v 0.44), all P < .001. Sociodemographic (eg, CONCLUSION Survivors of childhood cancer were more likely to experience financial hardship than siblings. Correlates of hardship can inform survivorship care guidelines and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Nathan
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - I-Chan Huang
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Yan Chen
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, School of Public Health Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tara O. Henderson
- University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Chicago, IL
| | - Elyse R. Park
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Anne C. Kirchhoff
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Leslie L. Robison
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Kevin Krull
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Wendy Leisenring
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, WA
| | - Gregory T. Armstrong
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Rena M. Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy and Law, Questrom School of Business, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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10
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Bhimani N, Wong GYM, Molloy C, Pavlakis N, Diakos CI, Clarke SJ, Dieng M, Hugh TJ. Cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer: a systematic review. Public Health 2022; 211:97-104. [PMID: 36063775 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer places a significant economic burden on individuals, populations, and health care. However, there is a paucity of information on the costs of the contemporary management of metastatic colorectal cancer. This systematic review aims to review the literature to estimate the direct cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews: National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database Guide, EconLit, and grey literature from the 1st of January 2000 to the 1st of February 2020 were all searched for studies reporting the direct costs of treating metastatic colorectal cancer. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Evers' Consensus on Health Economic Criteria checklist. RESULTS In total, 39,489 records were retrieved, and 29 studies were included. Costs of treating metastatic colorectal cancer varied because of the heterogeneity of treatment. Studies reported average costs ranged from $12,346 to $293,461. Studies that included the cost of systemic therapy reported an estimated cost of almost $300,000. CONCLUSION The existing evidence indicates that the cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer places a significant economic burden on healthcare systems despite differences in methodology and treatment heterogeneity. Future research needs to define the cost components of treating metastatic colorectal cancer to improve comparability and examine the relationship between spending, overall survival, and quality of life. Identifying these costs and their impact on health care budgets can help policymakers plan health system expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bhimani
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.
| | - G Y M Wong
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - C Molloy
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - N Pavlakis
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - C I Diakos
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - S J Clarke
- Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - M Dieng
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T J Hugh
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Liu L, Cao Y, Su M, Zhang J, Miao Y, Yao N. Financial toxicity among older cancer survivors in China: a qualitative study of oncology providers' perceptions and practices. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9433-9440. [PMID: 35917024 PMCID: PMC9343566 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07303-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective Despite oncology providers’ significant roles in patient care, few studies have been conducted to investigate oncology providers’ understanding of financial toxicity. This study aimed to explore oncology providers’ perceptions and practices relating to the financial toxicity of older cancer survivors in China. Methods A qualitative study was conducted. Individual interviews were conducted with 14 oncology providers at four general hospitals and two cancer specialist hospitals in China. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive coding and thematic analysis methods. Results The perceptions of participants about the financial toxicity of older cancer survivors include (1) older adults with cancer are especially vulnerable to financial toxicity; (2) inadequate social support may lead to financial toxicity; and (3) cancer-related financial toxicity increased the risk of poor treatment outcomes. The interventions to mitigate its negative effects include (1) effective communication about the cancer-related costs; (2) improving the professional ability to care for the patient; (3) cancer education program as a way to reduce knowledge gaps; and (4) clinical empathy as an effective treatment strategy. Conclusion Oncology providers perceive that older cancer patients’ financial toxicity plays a key role in increasing the negative effects of diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as well as possibly worsening cancer outcomes. Some potential practices of providers to mitigate financial toxicity include utilizing effective cost communication, improving professional ability in geriatric oncology care, and promoting further cancer education and clinical empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Yingjuan Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Mingzhu Su
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, Jinan, China.
- School of Public Health, Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinxin Zhang
- School of Public Health, Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yajun Miao
- Department Oncology, Shandong Province Third Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nengliang Yao
- School of Public Health, Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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12
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de Moor JS, Williams CP, Blinder VS. Cancer-Related Care Costs and Employment Disruption: Recommendations to Reduce Patient Economic Burden as Part of Cancer Care Delivery. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2022; 2022:79-84. [PMID: 35788373 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer survivors are frequently unprepared to manage the out-of-pocket (OOP) costs associated with undergoing cancer treatment and the potential for employment disruption. This commentary outlines a set of research recommendations stemming from the National Cancer Institute's Future of Health Economics Research Conference to better understand and reduce patient economic burden as part of cancer care delivery. Currently, there are a lack of detailed metrics and measures of survivors' OOP costs and employment disruption, and data on these costs are rarely available at the point of care to guide patient-centered treatment and survivorship care planning. Future research should improve the collection of data about survivors' OOP costs for medical care, other cancer-related expenses, and experiences of employment disruption. Methods such as microcosting and the prospective collection of patient-reported outcomes in cancer care are needed to understand the true sum of cancer-related costs taken on by survivors and caregivers. Better metrics and measures of survivors' costs must be coupled with interventions to incorporate that information into cancer care delivery and inform meaningful communication about OOP costs and employment disruption that is tailored to different clinical situations. Informing survivors about the anticipated costs of their cancer care supports informed decision making and proactive planning to mitigate financial hardship. Additionally, system-level infrastructure should be developed and tested to facilitate screening to identify survivors at risk for financial hardship, improve communication about OOP costs and employment disruption between survivors and their health-care providers, and support the delivery of appropriate financial navigation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S de Moor
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Courtney P Williams
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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13
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Jabbal IS, Bilani N, Yaghi M, Elson L, Liang H, Nahleh ZA. Geographical Disparities and Factors Associated With the Decision to Decline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1417-e1426. [PMID: 35658495 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Social determinants of health have been linked to treatment-related disparities in breast cancer. We analyzed data from a large national registry to explore factors related to accepting or declining recommended chemotherapy and whether patients' decisions vary geographically across the United States. METHODS We used the National Cancer Database to study treatment decision making in patients with advanced breast cancer (American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical stage III-IV) between 2004 and 2017. We focused the analysis on patients who were recommended chemotherapy by their physicians but who declined this treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of N = 215,284 patients with stage III and IV breast cancers were included. Patients in the New England region were more likely to refuse chemotherapy compared with the rest, with patients in the East South Central regions (AL, KY, MS, and TN) and West South Central (AR, LA, OK, and TX) noted to be least likely to refuse chemotherapy. Factors related to a higher rate of refusal by patients included older age > 70 years; hormone receptor-positive tumors; and having higher comorbidity. Patients identified as Hispanic, those who are privately insured, and patients at academic institutions were less likely to decline chemotherapy. CONCLUSION This analysis identified a significant difference in rates of refusal of recommended chemotherapy by geographical location, insurance status, and treatment facility after adjusting for known social determinants of health. Further understanding of the factors affecting treatment decisions would be important to improve the efficacy of care delivery in patients with cancer and reduce reversible causes of disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iktej S Jabbal
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
| | - Nadeem Bilani
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
| | - Marita Yaghi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
| | - Leah Elson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
| | - Hong Liang
- Department of Clinical Research, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
| | - Zeina A Nahleh
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
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14
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Bradley CJ, Sabik LM. An ounce of prevention: Medicaid's role in reducing the burden of cancer in men with HIV. Cancer 2022; 128:1900-1903. [PMID: 35285936 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Bradley
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.,University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lindsay M Sabik
- Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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15
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Inguva S, Priyadarshini M, Shah R, Bhattacharya K. Financial toxicity and its impact on health outcomes and caregiver burden among adult cancer survivors in the USA. Future Oncol 2022; 18:1569-1581. [PMID: 35129377 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To examine the association between cancer-related financial toxicity on cancer survivors' physical and mental health outcomes and caregiver burden. Materials & methods: 2016-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data were used to identify adult cancer survivors with cancer-related financial toxicity. Multivariable regression analyses were employed to examine the association between cancer-related financial toxicity and cancer survivors' self-reported physical and mental health outcomes and caregiver burden. Results: A total of 53.7% of adult cancer survivors reported experiencing financial toxicity. Those who experienced financial toxicity reported 14% greater pain, and poorer physical and mental health outcomes as compared to those who did not experience financial toxicity, ranging from 38% greater odds for activity limitations to 427% greater odds for mental task limitation. Moreover, cancer survivors with financial toxicity reported 206% greater odds for caregiver burden. Conclusions: Intervention programs for reducing financial toxicity among adult cancer survivors and their caregivers should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha Inguva
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, MS 38677, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Administration, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, MS 38677, USA
| | | | | | - Kaustuv Bhattacharya
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, MS 38677, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Administration, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, MS 38677, USA
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16
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Yabroff KR, Shih YCT, Bradley CJ. Treating the Whole Patient With Cancer: The Critical Importance of Understanding and Addressing the Trajectory of Medical Financial Hardship. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:335-337. [PMID: 34981116 PMCID: PMC8902336 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Correspondence to: K. Robin Yabroff, PhD, American Cancer Society, 3380 Chastain Meadows Pkwy NW Suite 200, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA (e-mail: )
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Section of Cancer Economics and Policy, Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cathy J Bradley
- Colorado School of Public Health Administration, Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
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17
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Liu M, Yuan R, Liu S, Xue Y, Wang X. NDC1 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Associated with Immune Infiltrates in Colon Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:8811-8817. [PMID: 34858049 PMCID: PMC8630367 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s325720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in the world. NDC1 is a crucial membrane-integral nucleoporin of nuclear pore complexes. The clinical significance of NDC1 in colon cancer has not been demonstrated to date. Therefore, we determined to evaluate the association between NDC1 and colon cancer using the open-access database. Methods The TCGA data of colon cancer were extracted to determine the relationship between NDC1 and the clinical characterization. We assessed the predictive role of NDC1 expression in the survival of patients with colon cancer. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were applied to analyze the association between the clinical factors and prognosis. The TIMER database was used to describe the association between immune cell infiltration and specific gene expression in the colon cancer context. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed based on the TCGA dataset. Results A total of 445 colon cancer patients with complete clinical information were included. NDC1 expression was significantly up-regulated in colon cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that NDC1 was an independent prognostic factor. Patients with a higher level of NDC1 expression tend to survive longer compared to those with a lower level of NDC1 expression. The level of the NDC1 expression is significantly associated with TNM stages. Furthermore, we constructed a nomogram to predict the prognosis by using NDC1 as a factor. The expression of NDC1 was significantly associated with infiltration of B cell, CD8+T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in colon cancer lesions. Additionally, NDC1 was predominantly enriched in KRAS-related signaling pathways by GSEA. Conclusion NDC1 can serve as a prognostic biomarker, which is negatively correlated with aggressiveness and positively associated with immune infiltrates of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggan Xue
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuning Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Air Force Hospital of Northern Theater PLA, Shenyang, 110000, People's Republic of China
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18
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Yang J, Carioto J, Pyenson B, Smith R, Jacobson N, Pittinger S, Shelbaya A. Greater uptake, an alternative reimbursement methodology needed to realize cost-saving potential of oncology biosimilars in the United States. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2021; 27:1642-1651. [PMID: 34677089 PMCID: PMC10394213 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.21202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biologics are an important treatment option for solid tumors and hematological malignancies but are a primary driver of health care spending growth. The United States has yet to realize the promise of reduced costs via biosimilars because of slow uptake, partially resulting from commercial payer reimbursement models that create economic incentives favoring the prescribing of reference biologics. OBJECTIVE: To examine the economic feasibility of an alternative reimbursement methodology that prospectively shares savings across commercial payers and providers to shift economic incentives in favor of lower-cost oncology biosimilars. METHODS: Using 3 oncology monoclonal antibody drugs (trastuzumab, bevacizumab, and rituximab) as examples, we developed an alternative reimbursement model that would offer an additional per unit payment (or "extra consideration") such that providers' net income per unit for biosimilars and reference biologics become equal. Provider-negotiated rates (or payer-allowable amounts) and average sales prices were obtained from claims data and projected to develop prices/costs from 2021 through 2025. Scenario analyses by varying key model assumptions were performed. RESULTS: The alternative reimbursement model achieved 1-year and 5-year payer savings in the commercial market for all 3 drugs in the sites of service analyzed. The base analysis showed first-year cost savings to payers, net of cost sharing, of up to 9% in physician offices (POs) and up to 1% in non-340B hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) for patients using the drugs analyzed. Five-year cumulative savings per patient ranged from about $12,600-$16,100 in PO and $2,200-$4,100 in HOPD. Payer savings varied depending on the characteristics of the provider with which the payer was negotiating (eg, lower- vs highermarkup providers, POs vs HOPDs). CONCLUSIONS: Positive payer savings shown in our modeling suggest that an alternative reimbursement arrangement could facilitate an economic compromise wherein commercial payers can save on biosimilars while providers' incomes are preserved. DISCLOSURES: Research funding was provided by Pfizer Inc. Yang and Shelbaya are employees of Pfizer Inc. and own Pfizer stock. Carioto, Pyenson, Smith, Jacobson, and Pittinger are employees of Milliman Inc., which received research funding from Pfizer Inc., for work on this study. Milliman, Inc., provides actuarial and other professional services to organizations throughout the healthcare industry. None of these are contingent, equity or investment relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Yang
- Patient Health and Impact (PHI), Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, and Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ahmed Shelbaya
- Patient Health and Impact (PHI), Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, and Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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19
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Mariotto AB, Warren JL, Zeruto C, Coughlan D, Barrett MJ, Zhao L, Yabroff KR. Cancer-Attributable Medical Costs for Colorectal Cancer Patients by Phases of Care: What Is the Effect of a Prior Cancer History? J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2021; 2020:22-30. [PMID: 32412066 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical care costing studies have excluded patients with a prior cancer history. This study aims to update methods for estimating medical care costs attributable to cancer and to evaluate the effect of a prior history of cancer on costs for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data and matched cancer patients to controls without cancer to estimate cancer-attributable costs by phases of care using Medicare 2007-2013 claims. CRC annualized average cancer-attributable costs were $56.0 K, $5.3 K, $92.5 K, and $24.3 K in the initial, continuing, and end-of-life cancer and noncancer death phases, respectively, in 2014 dollars. Costs were higher for patients diagnosed with more advanced stage, younger ages, and nonwhite races. Costs for patients with prior cancers were consistently higher than patients without prior cancers, especially in the continuing (4.9 K vs 7.2 K) and end-of-life noncancer death (22.7 K vs 30.0 K). Our CRC costs improve previous estimates by using more recent data and updated methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Mariotto
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Joan L Warren
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Chris Zeruto
- Information Management Services, Inc., Calverton, MD
| | - Diarmuid Coughlan
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD.,Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Lirong Zhao
- Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance & Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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20
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Alabraba E, Gomez D. Systematic Review of Treatments for Colorectal Metastases in Elderly Patients to Guide Surveillance Cessation Following Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases. Am J Clin Oncol 2021; 44:210-223. [PMID: 33710135 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although included in surveillance programmes for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases, elderly patients are susceptible to declines in health and quality of life that may render them unsuitable for further surveillance. Deciding when to cease surveillance is challenging. METHODS There are no publications focused on surveillance of elderly patients for CRC metastases. A systematic review of studies reporting treatment outcomes for CRC metastases in elderly patients was performed to assess the risk-benefit balance of the key objectives of surveillance; detecting and treating CRC metastases. RESULTS Sixty-eight eligible studies reported outcomes for surgery and chemotherapy in the elderly. Liver resections and use of chemotherapy, including biologics, are more conservative and have poorer outcomes in the elderly compared with younger patients. Selected studies demonstrated poorer quality-of-life (QoL) following surgery and chemotherapy. Studies of ablation in elderly patients are limited. DISCUSSION The survival benefit of treating CRC metastases with surgery or chemotherapy decreases with advancing age and QoL may decline in the elderly. The relatively lower efficacy and detrimental QoL impact of multimodal therapy options for detected CRC metastases in the elderly questions the benefit of surveillance in some elderly patients. Care of elderly patients should thus be customized based on their preference, formal geriatric assessment, natural life-expectancy, and the perceived risk-benefit balance of treating recurrent CRC metastases. Clinicians may consider surveillance cessation in patients aged 75 years and above if geriatric assessment is unsatisfactory, patients decline surveillance, or patient fitness deteriorates catastrophically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Alabraba
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Pancreatic Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
| | - Dhanny Gomez
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Pancreatic Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Disease Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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21
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de Moor JS, Mollica M, Sampson A, Adjei B, Weaver SJ, Geiger AM, Kramer BS, Grenen E, Miscally M, Ciolino HP. Delivery of Financial Navigation Services Within National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2021; 5:pkab033. [PMID: 34222790 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer centers have a responsibility to help patients manage the costs of their cancer treatment. This article describes the availability of financial navigation services within the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. Methods Data were obtained from the NCI Survey of Financial Navigation Services and Research, an online survey administered to NCI-designated cancer centers from July to September 2019. Of the 62 eligible centers, 57 completed all or most of the survey, for a response rate of 90.5%. Results Nearly all cancer centers reported providing help with applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs and medical discounts (96.5%), health insurance coverage (91.2%), assistance with nonmedical costs (96.5%), and help understanding medical bills and out-of-pocket costs (85.9%). Although other services were common, in some cases they were only available to certain patients. These services included direct financial assistance with medical and nonmedical costs and referrals to outside organizations for financial assistance. The least common services included medical debt management (63.2%), detailed discussions about the cost of treatment (54.4%), and guidance about legal protections (50.1%). Providing treatment cost transparency to patients was reported as a common challenge: 71.9% of centers agreed or strongly agreed that it is difficult to determine how much a cancer patient's treatment will cost, and 70.2% of oncologists are reluctant to discuss financial issues with patients. Conclusions Cancer centers provide many financial services and resources. However, there remains a need to build additional capacity to deliver comprehensive financial navigation services and to understand the extent to which patients are referred and helped by these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Mollica
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Annie Sampson
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Brenda Adjei
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sallie J Weaver
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ann M Geiger
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Barnett S Kramer
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Henry P Ciolino
- Office of Cancer Centers, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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22
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Current Treatment Approaches and Outcomes in the Management of Rectal Cancer Above the Age of 80. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:1388-1401. [PMID: 33808512 PMCID: PMC8078162 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: The number of cases of rectal cancer in our older cohort is expected to rise with our ageing population. In this study, we analysed patterns in treatment and the long-term outcomes of patients older than 80 years with rectal cancer across a health district. Methods: All cases of rectal cancer managed at the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Australia between 2006 and 2018 were analysed from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were stratified into three age groups: ≤65 years, 66–79 years and ≥80 years of age. The clinicopathological characteristics, operative and non-operative treatment approach and survival outcomes of the three groups were compared. Results: Six hundred and ninety-nine patients with rectal cancer were managed, of which 118 (17%) were aged 80 and above. Patients above 80 were less likely to undergo surgery (71% vs. 90%, p < 0.001) or receive adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.05). Of those that underwent surgical resection, their tumours were on average larger (36.5 vs. 31.5 mm, p = 0.019) and 18 mm closer the anal verge (p = 0.001). On Kaplan–Meier analysis, those above 80 had poorer cancer-specific survival when compared to their younger counterparts (p = 0.032), but this difference was no longer apparent after the first year (p = 0.381). Conclusion: Patients above the age of 80 with rectal cancer exhibit poorer cancer-specific survival, which is accounted for in the first year after diagnosis. Priority should be made to optimise care during this period. There is a need for further research to establish the role of chemoradiotherapy in this population, which appears to be underutilised.
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23
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Chandana SR, Babiker HM, Mahadevan D. Clinical complexity of utilizing FGFR inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1413-1429. [PMID: 33074030 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1838484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR 1-4) are a highly conserved family of receptor tyrosine kinases, involved in several physiological processes. Genetic aberrations of FGFRs and their ligands, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in several pathological processes including cancer. The FGF-FGFR axis has emerged as a treatment target in oncology. Because these aberrations drive cancer progression, the development of FGFR targeted therapies have been accelerated. AREAS COVERED In this comprehensive review, we evaluate molecular pathology and targeted therapies to FGFRs. We reviewed the evidence for safety and efficacy from preclinical and clinical studies (phase I-III) of FGFR targeted therapies. We also discuss potential challenges in bringing these targeted therapies from bench to bedside and the potential opportunities. EXPERT OPINION Despite the challenges of the clinical development of FGFR targeted therapies, two FGFR small-molecule inhibitors, namely Erdafitinib and Pemigatinib, are FDA approved for urothelial cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, respectively. Understanding and detection of FGFR genomic aberrations, protein overexpression and the development of isoform-specific inhibitors are factors in the clinical success of these therapies. An enhanced understanding of patient selection based on a gene signatures or biomarkers is key to success of FGFR targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivasa R Chandana
- Phase I Program, START Midwest , Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan , Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University , East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hani M Babiker
- Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center , Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center , Tucson, AZ, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio , San Antonio, TX, USA
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Eaglehouse YL, Georg MW, Richard P, Shriver CD, Zhu K. Costs for Colon Cancer Treatment Comparing Benefit Types and Care Sources in the US Military Health System. Mil Med 2020; 184:e847-e855. [PMID: 30941433 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the USA, contributing largely to US healthcare spending. Provision of services (direct or purchased) and insurance benefit type may impact cost for cancer care. As a common cause of cancer in both men and women, we aim to compare colon cancer treatment costs between insurance benefit types and care sources in the US Military Health System (MHS) to better understand whether and to what extent these system factors impact cancer care costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Department of Defense Central Cancer Registry records and MHS Data Repository administrative claims were used to identify MHS beneficiaries aged 18-64 who were diagnosed with primary colon adenocarcinoma and received treatment between 2003 and 2008. The data linkage was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Defense Health Agency, and the National Institutes of Health. Costs to the MHS for each claim related to cancer treatment were extracted from the linked data and adjusted to 2008 USD. We used quantile regression models to compare median cancer treatment costs between benefit types and care sources (direct, purchased, or both), adjusted for demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. RESULTS The median per capita (n = 801) costs for colon cancer care were $60,321 (interquartile range $24,625, $159,729) over a median follow-up of 1.7 years. The model-estimated treatment costs were similar between benefit types. Patients using direct care had significantly lower estimated median costs [$34,145 (standard error $4,326)] than patients using purchased care [$106,395 ($10,559)] or both care sources [$82,439 ($13,330)], controlled for patient demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Differences in cost by care source were noted for patients with later stage tumors and by treatment type. Relative costs were 2-3 times higher for purchased care compared to direct care for patients with late-stage tumors and for patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. CONCLUSIONS In the MHS, median cost for colon cancer treatment was lower in direct care compared to purchased care or patients using a combination of direct and purchased care. The variation in cancer treatment costs between care sources may be due to differences in treatment incentives or capabilities. Additional studies on cost differences between direct and purchased services are needed to understand how provision of care affects cancer treatment costs and to identify possible targets for cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Eaglehouse
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Matthew W Georg
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852
| | - Patrick Richard
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Craig D Shriver
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Kangmin Zhu
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
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Mariotto AB, Enewold L, Zhao J, Zeruto CA, Yabroff KR. Medical Care Costs Associated with Cancer Survivorship in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020; 29:1304-1312. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Yabroff KR, Zhao J, de Moor JS, Sineshaw HM, Freedman AN, Zheng Z, Han X, Rai A, Klabunde CN. Factors Associated With Oncologist Discussions of the Costs of Genomic Testing and Related Treatments. J Natl Cancer Inst 2020; 112:498-506. [PMID: 31675070 PMCID: PMC7225678 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djz173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of genomic testing is increasing in the United States. Testing can be expensive, and not all tests and related treatments are covered by health insurance. Little is known about how often oncologists discuss costs of testing and treatment or about the factors associated with those discussions. METHODS We identified 1220 oncologists who reported discussing genomic testing with their cancer patients from the 2017 National Survey of Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment. Multivariable polytomous logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between oncologist and practice characteristics and the frequency of cost discussions. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Among oncologists who discussed genomic testing with patients, 50.0% reported often discussing the likely costs of testing and related treatments, 26.3% reported sometimes discussing costs, and 23.7% reported never or rarely discussing costs. In adjusted analyses, oncologists with training in genomic testing or working in practices with electronic medical record alerts for genomic tests were more likely to have cost discussions sometimes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19 to 3.69) or often (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.30 to 3.79), respectively, compared to rarely or never. Other factors statistically significantly associated with more frequent cost discussions included treating solid tumors (rather than only hematological cancers), using next-generation sequencing gene panel tests, having higher patient volume, and working in practices with higher percentages of patients insured by Medicaid, or self-paid or uninsured. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting modifiable oncologist and practice factors, such as training in genomic testing and use of electronic medical record alerts, may help improve cost discussions about genomic testing and related treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Helmneh M Sineshaw
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ashish Rai
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carrie N Klabunde
- National Cancer Institute, and Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Lam CJK, Enewold L, McNeel TS, White DP, Warren JL, Mariotto AB. Estimating Chemotherapy Use Among Patients With a Prior Primary Cancer Diagnosis Using SEER-Medicare Data. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2020; 2020:14-21. [PMID: 32412067 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment studies commonly exclude patients with prior primary cancers due to difficulties in ascertaining for which site treatment is intended. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare patients 65 years and older diagnosed with an index colon or rectal cancer (CRC) or female breast cancer (BC) between 2004 and 2013 were included. Chemotherapy, defined as "any chemotherapy" and more restrictively as "chemotherapy with confirmatory diagnoses," was ascertained based on claims data within 6 months of index cancer diagnosis by prior cancer history. Any chemotherapy use was slightly lower among patients with a prior cancer (CRC: no prior = 17.4%, prior = 16.1%; BC: no prior = 12.9%, prior = 12.0%). With confirmatory diagnoses required, estimates were lower, especially among patients with a prior cancer (CRC: no prior = 16.8%, prior = 13.6%; BC: no prior = 12.6%, prior = 11.0%). These findings suggest that patients with prior cancers can be included in studies of chemotherapy use; requiring confirmatory diagnoses can increase treatment assignment confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara J K Lam
- Data Analytics Branch, Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Lindsey Enewold
- Healthcare Assessment Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Dolly P White
- Healthcare Assessment Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Joan L Warren
- Healthcare Assessment Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Angela B Mariotto
- Data Analytics Branch, Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
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Aparicio T, Canouï-Poitrine F, Caillet P, François E, Cudennec T, Carola E, Albrand G, Bouvier AM, Petri C, Couturier B, Phelip JM, Bengrine-Lefevre L, Paillaud E. Treatment guidelines of metastatic colorectal cancer in older patients from the French Society of Geriatric Oncology (SoFOG). Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:493-505. [PMID: 32029404 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.12.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several guidelines dedicated to metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are available. Since 2013 no recent guidelines are specifically dedicated to older patients and based on a systematic review. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multidisciplinary Task Force with digestive oncologists, geriatricians and methodologists from the SoFOG was formed in 2016 to update recommendations on medical treatment of mCRC based on a systematic review of publications from 2000 to 2018. Search strategy has followed a standardized protocol from the formulation of clinical questions and definition of a search algorithm to the selection of complete articles for recommendations. RESULTS The four selected key questions were: For which older patients with mCRC can we considered: (1) Any chemotherapy, (2) Mono or poly-chemotherapy, (3) Anti-angiogenic therapy, (4) Other targeted therapy. Main recommendations for older patients are: (1) Omission of chemotherapy should be discussed with a geriatrician for patients with severe comorbidities, advanced dementia, uncontrolled psychiatric disorder or severe loss of autonomy. (2) If tumor response is not the main aim, a mono-chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil combined with bevacizumab is recommended as first-line. (3) For patients with symptoms related to metastases or with a planned metastasis ablation, a doublet chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab or anti-EGFR antibody in the context of a RAS wild type tumor is recommended as first-line. Preliminary data suggest that regorafenib may be used, in its registered indication, in patients under 80 with a performance status of 0 and no autonomy alterations and that trifluridine-tipiracil may be used with a tight supervising of hematological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Aparicio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Saint Louis Hospital, AP-HP, University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Florence Canouï-Poitrine
- Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing Unit, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, EA 7376, CEpiA- IMRB, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Caillet
- Department of Geriatry, Georges Pompidou Hospital, APHP, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Eric François
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antoine-Lacassagne Center, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Tristan Cudennec
- Department of Geriatry, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, University Versailles - Saint Quentin, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Elisabeth Carola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Public Sud de l'Oise Hospital, Creil, France
| | - Gilles Albrand
- Department of Geriatry, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Anne-Marie Bouvier
- Digestive Cancer Registry of Burgundy, INSERM UMR1231 EPICAD University of Burgundy Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Camille Petri
- Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing Unit, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, EA 7376, CEpiA- IMRB, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Bérengère Couturier
- Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing Unit, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, EA 7376, CEpiA- IMRB, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Marc Phelip
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Saint-Etienne Hospital, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | | | - Elena Paillaud
- Department of Geriatry, Georges Pompidou Hospital, APHP, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Olver I, Keefe D, Herrstedt J, Warr D, Roila F, Ripamonti CI. Supportive care in cancer—a MASCC perspective. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:3467-3475. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Wells SM, Boothe D, Ager BJ, Tao R, Gilcrease GW, Lloyd S. Analysis of Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Metastatic Rectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2020; 19:91-99.e1. [PMID: 32173281 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Using a large national registry, we investigated patterns of care and overall survival (OS) for metastatic rectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy (RT), or with a multimodal approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adult patients with metastatic rectal cancer who did not undergo resection diagnosed from 2004 to 2014 were included. Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS We identified 2385 patients. Of these, 1020 patients (43%) received chemotherapy alone, 228 (10%) received RT alone, 850 (36%) received chemotherapy and RT, and 287 (12%) received no treatment. Receipt of chemotherapy alone increased over the study period, and receipt of chemoradiotherapy decreased (P < .01). The only factor predictive of receiving any RT on multivariate analysis was clinical stage T3 disease. Factors predictive of OS on multivariate analysis included receipt of chemotherapy, Hispanic race, income greater than $46,000, and presence of lung metastasis. The OS for patients treated with chemotherapy and RT was not significantly different than chemotherapy alone. Five-year OS with chemotherapy alone, RT alone, chemoradiotherapy, and no treatment were, respectively, 84%, 56%, 79%, and 46%. CONCLUSION Metastatic rectal cancer patients with T3 tumors were more likely to receive RT. Local RT does not improve survival for patients with metastatic rectal cancer who do not also undergo surgery. The use of chemotherapy alone for metastatic rectal cancer is increasing, and chemotherapy is associated with higher OS compared to no treatment and RT alone. This remained true even in patients older than 80 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey M Wells
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Bryan J Ager
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Randa Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Glynn Weldon Gilcrease
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Shane Lloyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
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Tanguy-Melac A, Aguade AS, Fagot-Campagna A, Gastaldi-Ménager C, Sabaté JM, Tuppin P. Management and intensity of medical end-of-life care in people with colorectal cancer during the year before their death in 2015: A French national observational study. Cancer Med 2019; 8:6671-6683. [PMID: 31553130 PMCID: PMC6825985 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The care pathway of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) 1 year prior to death, their causes of death and the healthcare use, and associated expenditure remain poorly described together. People managed for CRC (2014‐2015), covered by the national health insurance general scheme and who died in 2015 were selected from the national health data system. A total of 15 361 individuals (mean age: 75 years, SD: 12.5 years) were included, almost 66% of whom died in short‐stay hospital (SSH), 9% in hospital at home (HaH), 4% in rehabilitation units (Rehab), 6% in skilled nursing homes (SNH), and 15% at home. At least one other cancer was identified for one‐third of these people. Almost one‐half of people presented cardiovascular comorbidity, 21% had chronic respiratory disease, and 13% had a neurological or degenerative disease. During the last month of life, 83% were admitted at least once to SSH, 39% had at least one emergency department admission, 17% were admitted to an intensive care unit, 15% received at least one chemotherapy session (<60 years: 27%), and 5% received oral chemotherapy. Eighty‐eight percent of the 60% of individuals who received hospital palliative care (HPC) vs 75% of those without HPC were admitted to SSH at least once during the last month. Cancer was the main cause of death for 84% (SSH: 85%, home: 77%) and corresponded to CRC for 64% of them. The mean annual expenditure per person during the last year of life was €43 398 (SSH: €48 804). This study suggests a relatively high level of HPC use during the year before death for people with CRC in France. High rates of emergency department, intensive care, and chemotherapy use were observed during the last month of life. However, management is very largely SSH‐based with a small proportion of deaths at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Tanguy-Melac
- Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) - Direction de la stratégie des études et des statistiques, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Aguade
- Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) - Direction de la stratégie des études et des statistiques, Paris, France
| | - Anne Fagot-Campagna
- Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) - Direction de la stratégie des études et des statistiques, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Gastaldi-Ménager
- Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) - Direction de la stratégie des études et des statistiques, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabaté
- Service de Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Avicenne AP-HP, Bobigny, France.,INSERM U-987, Physiopathologie et Pharmacologie Clinique de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Philippe Tuppin
- Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (Cnam) - Direction de la stratégie des études et des statistiques, Paris, France
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Duma N, Idossa DW, Durani U, Frank RD, Paludo J, Westin G, Lou Y, Mansfield AS, Adjei AA, Go RS, Ailawadhi S. Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Treatment Decisions in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2019; 21:e115-e129. [PMID: 31570228 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), survival has significantly improved. Despite such trends, it has been noted that patients frequently refuse treatment. Therefore, we explored the factors associated with treatment refusal in NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Utilizing the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), we identified all stage IV NSCLC cases from 2004 to 2014. Patients who received cancer treatment outside of the reporting facility were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations with treatment refusal. RESULTS A total of 341,993 patients were identified; 5.4% of patients refused radiotherapy and 10.3% refused chemotherapy despite provider recommendations. The proportion of patients refusing radiotherapy and chemotherapy increased over time from 4.2% to 7.3% and 7.9% to 15%, respectively (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, men were less likely to refuse treatment compared to women (respectively, odds ratio = 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.84; P < .001; odds ratio = 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.85; P < .001, respectively). Factors associated with radiotherapy refusal included: Medicaid or Medicare as primary insurance, uninsured status, low household median income, and lower educational level. Regarding chemotherapy, uninsured patients, Medicaid patients, and patients with a high comorbidity index were more likely to refuse chemotherapy. Asians had lower rates of chemotherapy refusal relative to non-Hispanic whites. Non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, and Asians had increasing chemotherapy refusal rates over time, while non-Hispanic blacks had less pronounced trends over time. CONCLUSION Socioeconomic factors rather than race/ethnicity appear to influence the refusal of cancer treatment in patients with stage IV NSCLC. Assessing socioeconomic challenges should be an essential part of patient evaluation when discussing treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjust Duma
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI.
| | - Dame W Idossa
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Ryan D Frank
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jonas Paludo
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Yanyan Lou
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Alex A Adjei
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ronald S Go
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Yabroff KR, Gansler T, Wender RC, Cullen KJ, Brawley OW. Minimizing the burden of cancer in the United States: Goals for a high-performing health care system. CA Cancer J Clin 2019; 69:166-183. [PMID: 30786025 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 1991 and 2015, the cancer mortality rate declined dramatically in the United States, reflecting improvements in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care. However, cancer outcomes in the United States vary substantially between populations defined by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health insurance coverage, and geographic area of residence. Many potentially preventable cancer deaths occur in individuals who did not receive effective cancer prevention, screening, treatment, or survivorship care. At the same time, cancer care spending is large and growing, straining national, state, health insurance plans, and family budgets. Indeed, one of the most pressing issues in American medicine is how to ensure that all populations, in every community, derive the benefit from scientific research that has already been completed. Addressing these questions from the perspective of health care delivery is necessary to accelerate the decline in cancer mortality that began in the early 1990s. This article, part of the Cancer Control Blueprint series, describes challenges with the provision of care across the cancer control continuum in the United States. It also identifies goals for a high-performing health system that could reduce disparities and the burden of cancer by promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyles; access to a regular source of primary care; timely access to evidence-based care; patient-centeredness, including effective patient-provider communication; enhanced coordination and communication between providers, including primary care and specialty care providers; and affordability for patients, payers, and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Strategic Director, Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society Inc, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ted Gansler
- Strategic Director of Pathology Research, American Cancer Society Inc, Atlanta, GA
| | - Richard C Wender
- Chief Cancer Control Officer, American Cancer Society Inc, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kevin J Cullen
- Director, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Otis W Brawley
- Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President-Research, American Cancer Society Inc, Atlanta, GA
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Sensharma A, Yabroff KR. Do interventions that address patient cost-sharing improve adherence to prescription drugs? A systematic review of recently published studies. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2019; 19:263-277. [PMID: 30628493 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2019.1567335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poor prescription drug adherence is common, jeopardizing the benefits of treatment and increasing the costs of health care in the United States. A frequently reported barrier to adherence is patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Areas Covered: This systematic review examines interventions that address patient cost-sharing to improve adherence to prescription drugs and reduce costs of care. Twenty-eight published studies were identified with 22 distinct interventions. Most papers were published in or after 2010, and nearly a third were published after 2014. Expert Opinion: Many of the interventions were associated with improved adherence compared to controls, but effects were modest and varied across drug classes. In some studies, adherence remained stable in the intervention group, but declined in the control group. Patient OOP costs generally declined following the intervention, usually as a direct result of the financial structure of the intervention, such as elimination of copayments, and costs to health plans for prescription drugs increased accordingly. For those studies that reported drug and nondrug costs, lower health plan nondrug medical spending generally compensated for increased spending on prescription drugs. With increasing health-care spending, especially for prescription drugs, efforts to improve prescription drug adherence in the United States are important. Federal policies regarding prescription drug prices may have an impact on cost-related nonadherence, but the content and timing of any policies are hard to predict. As such, employers and health plans will face greater pressure to explore innovative approaches to lowering costs and increasing access for beneficiaries. Value-based financial incentive models have the potential to be a part of this effort; research should continue to evaluate their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijeet Sensharma
- a Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- b Intramural Research Department , American Cancer Society , Atlanta , GA , USA
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Yabroff KR, Zhao J, Zheng Z, Rai A, Han X. Medical Financial Hardship among Cancer Survivors in the United States: What Do We Know? What Do We Need to Know? Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018; 27:1389-1397. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-18-0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Jung YH, Kim JY, Jang YN, Yoo SH, Kim GH, Lee KM, Lee IK, Chung SM, Woo IS. Clinical characteristics and treatment propensity in elderly patients aged over 80 years with colorectal cancer. Korean J Intern Med 2018; 33:1182-1193. [PMID: 29166760 PMCID: PMC6234404 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2016.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Elderly patients (≥ 80 years) with colorectal cancer (CRC) tend to avoid active treatment at the time of diagnosis despite of recent advances in treatment. The aim of this study was to determine treatment propensity of elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with CRC in clinical practice and the impact of anticancer treatment on overall survival (OS). METHODS Medical charts of 152 elderly patients (aged ≥ 80 years) diagnosed with CRC between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' clinical characteristics, treatment modalities received, and clinical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS Their median age was 82 years (range, 80 to 98). Of 152 patients, 148 were assessable for the extent of the disease. Eighty-two of 98 patients with localized disease and 28 of 50 patients with metastatic disease had received surgery or chemotherapy or both. Surgery was performed in 79 of 98 patients with localized disease and 15 of 50 patients with metastatic disease. Chemotherapy was administered in only 24 of 50 patients with metastatic disease. Patients who received anticancer treatment according to disease extent showed significantly longer OS compared to untreated patients (localized disease, 76.2 months vs. 15.4 months, p = 0.000; metastatic disease, 9.9 months vs. 2.6 months, p = 0.001). Along with anticancer treatment, favorable performance status (PS) was associated with longer OS in multivariate analysis of clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with CRC tended to receive less treatment for metastatic disease. Nevertheless, anticancer treatment in patients with favorable PS was effective in prolonging OS regardless of disease extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hwa Jung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon Sun Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jae Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu Na Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyo Hui Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Kyu Lee
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Mi Chung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Sook Woo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to In Sook Woo, M.D. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 10 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07345, Korea Tel: +82-2-3779-1574 Fax: +82-2-780-3132 E-mail:
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Treatment and survival of rectal cancer patients over the age of 80 years: a EURECCA international comparison. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:517-522. [PMID: 30057408 PMCID: PMC6134121 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0215-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The optimal treatment strategy for older rectal cancer patients
remains unclear. The current study aimed to compare treatment and survival of
rectal cancer patients aged 80+. Methods Patients of ≥80 years diagnosed with rectal cancer between 2001 and
2010 were included. Population-based cohorts from Belgium (BE), Denmark (DK), the
Netherlands (NL), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE) were compared side by side for
neighbouring countries on treatment strategy and 5-year relative survival (RS),
adjusted for sex and age. Analyses were performed separately for stage I–III
patients and stage IV patients. Results Overall, 19 634 rectal cancer patients were included. For stage
I–III patients, 5-year RS varied from 61.7% in BE to 72.3% in SE. Proportion of
preoperative radiotherapy ranged between 7.9% in NO and 28.9% in SE. For stage IV
patients, 5-year RS differed from 2.8% in NL to 5.6% in BE. Rate of patients
undergoing surgery varied from 22.2% in DK to 40.8% in NO. Conclusions Substantial variation was observed in the 5-year relative survival
between European countries for rectal cancer patients aged 80+, next to a wide
variation in treatment, especially in the use of preoperative radiotherapy in
stage I–III patients and in the rate of patients undergoing surgery in stage IV
patients.
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Gupta AK, Kanhere HA, Maddern GJ, Trochsler MI. Liver resection in octogenarians: are the outcomes worth the risk? ANZ J Surg 2018; 88:E756-E760. [DOI: 10.1111/ans.14475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aashray K. Gupta
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide Medical School; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Harsh A. Kanhere
- The University of Adelaide Discipline of Surgery; The Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Guy J. Maddern
- The University of Adelaide Discipline of Surgery; The Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Markus I. Trochsler
- The University of Adelaide Discipline of Surgery; The Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Schroeder MC, Rastogi P, Geyer CE, Miller LD, Thomas A. Early and Locally Advanced Metaplastic Breast Cancer: Presentation and Survival by Receptor Status in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 2010-2014. Oncologist 2018; 23:481-488. [PMID: 29330212 PMCID: PMC5896714 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease subtype characterized by an aggressive clinical course. MBC is commonly triple negative (TN), although hormone receptor (HR) positive and human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) positive cases do occur. Previous studies have reported similar outcomes for MBC with regard to HR status. Less is known about outcomes for HER2 positive MBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data were used to identify women diagnosed 2010-2014 with MBC or invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Kaplan-Meier curves estimated overall survival (OS) and multivariate Cox models were fitted. For survival analyses, only first cancers were included, and 2014 diagnoses were excluded to allow for sufficient follow-up. RESULTS Our MBC sample included 1,516 women. Relative to women with IDC, women with MBC were more likely to be older (63 vs. 61 years), black (16.0% vs. 11.1%), and present with stage III disease (15.6% vs. 10.8%). HER2 positive and HER2 negative/HR positive MBC tumors represented 5.2% and 23.0% of cases. For MBC overall, 3-year OS was greatest for women with HER2 positive MBC (91.8%), relative to women with TN (75.4%) and HER2 negative/HR positive MBC (77.1%). This difference was more pronounced for stage III MBC, for which 3-year OS was 92.9%, 47.1%, and 42.2% for women with HER2 positive, TN, and HER2 negative/HR positive MBC, respectively. A multivariate Cox model of MBC demonstrated that HER2 positive tumors (relative to TN) were associated with improved survival (hazard ratio = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.79). In a second Cox model of exclusively HER2 positive tumors, OS did not differ between MBC and IDC disease subtypes (hazard ratio = 1.16, 95% CI 0.48-2.81). CONCLUSION In this contemporary, population-based study of women with MBC, HER2 but not HR status was associated with improved survival. Survival was similar between HER2 positive MBC and HER2 positive IDC. This suggests HER2 positive MBC is responsive to HER2-directed therapy, a finding that may offer insights for additional therapeutic approaches to MBC. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This population-based study reports recent outcomes, by receptor status, for women with metaplastic breast cancer. Survival in metaplastic breast cancer is not impacted by hormone receptor status. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report indicating that women with human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) positive metaplastic breast cancer have survival superior to women with HER2 negative metaplastic breast cancer and survival similar to women with HER2 positive invasive ductal carcinoma. This information can be used for counseling patients diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer. Further understanding of HER2 positive metaplastic breast cancer could offer insights for the development of therapeutic approaches to metaplastic breast cancer more broadly.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Metaplasia
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neoplasm Staging
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- SEER Program/statistics & numerical data
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lance D Miller
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandra Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Herbst CL, Miot JK, Moch SL, Ruff P. Access to colorectal cancer (CRC) chemotherapy and the associated costs in a South African public healthcare patient cohort. J Cancer Policy 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Palliative therapy for stage IV rectal adenocarcinoma: how frequently is it used? J Surg Res 2017; 218:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Tartari F, Conti A, Cerqueti R. Assessing the relationship between toxicity and economic cost of oncological target agents: A systematic review of clinical trials. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183639. [PMID: 28829823 PMCID: PMC5567914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Target agents are peculiar oncological drugs which differ from the traditional therapies in their ability of recognizing specific molecules expressed by tumor cells and microenvironment. Thus, their toxicity is generally lower than that associated to chemotherapy, and they represent nowadays a new standard of care in a number of tumors. This paper deals with the relationship between economic costs and toxicity of target agents. At this aim, a cluster analysis-based exploration of the main features of a large collection of them is carried out, with a specific focus on the variables leading to the identification of their toxicity and related costs. The analysis of the toxicity is based on the Severe Adverse Events (SAE) and Discontinuation (D) rates of each target agent considering data published on PubMed from 1965 to 2016 in the phase II and III studies that have led to the approval of these drugs for cancer patients by US Food and Drug Administration. The construction of the dataset represents a key step of the research, and is grounded on the critical analysis of a wide set of clinical studies. In order to capture different evaluation strategies of the toxicity, clustering is performed according to three different criteria (including Voronoi tessellation). Our procedure allows us to identify 5 different groups of target agents pooled by similar SAE and D rates and, at the same time, 3 groups based on target agents' costs for 1 month and for the median whole duration of therapy. Results highlight several specific regularities for toxicity and costs. This study present several limitations, being realized starting from clinical trials and not from individual patients' data. However, a macroscopic perspective suggests that costs are rather heterogeneous, and they do not clearly follow the clustering based on SAE and D rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tartari
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata. Via Crescimbeni, Macerata, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conti
- Azienda Ospedaliera dell’Alto Adige, Bressanone/Brissen Hospital. Via Dante, Bressanone/Brissen, Italy
| | - Roy Cerqueti
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata. Via Crescimbeni, Macerata, Italy
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Trends in the Treatment of Metastatic Colon and Rectal Cancer in Elderly Patients. Med Care 2017; 55:86. [DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Altice CK, Banegas MP, Tucker-Seeley RD, Yabroff KR. Financial Hardships Experienced by Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review. J Natl Cancer Inst 2016; 109:djw205. [PMID: 27754926 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djw205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 532] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With rising cancer care costs, including high-priced cancer drugs, financial hardship is increasingly documented among cancer survivors in the United States; research findings have not been synthesized. Methods We conducted a systematic review of articles published between 1990 and 2015 describing the financial hardship experienced by cancer survivors using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. We categorized measures of financial hardship into: material conditions (eg, out-of-pocket costs, productivity loss, medical debt, or bankruptcy), psychological responses (eg, distress or worry), and coping behaviors (eg, skipped medications). We abstracted findings and conducted a qualitative synthesis. Results Among 676 studies identified, 45 met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated in the review. The majority of the studies (82%, n = 37) reported financial hardship as a material condition measure; others reported psychological (7%, n = 3) and behavioral measures (16%, n = 7). Financial hardship measures were heterogeneous within each broad category, and the prevalence of financial hardship varied by the measure used and population studied. Mean annual productivity loss ranged from $380 to $8236, 12% to 62% of survivors reported being in debt because of their treatment, 47% to 49% of survivors reported experiencing some form of financial distress, and 4% to 45% of survivors did not adhere to recommended prescription medication because of cost. Conclusions Financial hardship is common among cancer survivors, although we found substantial heterogeneity in its prevalence. Our findings highlight the need for consistent use of definitions, terms, and measures to determine the best intervention targets and inform intervention development in order to prevent and minimize the impact of financial hardship experienced by cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl K Altice
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Reginald D Tucker-Seeley
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Community Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Use of High-cost Systemic Treatments in Elderly mCRC Patients. Med Care 2016; 55:86-87. [PMID: 27547951 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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