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Santos Salas A, LeGuerrier B, Horvath L, Bassah N, Adewale B, Bardales O, Duggleby W, Salami B, Watanabe SM. The impact of socioeconomic inequality on access to health care for patients with advanced cancer: A qualitative study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100520. [PMID: 39027088 PMCID: PMC11255108 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In Canada, populations experiencing socioeconomic inequality have lower rates of access to screening and diagnosis and higher mortality rates than people from higher-income areas. Limited evidence exists concerning their experiences when living with advanced cancer. We explored how socioeconomic inequality shapes the experiences of patients with advanced cancer. Methods We utilized a qualitative study design that combined tenets of hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry and critical theory. Four individuals with advanced cancer from low-income neighborhoods, three family members, and six cancer care providers were accrued through a tertiary cancer center in a western Canadian city. One-on-one interviews and brief notes were used for data collection. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results Three interrelated themes were identified: 'Lack of access to socioeconomic supports,' 'Gaps in access to health care resources and services,' and 'Limited access to symptom relief.' Patients experienced inadequate finances, housing, and transportation. Most patients lived alone and had limited family and social support. Patients reported lack of knowledge of available resources and health system navigation issues, including communication problems with providers and among levels of care. Cancer care providers and patients described issues achieving symptom relief as well as challenges associated with extensive disease. Conclusions Study findings suggest that socioeconomic inequality interferes with the ability of persons with advanced cancer to access health care and contributes to less optimal cancer outcomes. Socioeconomic inequality may increase symptom severity. Findings call for the development of tailored interventions for populations with advanced cancer and socioeconomic inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Santos Salas
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bronwen LeGuerrier
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lucas Horvath
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nahyeni Bassah
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bisi Adewale
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Olga Bardales
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Duggleby
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sharon M. Watanabe
- Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, Cross Cancer Institute, Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Columbres RC, Feliciano EJG, Catedral LI, Zaldarriaga JMH, Eala MAB, Flores JA, Tangco ED, Florez N, Ting FIL, Dee EC. Financial Sequelae of Cancer for Patients' Family Members and Caregivers: A Focus on the Philippines. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2400074. [PMID: 38991186 DOI: 10.1200/go.24.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rod Carlo Columbres
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS
| | - Erin Jay G Feliciano
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila University, Pasig City, Philippines
- Department of Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens, NY
| | | | - Jose Ma H Zaldarriaga
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St Luke's Medical Center, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Michelle Ann B Eala
- University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Enrico D Tangco
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Medical City, Pasig City, Philippines
| | - Narjust Florez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Frederic Ivan L Ting
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Bacolod, Philippines
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of St La Salle, Bacolod, Philippines
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3
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Hart NH, Nekhlyudov L, Smith TJ, Yee J, Fitch MI, Crawford GB, Koczwara B, Ashbury FD, Lustberg MB, Mollica M, Smith AL, Jefford M, Chino F, Zon R, Agar MR, Chan RJ. Survivorship Care for People Affected by Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: MASCC-ASCO Standards and Practice Recommendations. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300716. [PMID: 38684036 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE People with advanced or metastatic cancer and their caregivers may have different care goals and face unique challenges compared with those with early-stage disease or those nearing the end of life. These Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)-ASCO standards and practice recommendations seek to establish consistent provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer. METHODS A MASCC-ASCO expert panel was formed. Standards and recommendations relevant to the provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer were developed through conducting (1) a systematic review of unmet supportive care needs; (2) a scoping review of cancer survivorship, supportive care, and palliative care frameworks and guidelines; and (3) an international modified Delphi consensus process. RESULTS A systematic review involving 81 studies and a scoping review of 17 guidelines and frameworks informed the initial standards and recommendations. Subsequently, 77 experts (including eight people with lived experience) across 33 countries (33% were low- to middle-resource countries) participated in the Delphi study and achieved ≥94.8% agreement for seven standards, (1) Person-Centered Care; (2) Coordinated and Integrated Care; (3) Evidence-Based and Comprehensive Care; (4) Evaluated and Communicated Care; (5) Accessible and Equitable Care; (6) Sustainable and Resourced Care; and (7) Research and Data-Driven Care, and ≥84.2% agreement across 45 practice recommendations. CONCLUSION Standards of survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer are provided. These MASCC-ASCO standards support optimization of health outcomes and care experiences by providing guidance to stakeholders (health care professionals, leaders, and administrators; governments and health ministries; policymakers; advocacy agencies; cancer survivors and caregivers). Practice recommendations may be used to facilitate future research, practice, policy, and advocacy efforts.Additional information is available at www.mascc.org, www.asco.org/standards and www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas H Hart
- Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Larissa Nekhlyudov
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jasmine Yee
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Cancer and Innovation Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fredrick D Ashbury
- VieCure, Clinical and Scientific Division, Greenwood Village, CO
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, ON, Canada
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Medical Oncology Division, Yale Cancer Centre, New Haven, CT
| | - Michelle Mollica
- Office of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Andrea L Smith
- The Daffodil Centre and University of Sydney: a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Jefford
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Robin Zon
- Michiana Hematology-Oncology, Mishawaka, IN
- Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Norwood, OH
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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4
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Hart NH, Nekhlyudov L, Smith TJ, Yee J, Fitch MI, Crawford GB, Koczwara B, Ashbury FD, Lustberg MB, Mollica M, Smith AL, Jefford M, Chino F, Zon R, Agar MR, Chan RJ. Survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer: MASCC-ASCO standards and practice recommendations. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:313. [PMID: 38679639 PMCID: PMC11056340 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with advanced or metastatic cancer and their caregivers may have different care goals and face unique challenges compared to those with early-stage disease or those nearing the end-of-life. These MASCC-ASCO standards and practice recommendations seek to establish consistent provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer. METHODS An expert panel comprising MASCC and ASCO members was formed. Standards and recommendations relevant to the provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer were developed through conducting: (1) a systematic review of unmet supportive care needs; (2) a scoping review of cancer survivorship, supportive care, and palliative care frameworks and guidelines; and (3) an international modified Delphi consensus process. RESULTS A systematic review involving 81 studies and a scoping review of 17 guidelines and frameworks informed the initial standards and recommendations. Subsequently, 77 experts (including 8 people with lived experience) across 33 countries (33% were low-to-middle resource countries) participated in the Delphi study and achieved ≥ 94.8% agreement for seven standards (1. Person-Centred Care; 2. Coordinated and Integrated Care; 3. Evidence-Based and Comprehensive Care; 4. Evaluated and Communicated Care; 5. Accessible and Equitable Care; 6. Sustainable and Resourced Care; 7. Research and Data-Driven Care) and ≥ 84.2% agreement across 45 practice recommendations. CONCLUSION Standards of survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer are provided. These MASCC-ASCO standards will support optimization of health outcomes and care experiences by providing guidance to stakeholders in cancer care (healthcare professionals, leaders, and administrators; governments and health ministries; policymakers; advocacy agencies; cancer survivors and caregivers. Practice recommendations may be used to facilitate future research, practice, policy, and advocacy efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas H Hart
- Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Larissa Nekhlyudov
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jasmine Yee
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Cancer and Innovation Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fredrick D Ashbury
- VieCure, Clinical and Scientific Division, Greenwood Village, CO, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, ON, Canada
- Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus , OH, USA
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Medical Oncology Division, Yale Cancer Centre, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michelle Mollica
- Office of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea L Smith
- The Daffodil Centre and University of Sydney: a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Jefford
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robin Zon
- Michiana Hematology-Oncology, Mishawaka, IN, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Norwood, OH, USA
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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5
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Gupta K, Parashar B. Financial Toxicity in Radiation Oncology. Cureus 2024; 16:e58643. [PMID: 38644946 PMCID: PMC11032110 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Financial toxicity details the financial burden patients face due to a variety of medical costs. Cancer patients, especially those receiving radiation therapy, are at a much higher risk of experiencing economic hardships than healthy people or people with other conditions. There are a variety of risk factors associated with financial toxicity as well as numerous tools to assess the toxicity experienced by patients. In this review article, we present a concise overview of contributors, risk factors, case studies, tools, impacts, and potential interventions of financial toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhupesh Parashar
- Radiation Oncology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Lake Success, USA
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6
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Sparano F, Giesinger JM, Gaidano G, Anota A, Cavo M, Brini A, Voso MT, Venditti A, Perrone F, Di Maio M, Luppi M, Baron F, Platzbecker U, Fazi P, Vignetti M, Efficace F. Financial Toxicity and Health-Related Quality of Life Profile of Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Treated in a Universal Health Care System. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:438-447. [PMID: 38207239 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00434] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the association of financial toxicity (FT) with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profile of patients with hematologic malignancies treated in a universal health care system. METHODS We did a secondary analysis of six multicenter studies enrolling patients with hematologic malignancies. FT was evaluated using the financial difficulties item of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the mean differences in HRQoL scores between patients with or without FT, while adjusting for key potential confounding factors. We also examined the prevalence of clinically important problems and symptoms by the experience of FT, using established thresholds for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors associated with FT. RESULTS Overall, 1,847 patients were analyzed, of whom 441 (23.9%) reported FT. We observed statistically and clinically relevant worse scores for patients with FT compared with those without FT for all the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales. The three largest clinically relevant mean differences between patients with and without FT were observed in pain (∆ = 19.6 [95% CI, 15.7 to 23.5]; P < .001), social functioning (∆ = -18.9 [95% CI, -22.5 to -15.2]; P < .001), and role functioning (Δ = -17.7 [95% CI, -22.1 to -13.3]; P < .001). Patients with FT tended to report a higher prevalence of clinically important problems and symptoms across all EORTC QLQ-C30 scales. In the univariable and multivariable analyses, the presence of FT was associated with the presence of comorbidities, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥1, and not receiving a salary. CONCLUSION Patients with hematologic malignancies treated in the setting of a universal health care system who experience FT have a worse HRQoL profile compared with those without FT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sparano
- Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Haematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy
| | - Johannes M Giesinger
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont and AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Amelie Anota
- Biostatistics Unit, Direction of Clinical Research and Innovation, Human and Social Sciences Department, and French National Platform Quality of Life and Cancer, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Michele Cavo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Brini
- Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Haematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Perrone
- Clinical Trial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione G Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit, University of Torino, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Frederic Baron
- Department of Hematology, University and CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Clinic and Policlinic of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Oncology and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paola Fazi
- Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Haematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Vignetti
- Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Haematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Haematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy
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An Z, Nie J, Huang Y, Fang P, Meng X, Cai C, Yu L. Contribution of non-socioeconomic factors to healthy quality of life in socioeconomically deprived patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer: Measuring attributable fraction. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1154-1165. [PMID: 37710401 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of life of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer is seriously impaired, and socioeconomic deprivation often has a serious impact on their quality of life. However, little is known about the relative contribution of non-socioeconomic factors to the quality of life of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer with socioeconomic deprivation. AIM This study aims to investigate the situation and predictors of quality of life of patients with socioeconomic deprivation and evaluate the independent effects of some non-socioeconomic factors. DESIGN A retrospective study based on cross-sectional design. METHODS Data were obtained from 1075 patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer who received family palliative treatment in the hospice ward of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from March 2010 to October 2020, including demographic and clinical questionnaires, Karnofsky Performance Status scale and Cancer Pain and Quality of Life Questionnaire of Chinese Cancer Patients. RESULTS The quality of life of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer with socioeconomic deprivation is impaired and is affected by gait, self-care ability, abdominal distension, nutritional status, weight loss, constipation and posture. Improvement in six of these factors-gait, self-care ability, abdominal distension, nutritional status, weight loss and posture-has an independent positive impact on the development of a healthy quality of life for patients. CONCLUSIONS Gait, self-care ability, abdominal distension, nutritional status, weight loss and posture are important determinants of healthy quality of life in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer with socioeconomic deprivation, and early identification and strength management of these non-socioeconomic factors may neutralize the negative impact of socioeconomic factors on the quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study provides new ideas and intervention entry points for global nurses in practice innovations to improve the quality of life of socioeconomically deprived patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. It enables them to focus on the effectiveness of non-socioeconomic factors in the development and implementation of targeted care plans for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer experiencing socioeconomic deprivation globally. REPORTING METHOD This study was reported in strict compliance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifen An
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Center for Nurturing Care Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaqi Nie
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanfang Huang
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Center for Nurturing Care Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Fang
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Center for Nurturing Care Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Medical Center for Gastrointestinal Surgery, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xianmei Meng
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Center for Nurturing Care Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunfeng Cai
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Center for Nurturing Care Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liping Yu
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Center for Nurturing Care Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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8
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Luo X, Zhang N, Guo L, Zhou L, Jiang H, Cui RS. Comprehensive needs, social support, and disease perception in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:166. [PMID: 38372773 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08348-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the comprehensive needs of lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and to explore the relationships between comprehensive needs and social support and disease perception, moreover, to analyse associated factors of comprehensive needs. METHODS The study was conducted in a teaching hospital in Jiaxing Province, China. A total of 141 patients with lung cancer completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, including the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer for Patients (CNAT), Social Supportive Rating Scale (SSRS), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire. RESULTS The level of comprehensive needs was highest in the domain "medical demand" (42.17 ± 26.57), and the item with the highest level of comprehensive needs was "I need information about the financial support for my medical expenses" (2.00 ± 1.07). Statistically significant correlations were identified between the comprehensive needs score, social support, and disease perception. The multiple regression analysis showed that immunotherapy course, whether irAEs occur, social support, and disease perception were factors influencing patients' comprehensive needs. CONCLUSIONS The most prevalent needs in lung cancer patients were found in the "medical needs" domain. Additionally, immunotherapy course, whether irAEs occur, disease perception, and social support were associated with comprehensive needs among lung cancer patients. It is essential to combine the associated factors to accurately evaluate patient needs. We should pay more attention to proposing the comprehensive measures for these patients and providing more individualized supportive care during the lengthy treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Luo
- Department of Nursing, Medical College, Jiaxing College, No.899, Guangdome Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, South Zhonghuan Road, Jiaxing, 1882314001, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lingru Guo
- Department of Nursing, Medical College, Jiaxing College, No.899, Guangdome Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Medical College, Jiaxing College, No.899, Guangdome Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haiying Jiang
- Department of Nursing, Medical College, Jiaxing College, No.899, Guangdome Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ren-Shan Cui
- Department of Nursing, Medical College, Jiaxing College, No.899, Guangdome Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China.
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9
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Parikh DA, Rodriguez GM, Ragavan M, Kerr E, Asuncion MK, Hansen J, Srinivas S, Fan AC, Shah S, Patel MI. Lay healthcare worker financial toxicity intervention: a pilot financial toxicity screening and referral program. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:161. [PMID: 38366165 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial toxicity is a source of significant distress for patients with urologic cancers, yet few studies have addressed financial burden in this patient population. METHODS We developed a financial toxicity screening program using a lay health worker (LHW) and social worker (SW) to assess and mitigate financial toxicity in a single academic medical clinic. As part of a quality improvement project, the LHW screened all newly diagnosed patients with advanced stages of prostate, kidney, or urothelial cancer for financial burden using three COST tool questions and referred patients who had significant financial burden to an SW who provided personalized recommendations. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as 80% of patients with financial burden completing the SW consult. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, change in COST Tool responses, and qualitative assessment of financial resources utilized. RESULTS The LHW screened a total of 185 patients for financial toxicity; 82% (n = 152) were male, 65% (n = 120) White, and 75% (n = 139) reported annual household income >$100,000 US Dollars; 60% (n = 114) had prostate cancer. A total of 18 (9.7%) participants screened positive for significant financial burden and were referred to the SW for consultation. All participants (100%) completed and reported satisfaction with the SW consultation and had 0.83 mean lower scores on the COST Tool post-intervention assessment compared to pre-intervention (95% confidence interval [0.26, 1.41]). CONCLUSION This multidisciplinary financial toxicity intervention using an LHW and SW was feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced financial burden among patients with advanced stages of urologic cancers. Future work should evaluate the effect of this intervention among cancer patients in diverse settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya A Parikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Gladys M Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meera Ragavan
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kerr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mary Khay Asuncion
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Hansen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sandy Srinivas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alice C Fan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sumit Shah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manali I Patel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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10
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Farooq M, Leevan E, Ahmed J, Ko B, Shin S, De Souza A, Takebe N. Blood-based multi-cancer detection: A state-of-the-art update. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 48:101059. [PMID: 38181630 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The early detection of cancer is a key goal of the National Cancer Plan formally released by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI) in April 2023. To support this effort, many laboratories and vendors are developing multi-cancer detection (MCD) assays that interrogate blood and other bodily fluids for cancer-related biomarkers, most commonly circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). While this approach holds promise for non-invasively detecting early signals of multiple different cancers and potentially reducing cancer-related mortality, there is a dearth of prospective clinical data to inform the deployment of MCD assays for cancer screening in the general adult population. In this review we highlight differing technologies that underpin various MCD assays in clinical development, the importance of achieving adequate performance specifications for MCD assays, ongoing clinical studies investigating the utility of MCD assays in cancer screening and detection, and efforts by the NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) to establish a network infrastructure that has the capacity to comprehensively address the scientific and logistical challenges of evaluating blood-based MCD approaches and other cancer screening tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Farooq
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elyse Leevan
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jibran Ahmed
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian Ko
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Shin
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andre De Souza
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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11
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Mollica MA, Zaleta AK, Gallicchio L, Brick R, Jacobsen PB, Tonorezos E, Castro KM, Miller MF. Financial toxicity among people with metastatic cancer: findings from the Cancer Experience Registry. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:137. [PMID: 38286846 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study describes financial toxicity (FT) reported by people with metastatic cancer, characteristics associated with FT, and associations between FT and compensatory strategies to offset costs. METHODS Cancer Support Community's Cancer Experience Registry data was used to identify respondents with a solid tumor metastatic cancer who completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (FACIT-COST) measure. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between respondent characteristics and FT, and FT and postponing medical visits, nonadherence to medications, and postponing supportive and/or psychosocial care. RESULTS 484 individuals were included in the analysis; the most common cancers included metastatic breast (31%), lung (13%), gynecologic (10%), and colorectal (9%). Approximately half of participants (50.2%) reported some degree of FT. Those who were non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, or multiple races (compared to non-Hispanic Black), and who reported lower income, less education, and being less than one year since their cancer diagnosis had greater odds of reporting FT. Individuals with any level of FT were also more likely to report postponing medical visits (Adjusted Odds Ratio [OR] 2.58; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.45-4.58), suboptimal medication adherence (Adjusted OR 5.05; 95% CI 2.77-9.20) and postponing supportive care and/or psychosocial support services (Adjusted OR 4.16; 95% CI 2.53-6.85) compared to those without FT. CONCLUSIONS With increases in the number of people living longer with metastatic cancer and the rising costs of therapy, there will continue to be a need to systematically screen and intervene to prevent and mitigate FT for these survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Mollica
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexandra K Zaleta
- Research and Training Institute, Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC, USA
- Cancer Care, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Gallicchio
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rachelle Brick
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul B Jacobsen
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily Tonorezos
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen M Castro
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melissa F Miller
- Research and Training Institute, Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC, USA.
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12
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Hulse SB, Balogun Z, Rosenzweig MQ, Marsland AL, Palmer VM. I'm still me, I'm still a person: war metaphor use and meaning making in women with metastatic breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:108. [PMID: 38231307 PMCID: PMC10794408 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The war metaphor is one strategy used frequently in breast cancer to inspire individuals in a "fight" against cancer and assist patients in navigating their illness experience. Despite prominent use, the emotional impact of this language has not been examined in the context of meaning making among women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). METHODS This study involved a semi-structured interview considering the war metaphor's impact on women's illness experience with MBC. Participants (n = 22) had been diagnosed with MBC for at least 6 months or following 1 disease progression and were undergoing treatment at an NCI-designated cancer center in Western Pennsylvania at the time of interview. Each participant underwent an individual interview exploring the war metaphor's impact on illness experience. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed to assess feelings about the war metaphor and emotional response to the lived experience of cancer. RESULTS Two themes were identified surrounding metaphor use and participants' experiences with meaning making in cancer. First, women with MBC perceive the diagnosis as an "unfair fight" due to its incurable nature. Second, patients use alternative language of "living life" and communicate resistance to being defined by their cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION War metaphors are one collection of terminology people use to understand their diagnosis. However, their use may apply pressure to prioritize positivity in the face of diagnosis and treatment, in a unique clinical context where this may not be adaptive. These findings affirm a need to consider patients' lived experiences to best facilitate psychological adjustment to illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Hulse
- Department of Psychology, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Zainab Balogun
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anna L Marsland
- Department of Psychology, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vanessa M Palmer
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Brasky TM, Newton AM, Stephens JA, Strassels SA, Benzo RM, Hays JL, Stevens E, Wagener TL, Hedeker D, Krok-Schoen JL. Testing the feasibility of mobile ecological momentary assessment for symptom burden and management among metastatic cancer patients. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241261843. [PMID: 38854924 PMCID: PMC11162135 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241261843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals who have metastatic cancer experience substantial physical and psychological distress (e.g., pain, depression, anxiety) from their disease and its treatment compared to patients with less advanced disease. As the burden of symptoms varies over time, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) may be used to better understand patients' symptom trajectories, complimenting traditional longitudinal data collection methods. However, few have used EMA in patients with metastatic disease. The current study adds to the existing literature by exploring interrelated, common cancer-related symptoms of pain, anxiety, and depression and use of cannabis-based products, opioid medications, other (nonopioid) pain medications, and medications for anxiety or depression. Methods An eight-day prospective observational feasibility study was conducted among 50 patients with metastatic cancer recruited from seven solid cancer clinics at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Participants completed a week of interval-contingent mobile EMA, administered daily at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m., and a comprehensive interviewer-administered questionnaire on Day 8. Participants were queried on their symptom burden and management strategies (i.e., use of medications and cannabis). We considered EMA to be feasible if a priori retention (80%) and adherence goals (75%) were met. Results Seventy-nine percent of eligible patients contacted enrolled in the study (n = 50 of 63). Among those enrolled, 92% were retained through Day 8 and 80% completed >90% of EMAs, exceeding a priori objectives. Participants' average pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms across the week of EMA ranged from 1.7 to 1.8 (1 to 5 scale). Symptoms varied little by day or time of administration. On Day 8, significant proportions of participants reported past-week use of medications and cannabis for symptom management. Conclusions Participants exceeded a priori adherence and retention objectives, indicating that mobile EMA is feasible among metastatic cancer patients, addressing a gap in the existing literature and informing future research. Restricting eligibility to participants with a minimum cutoff of symptom burden may be warranted to increase observations of symptom variability and provide opportunities for future health interventions. Future research is needed to test the acceptability and quality of data over a longer study period in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore M. Brasky
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alison M. Newton
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Julie A. Stephens
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Bioinformatics,
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus,
OH, USA
| | - Scott A. Strassels
- Division of Pharmacy, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Roberto M. Benzo
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John L. Hays
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin Stevens
- Division of Palliative Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Theodore L. Wagener
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Donald Hedeker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica L. Krok-Schoen
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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14
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Erbay Dalli Ö, Bulut H. Level of caregiving burden and affecting factors in family caregivers of patients with lung cancer: A cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 32:60. [PMID: 38145998 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the caregiving burden level and affecting factors of family members caring for patients with lung cancer (LC). METHODS This study used a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method. The study was conducted between April 2023 and August 2023 with the LC patients (n = 448) and their caregivers (n = 448) who met the inclusion criteria and were followed up in seven clinics of a specialized hospital for pulmonary diseases in Turkey. Data were collected by using (1) a demographic questionnaire (for patient and caregiver), (2) the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), (3) the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and (4) the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQoLC). RESULTS The study included 448 caregivers, with a mean age of 45.09 ± 13.48 years, and 71.4% were female. The mean ZBI score of 31.45 ± 16.71 indicated mild to moderate burden. Pearson correlation analysis showed that caregivers' depression levels increased and quality of life decreased significantly as the care burden increased. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between the caregiver burden and the patient's age (p < 0.05), caregiver's chronic disease (p < 0.05), type of treatment given to the patient (p < 0.05), patient's metastasis status (p < 0.05) and caregiver's quality of life (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The fact that most of the risk factors identified in this study are non-modifiable highlights the necessity of identifying caregiver burden early by nurses and initiating the appropriate support processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Öznur Erbay Dalli
- Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Nilüfer, BURSA, Turkey, 16059.
| | - Hülya Bulut
- Health Sciences University Izmir Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Konak, İZMİR, Turkey, 35170
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15
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Arenare L, Porta C, Barberio D, Terzolo S, Zagonel V, Pisconti S, Del Mastro L, Pinto C, Bilancia D, Cinieri S, Rizzo M, Migliaccio G, Montesarchio V, Del Campo L, De Lorenzo F, Iannelli E, Traclò F, Gitto L, Vaccaro MC, Frontini L, Giannarelli D, Bryce J, Piccirillo MC, Jommi C, Efficace F, Riva S, Di Maio M, Gallo C, Perrone F. Confirmatory validation analysis of the PROFFIT questionnaire to assess financial toxicity in cancer patients. ESMO Open 2023; 8:102192. [PMID: 38052104 PMCID: PMC10774953 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Patient Reported Outcome for Fighting FInancial Toxicity (PROFFIT) questionnaire was developed to measure financial toxicity (FT) and identify its determinants. The aim of the present study was to confirm its validity in a prospective cohort of patients receiving anticancer treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS From March 2021 to July 2022, 221 patients were enrolled at 10 Italian centres. Selected items of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire represented the anchors, specifically, question 28 (Q-28) on financial difficulties, and questions 29-30 measuring global health status/quality of life (HR-QOL). The study had 80% power to detect a 0.20 correlation coefficient (r) between anchors and PROFFIT-score (items 1-7, range 0-100, 100 indicating maximum FT) with bilateral alpha 0.05 and 80% power. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. FT determinants (items 8-16) were described. RESULTS Median age of patients was 65 years, 116 (52.5%) were females, 96 (43.4%) had low education level. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed goodness of fit of the PROFFIT-score. Significant partial correlation of PROFFIT-score was found with Q-28 (r = 0.51) and HR-QOL (r = -0.23). Mean (SD) PROFFIT-score at baseline was 36.5 (24.9); it was statistically significantly higher for patients living in South Italy, those with lower education level, those who were freelancer/unemployed at diagnosis and those who reported significant economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mean (SD) scores of determinants ranged from 17.6 (27.1) for item 14 (support from medical staff) to 49.0 (36.3) for item 10 (expenses for medicines or supplements). PROFFIT-score significantly increased with worsening response to determinants. CONCLUSIONS External validation of PROFFIT-score in an independent sample of patients was successful. The instrument is now being used in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Arenare
- Clinical Trial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Porta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi 'A. Moro', Bari, Italy; Polyclinic Consortium University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - D Barberio
- Departmental Structure of Clinical Psycho-oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - S Terzolo
- Department of Oncology, Università di Torino, AO Ordine Mauriziano, Torino, Italy
| | - V Zagonel
- Oncology Unit 1, Istituto Oncologico Veneto, IOV, IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - S Pisconti
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale S. G. Moscati, Statte TA, Italy
| | - L Del Mastro
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - C Pinto
- Medical Oncology, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - D Bilancia
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera San Carlo, Potenza, Italy
| | - S Cinieri
- Medical Oncologiy, Ospedale Perrino, Brindisi, Italy
| | - M Rizzo
- Polyclinic Consortium University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - G Migliaccio
- Departmental Structure of Clinical Psycho-oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - V Montesarchio
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Specialistica dei Colli, Napoli, Italy
| | - L Del Campo
- Federazione Italiana delle Associazioni di Volontariato in Oncologia (FAVO), Rome, Italy
| | - F De Lorenzo
- Federazione Italiana delle Associazioni di Volontariato in Oncologia (FAVO), Rome, Italy; European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC), Brussels, Italy
| | - E Iannelli
- Federazione Italiana delle Associazioni di Volontariato in Oncologia (FAVO), Rome, Italy; Associazione Italiana Malati di Cancro (AIMAC), Roma, Italy
| | - F Traclò
- Associazione Italiana Malati di Cancro (AIMAC), Roma, Italy
| | - L Gitto
- Department of Economy, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M C Vaccaro
- Welfare and Health Department, Centro Studi Investimenti Sociali (CENSIS), Roma, Italy
| | - L Frontini
- Federation of Italian Cooperative Oncology Groups (FICOG), Milano, Italy
| | - D Giannarelli
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, GSTeP, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - J Bryce
- Ascension St. John Clinical Research Institute, Tulsa, USA
| | - M C Piccirillo
- Clinical Trial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Jommi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - F Efficace
- Gruppo Italiano per le Malattie Ematologiche dell'Adulto (GIMEMA) Health Outcomes Research Unit, Roma, Italy
| | - S Riva
- St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - M Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, Università di Torino, AO Ordine Mauriziano, Torino, Italy
| | - C Gallo
- Professor Emeritus Medical Statistics, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - F Perrone
- Clinical Trial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
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16
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Petermann VM, Biddell CB, Planey AM, Spees LP, Rosenstein DL, Manning M, Gellin M, Padilla N, Samuel-Ryals CA, Birken SA, Reeder-Hayes K, Deal AM, Cabarrus K, Bell RA, Strom C, Young TH, King S, Leutner B, Vestal D, Wheeler SB. Assessing the pre-implementation context for financial navigation in rural and non-rural oncology clinics. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1148887. [PMID: 37941608 PMCID: PMC10627810 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1148887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Financial navigation (FN) is an evidence-based intervention designed to address financial toxicity for cancer patients. FN's success depends on organizations' readiness to implement and other factors that may hinder or support implementation. Tailored implementation strategies can support practice change but must be matched to the implementation context. We assessed perceptions of readiness and perceived barriers and facilitators to successful implementation among staff at nine cancer care organizations (5 rural, 4 non-rural) recruited to participate in the scale-up of a FN intervention. To understand differences in the pre-implementation context and inform modifications to implementation strategies, we compared findings between rural and non-rural organizations. Methods We conducted surveys (n = 78) and in-depth interviews (n = 73) with staff at each organization. We assessed perceptions of readiness using the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) scale. In-depth interviews elicited perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing FN in each context. We used descriptive statistics to analyze ORIC results and deductive thematic analysis, employing a codebook guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to synthesize themes in barriers and facilitators across sites, and by rurality. Results Results from the ORIC scale indicated strong perceptions of organizational readiness across all sites. Staff from rural areas reported greater confidence in their ability to manage the politics of change (87% rural, 76% non-rural) and in their organization's ability to support staff adjusting to the change (96% rural, 75% non-rural). Staff at both rural and non-rural sites highlighted factors reflective of the Intervention Characteristics (relative advantage) and Implementation Climate (compatibility and tension for change) domains as facilitators. Although few barriers to implementation were reported, differences arose between rural and non-rural sites in these perceived barriers, with non-rural staff more often raising concerns about resistance to change and compatibility with existing work processes and rural staff more often raising concerns about competing time demands and limited resources. Conclusions Staff across both rural and non-rural settings identified few, but different, barriers to implementing a novel FN intervention that they perceived as important and responsive to patients' needs. These findings can inform how strategies are tailored to support FN in diverse oncology practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M. Petermann
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Caitlin B. Biddell
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Arrianna Marie Planey
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Michelle Manning
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Mindy Gellin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Neda Padilla
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cleo A. Samuel-Ryals
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sarah A. Birken
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Katherine Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Allison M. Deal
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kendrel Cabarrus
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ronny A. Bell
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Carla Strom
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Tiffany H. Young
- Buddy Kemp Support Center, Novant Health Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Sherry King
- Carteret Health Care Cancer Center, Carteret, NC, United States
| | - Brian Leutner
- Pardee UNC Health Care, Hendersonville, NC, United States
| | - Derek Vestal
- UNC Lenoir Health Care, Kinston, NC, United States
| | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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17
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Sundar S. Patient experts should reflect the spectrum of patient views. BMJ 2023; 382:1539. [PMID: 37419614 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Santhanam Sundar
- Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, City Hospital, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
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Lee EM, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Hernández R, Cruz-Castellanos P, Fernández-Montes A, Rogado J, Gil-Raga M, Antoñanzas M, López-Ceballos H, Calderon C. The Role of Financial Difficulties as a Mediator between Physical Symptoms and Depression in Advanced Cancer Patients. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5719-5726. [PMID: 37366912 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Financial difficulties experienced by cancer patients negatively impact the mental health of the patients. The objective of this study was to examine the mediating role of financial difficulties between physical symptoms and depression in patients with advanced cancer. A prospective, cross-sectional design was adopted in the study. The data were collected from 861 participants with advanced cancer in 15 different tertiary hospitals in Spain. The participants' socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a standardized self-report form. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to explore the mediating role of financial difficulties. In the results, 24% of patients reported a high level of financial difficulties. Physical symptoms were positively associated with financial difficulties and depression (β = 0.46 and β = 0.43, respectively), and financial difficulties was positively associated with depression (β = 0.26). Additionally, financial difficulties played a role in explaining the relationship between physical symptoms and depression, showing a standardized regression coefficient of 0.43 which decreased to 0.39 after the financial difficulties were controlled. Healthcare professionals should consider the importance of providing financial resources and emotional support to help patients and their families cope with the financial burden associated with cancer treatment and its symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Mi Lee
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigación del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Raquel Hernández
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Ana Fernández-Montes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, 32005 Ourense, Spain
| | - Jacobo Rogado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Gil-Raga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Consorci Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Antoñanzas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena López-Ceballos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Virgen de la Luz, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
| | - Caterina Calderon
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
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Chen DW, Worden FP, Haymart MR. Access Denied: Disparities in Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad064. [PMID: 37256092 PMCID: PMC10225976 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For thyroid cancer clinical trials, the inclusion of participants from diverse patient populations is uniquely important given existing racial/ethnic disparities in thyroid cancer care. Since 2011, a paradigm shift has occurred in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer with the approval of multiple systemic therapies by the US Food and Drug Administration based on their use in the clinical trials setting. Although these clinical trials recruited patients from up to 164 sites in 25 countries, the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority patients remained low. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of barriers to accessing cancer clinical trials, framed in the context of why patients with thyroid cancer may be uniquely vulnerable. Multilevel interventions and increased funding for thyroid cancer research are necessary to increase access to and recruitment of under-represented patient populations into thyroid cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - Francis P Worden
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Correspondence: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Bldg 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
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20
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Wheeler SB, Spencer JC, Manning ML, Samuel CA, Reeder‐Hayes KE, Greenup RA, Spees LP, Rosenstein DL. Multidimensional financial hardship among uninsured and insured young adult patients with metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:11930-11940. [PMID: 37148550 PMCID: PMC10242847 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the heterogeneous nature of financial hardship in younger patients with metastatic disease and the extent to which insurance protects against it. We examine the association between insurance status and multidimensional indicators of financial hardship in a national sample of women with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS We conducted a national, retrospective online survey in partnership with the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. Eligible participants were ≥18 years, diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and able to respond in English. We estimated multivariate generalized linear models predicting two distinct dimensions of financial hardship-financial insecurity (the ability to afford care and living costs) and financial distress (the extent of emotional/psychological distress experienced due to costs)-as a function of insurance status. RESULTS Participants responded from 41 states (N = 1054; median age: 44 years). Overall, 30% were uninsured. Financial insecurity was more frequently reported by uninsured respondents. In adjusted analyses, uninsured participants were more likely than insured participants to report contact by debt collectors (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 2.38 [2.06, 2.76]) and being unable to meet monthly expenses (aRR: 2.11 [1.68, 2.66]). Financial distress was reported more frequently by insured participants. For example, insured participants were more likely to worry about future financial problems due to cancer and distress about lack of cost transparency. After adjustment, uninsured participants remained about half as likely as insured participants to report financial distress. CONCLUSIONS Young adult women with metastatic cancer reported a high burden of financial toxicity. Importantly, insurance does not protect against financial distress; however, the uninsured are the most materially vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jennifer C. Spencer
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Michelle L. Manning
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Cleo A. Samuel
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Katherine E. Reeder‐Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rachel A. Greenup
- Duke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Present address:
Department of Surgery (Oncology)Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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21
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Chen Y, Chen Z, Jin H, Chen Y, Bai J, Fu G. Associations of financial toxicity with symptoms and unplanned healthcare utilization among cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy at home: a prospective observational study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:140. [PMID: 36765325 PMCID: PMC9912596 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10580-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients with financial toxicity experience psychological distress and often miss medical appointments and quit treatments early, which could be a barrier to the effective management of oral chemotherapy drugs at home. This study explores whether financial toxicity predicts symptoms and unplanned healthcare utilization among cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy at home, which will contribute to the safe management of oral chemotherapy. METHODS Data in this study was from a prospective observational study, which was conducted between October 2018 and December 2019. 151 patients completed the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity at discharge and completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and unplanned healthcare utilization questionnaires after finishing one cycle of oral chemotherapy at home. Regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations of financial toxicity with symptoms and unplanned healthcare utilization. RESULTS Among 151participants, 88.08% reported severe or moderate financial toxicity, 43.05% reported symptom interference, and 31.79% reported unplanned healthcare utilization while taking oral chemotherapy at home. Patients between the age of 45-60y (p = 0.042) have higher financial toxicity, while those living in urban areas (p = 0.016) have lower financial toxicity. Patients with worse financial toxicity suffered increased symptoms of fatigue, emotional distress, disturbed sleep, and lack of appetite. Consequently, their mood and personal relation with other significant suffered. However, no statistical differences in unplanned healthcare utilization were found among patients with different levels of financial toxicity. CONCLUSION Middle-aged adults and those living in suburban or rural areas experienced worse financial toxicity than other groups. Patients with worse financial toxicity experienced more severe psychological symptoms (e.g., fatigue, distress, disturbed sleep, and lack of appetite) and affective interference (e.g., mood and relations with others). Identifying at-risk patients is necessary to offer tailored support for psychological symptom management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Chen
- grid.410652.40000 0004 6003 7358Nursing Department, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenxiang Chen
- grid.410652.40000 0004 6003 7358The Department of Chemotherapy, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Haiyun Jin
- grid.410652.40000 0004 6003 7358The Department of Chemotherapy, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yanrong Chen
- grid.410652.40000 0004 6003 7358The Department of Chemotherapy, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jinbing Bai
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Guifen Fu
- Nursing Department, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China. .,Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, Nanning, China.
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22
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Wheeler SB, Rotter J, Gogate A, Reeder-Hayes KE, Drier SW, Ekwueme DU, Fairley TL, Rocque GB, Trogdon JG. Cost-Effectiveness of Pharmacologic Treatment Options for Women With Endocrine-Refractory or Triple-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:32-42. [PMID: 36054865 PMCID: PMC9788984 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatments for endocrine-refractory or triple-negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC) are modestly effective at prolonging life and improving quality of life but can be extremely expensive. Given these tradeoffs in quality of life and cost, the optimal choice of treatment sequencing is unclear. Cost-effectiveness analysis can explicitly quantify such tradeoffs, enabling more informed decision making. Our objective was to estimate the societal cost-effectiveness of different therapeutic alternatives in the first- to third-line sequences of single-agent chemotherapy regimens among patients with endocrine-refractory or triple-negative mBC. METHODS Using three dynamic microsimulation models of 10,000 patients each, three cohorts were simulated, based upon prior chemotherapy exposure: (1) unexposed to either taxane or anthracycline, (2) taxane- and anthracycline-exposed, and (3) taxane-exposed/anthracycline-naive. We focused on the following single-agent chemotherapy regimens as reasonable and commonly used options in the first three lines of therapy for each cohort, based upon feedback from oncologists treating endocrine-refractory or triple-negative mBC: (1) for taxane- and anthracycline-unexposed patients, paclitaxel, capecitabine (CAPE), or pegylated liposomal doxorubicin; (2) for taxane- and anthracycline-exposed patients, Eribulin, CAPE, or carboplatin; and (3) for taxane-exposed/anthracycline-naive patients, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, CAPE, or Eribulin. RESULTS In each cohort, accumulated quality-adjusted life-years were similar between regimens, but total societal costs varied considerably. Sequences beginning first-line treatment with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and CAPE, respectively, for cohorts 1, 2, and 3, had lower costs and similar or slightly better outcomes compared with alternative options. CONCLUSION In this setting where multiple single-agent chemotherapy options are recommended by clinical guidelines and share similar survival and adverse event trajectories, treatment sequencing approaches that minimize costs early may improve the value of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jason Rotter
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anagha Gogate
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Katherine E. Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Sarah W. Drier
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Donatus U. Ekwueme
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA
| | - Temeika L. Fairley
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA
| | - Gabrielle B. Rocque
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Justin G. Trogdon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Belcher SM, Lee H, Nguyen J, Curseen K, Lal A, Zarrabi AJ, Gantz L, Rosenzweig MQ, Hill JL, Yeager KA. Financial Hardship and Quality of Life Among Patients With Advanced Cancer Receiving Outpatient Palliative Care: A Pilot Study. Cancer Nurs 2023; 46:3-13. [PMID: 34974507 PMCID: PMC11195536 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001052] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced cancer are increasingly experiencing financial hardship (FH) and associated negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to describe FH and explore its relationship to quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced cancer receiving outpatient palliative care (PC). METHODS Validated questionnaires assessed FH, QOL dimensions, symptom burden, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and described FH. Pearson correlation and linear regression assessed relationships between FH and QOL. RESULTS The average participant (n = 78) age was 56.6 (SD, 12.2) years. Most were female (56.4%), White (50%) or Black (46.2%), and had a range of education, partner statuses, and cancer diagnoses. Median time since cancer diagnosis was 35.5 months (interquartile range, 9-57.3 months). Highest mean symptom burden scores were for pain (2.5 [SD, 1.0]) and fatigue (2.0 [SD, 1.1]), on a 0- to 3-point scale (higher score representing worse symptom burden). The median COST (COmphrehensive Score for financial Toxicity) score was 15.0 (interquartile range, 9.0-23.0). Most (70%) had some (n = 43) or extreme (n = 9) difficulty paying for basic needs. Greater than 28% (n = 21) incurred cancer-related debt. Multivariate models indicated that FH negatively affected role limitations due to physical health ( P = .008), pain ( P = .003), and emotional well-being ( P = .017) QOL dimensions. CONCLUSIONS Financial hardship, QOL, and symptom burden scores demonstrate need for continued support for and research among patients with advanced cancer. Data support links between FH and important QOL dimensions. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to understand how FH affects QOL in patients with advanced cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Proactive financial assessment and interventions are needed to support patients with advanced cancer experiencing the cumulative effects of cancer and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Belcher
- Author Affiliations: Department of Health & Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing (Dr Belcher); and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Drs Belcher and Rosenzweig), Pennsylvania; Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Ms Lee and Dr Yeager) and Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University (Ms Nguyen); Emory Healthcare (Drs Curseen and Zarrabi and Mss Gantz and Hill); School of Medicine, Emory University (Drs Curseen, Lal, and Zarrabi); and Grady Memorial Hospital (Dr Lal), Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Acute & Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Rosenzweig); and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Yeager)
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24
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Kc M, Oral E, Rung AL, Trapido E, Rozek LS, Fontham ETH, Bensen JT, Farnan L, Steck SE, Song L, Mohler JL, Khan S, Vohra S, Peters ES. Prostate cancer aggressiveness and financial toxicity among prostate cancer patients. Prostate 2023; 83:44-55. [PMID: 36063402 PMCID: PMC10087487 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Financial toxicity (FT) is a growing concern among cancer survivors that adversely affects the quality of life and survival. Individuals diagnosed with aggressive cancers are often at a greater risk of experiencing FT. The objectives of this study were to estimate FT among prostate cancer (PCa) survivors after 10-15 years of diagnosis, assess the relationship between PCa aggressiveness at diagnosis and FT, and examine whether current cancer treatment status mediates the relationship between PCa aggressiveness and FT. METHODS PCa patients enrolled in the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) were recontacted for long-term follow-up. The prevalence of FT in the PCaP cohort was estimated. FT was estimated using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity, a validated measure of FT. The direct effect of PCa aggressiveness and an indirect effect through current cancer treatment on FT was examined using causal mediation analysis. RESULTS More than one-third of PCa patients reported experiencing FT. PCa aggressiveness was significantly independently associated with high FT; high aggressive PCa at diagnosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing FT than those with low or intermediate aggressive PCa (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.14-3.96). The proportion of the effect of PCa aggressiveness on FT, mediated by treatment status, was 10%, however, the adjusted odds ratio did not indicate significant evidence of mediation by treatment status (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.95-1.20). CONCLUSIONS Aggressive PCa was associated with high FT. Future studies should collect more information about the characteristics of men with high FT and identify additional risk factors of FT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhav Kc
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Evrim Oral
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ariane L Rung
- Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Edward Trapido
- Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Laura S Rozek
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elizabeth T H Fontham
- Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jeannette T Bensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Farnan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan E Steck
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lixin Song
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - James L Mohler
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Saira Khan
- Epidemiology Program, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Sanah Vohra
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward S Peters
- Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Berrios K, Burum A, Jeong E, Zhong L. Is adding ribociclib to fulvestrant cost-effective in treating postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer? A US payer perspective cost utility analysis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2022; 28:1282-1291. [PMID: 36282933 PMCID: PMC10373030 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2022.28.11.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in women in the United States. Ribociclib plus fulvestrant combination therapy gained US Food and Drug Administration approval to treat postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer in 2018. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of ribociclib plus fulvestrant vs placebo plus fulvestrant therapy in the target population from a US payer perspective. METHODS: A partitioned survival analysis model composed of 3 health states (progression free, progressed disease, and death) was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ribociclib plus fulvestrant vs placebo plus fulvestrant. The progression-free survival and the overall survival data points were extracted from published Kaplan-Meier curves in the MONALEESA-3 study and fitted to parametric curves. The safety and efficacy of the treatment was referenced from the MONALEESA-3 trial. Costs were obtained from standard sources including the Red Book for medication costs, Medicare Clinical Laboratory/Physician Fee Schedule for clinical utilization, and the literature for costs of managing adverse events, subsequent therapy, and end-of-life care. Utility and disutility values were obtained from literature to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the model robustness. Several scenario analyses were also investigated. RESULTS: In the base case, the ribociclib plus fulvestrant arm was associated with $522,844 and 3.25 QALYs compared with $50,395 and 2.14 QALYs in the placebo plus fulvestrant arm, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $425,951/QALY. The cost of ribociclib had the biggest impact on the model and constituted 84% of the total cost for the ribociclib plus fulvestrant arm. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis projected that the ribociclib plus fulvestrant treatment would have a net benefit over the placebo plus fulvestrant therapy at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $405,600/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: At a WTP threshold of $150,000/QALY, the addition of ribociclib to fulvestrant is not considered to be cost-effective in postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The findings send a strong price signal to the manufacturer and can be used to facilitate payers with price negotiation in making coverage decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Berrios
- Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, College Station
| | - Alexandra Burum
- Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, College Station
| | - Eunae Jeong
- Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, College Station
| | - Lixian Zhong
- Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, College Station
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, TX
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Howard AF, Lynch K, Thorne S, Porcino A, Lambert L, De Vera MA, Wolff AC, Hedges P, Beck SM, Torrejón MJ, Kelly MT, McKenzie M. Occupational and Financial Setbacks in Caregivers of People with Colorectal Cancer: Considerations for Caregiver-Reported Outcomes. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:8180-8196. [PMID: 36354706 PMCID: PMC9689650 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Family caregivers of patients with cancer provide substantial physical, emotional, and functional care throughout the cancer trajectory. While caregiving can create employment and financial challenges, there is insufficient evidence to inform the development of caregiver-reported outcomes (CROs) that assess these experiences. The study purpose was to describe the occupational and financial consequences that were important to family caregivers of a patient with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the context of public health care, which represent potential considerations for CROs. In this qualitative Interpretive Description study, we analyzed interview data from 78 participants (25 caregivers, 37 patients, and 16 healthcare providers). Our findings point to temporary and long-term occupational and financial setbacks in the context of CRC. Caregiving for a person with CRC involved managing occupational implications, including (1) revamping employment arrangements, and (2) juggling work, family, and household demands. Caregiver financial struggles included (1) responding to financial demands at various stages of life, and (2) facing the spectre of lifelong expenses. Study findings offer novel insight into the cancer-related occupational and financial challenges facing caregivers, despite government-funded universal health care. Further research is warranted to develop CRO measures that assess the multifaceted nature of these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Fuchsia Howard
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Kelsey Lynch
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Sally Thorne
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | | | - Leah Lambert
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada
| | - Mary A. De Vera
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Angela C. Wolff
- School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1, Canada
| | | | - Scott M. Beck
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada
| | | | - Mary T. Kelly
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Michael McKenzie
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Smith GL, Banegas MP, Acquati C, Chang S, Chino F, Conti RM, Greenup RA, Kroll JL, Liang MI, Pisu M, Primm KM, Roth ME, Shankaran V, Yabroff KR. Navigating financial toxicity in patients with cancer: A multidisciplinary management approach. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:437-453. [PMID: 35584404 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-half of individuals with cancer face personal economic burdens associated with the disease and its treatment, a problem known as financial toxicity (FT). FT more frequently affects socioeconomically vulnerable individuals and leads to subsequent adverse economic and health outcomes. Whereas multilevel systemic factors at the policy, payer, and provider levels drive FT, there are also accompanying intervenable patient-level factors that exacerbate FT in the setting of clinical care delivery. The primary strategy to intervene on FT at the patient level is financial navigation. Financial navigation uses comprehensive assessment of patients' risk factors for FT, guidance toward support resources, and referrals to assist patient financial needs during cancer care. Social workers or nurse navigators most frequently lead financial navigation. Oncologists and clinical provider teams are multidisciplinary partners who can support optimal FT management in the context of their clinical roles. Oncologists and clinical provider teams can proactively assess patient concerns about the financial hardship and employment effects of disease and treatment. They can respond by streamlining clinical treatment and care delivery planning and incorporating FT concerns into comprehensive goals of care discussions and coordinated symptom and psychosocial care. By understanding how age and life stage, socioeconomic, and cultural factors modify FT trajectory, oncologists and multidisciplinary health care teams can be engaged and informative in patient-centered, tailored FT management. The case presentations in this report provide a practical context to summarize authors' recommendations for patient-level FT management, supported by a review of key supporting evidence and a discussion of challenges to mitigating FT in oncology care. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72:437-453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L Smith
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew P Banegas
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shine Chang
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Rena M Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University School of Business, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel A Greenup
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Juliet L Kroll
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Margaret I Liang
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Maria Pisu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kristin M Primm
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael E Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Veena Shankaran
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/University of Washington Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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Hart NH, Crawford-Williams F, Crichton M, Yee J, Smith TJ, Koczwara B, Fitch MI, Crawford GB, Mukhopadhyay S, Mahony J, Cheah C, Townsend J, Cook O, Agar MR, Chan RJ. Unmet supportive care needs of people with advanced cancer and their caregivers: a systematic scoping review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 176:103728. [PMID: 35662585 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Examining and addressing unmet care needs is integral to improving the provision and quality of cancer services. This review explored the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs, and factors associated with unmet need, in adults with advanced cancers (solid and hematological malignancies) and their caregivers. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE) were searched, producing 85 papers representing 81 included studies. People with advanced cancer reported the highest unmet needs in financial, health system and information, psychological, and physical and daily living domains, whereas caregivers reported the highest unmet needs in psychological, and patient care and support domains. Distress, depression, and anxiety were associated with higher unmet needs across all unmet need domains for people with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Substantial heterogeneity in study populations and methods was observed. Findings from this review can inform targeted strategies and interventions to address these unmet needs in people with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas H Hart
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia; Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, WA, Australia.
| | - Fiona Crawford-Williams
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
| | - Megan Crichton
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia; Nutrition and Dietetics Research Group, Bond University, QLD, Australia
| | - Jasmine Yee
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Flinders Cancer and Innovation Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, SA, Australia
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA, Australia
| | - Sandip Mukhopadhyay
- Burdwan Medical College, West Bengal, Kolkata, India; Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Chan Cheah
- Internal Medicine, UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; Department of Haematology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA, Australia; Department of Haematology, Hollywood Private Hospital, WA, Australia
| | | | - Olivia Cook
- McGrath Foundation, NSW, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, VIC, Australia
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
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Jairam V, Park HS, Yu JB, Bindra RS, Contessa JN, Jethwa KR. Practice Patterns Related to Mitigation of Neurocognitive Decline in Patients Receiving Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:100949. [PMID: 35521071 PMCID: PMC9065721 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.100949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is often used as an effective treatment for patients with brain metastasis, although it is also known to have deleterious cognitive effects. Multiple trials have identified strategies to help mitigate neurocognitive decline after WBRT, although there may be barriers to integrating these techniques into routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to characterize national practice patterns related to neurocognitive preservation strategies used during WBRT. Methods and Materials We conducted an online survey of all American Society for Radiation Oncology-registered radiation oncologists (ROs), excluding trainees, regarding their practice patterns and attitudes toward employing memantine and hippocampal avoidance whole brain radiation therapy (HA-WBRT). Pearson χ2 tests for categorical variables or Student t tests for continuous variables were used to assess associations between provider characteristics and prescribing of either memantine or HA. All statistical tests were 2-sided and a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among 4408 ROs invited to participate, 417 (9.5%) completed the survey. Among respondents, 79.6% reported having offered memantine, 72.7% HA-WBRT, and 63.1% both for any of their patients undergoing WBRT. Common reasons for not offering memantine included limitations of current evidence (35.3%) and concerns about adverse effects (22.4%). Common reasons for not offering HA-WBRT included resource-intensive treatment planning and treatment delay (43.9%) and concern about obtaining prior authorization (38.6%). ROs with fewer years in practice (mean 15.7 vs 23.4 years) were more likely to prescribe memantine (P < .001), whereas HA was more likely prescribed by central nervous system specialists (P < .001) and ROs in academic settings (P = .04). Conclusions Our survey suggests that the majority of respondents offer approaches for neurocognitive preservation during WBRT for their patients. Further efforts are needed to broaden education and reduce barriers among ROs to improve implementation of neurocognitive-sparing techniques in patients undergoing WBRT.
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Kroll JL, Kim S, Cho D, Weathers SP, Chen AB, Smith G, Bruera E, Milbury K. Financial distress and its associated burden in couples coping with an advanced cancer. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4485-4495. [PMID: 35112209 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In efforts to understand financial distress (FD) associated with advanced cancer care from the perspective of both patients with incurable disease and their spousal caregivers, we assessed FD in both members of the couple, identified symptom and quality of life (QOL) correlates, and examined the potential role of illness communication. METHODS Patients undergoing treatment for stage III/IV lung cancer or a grade III/IV primary brain tumor and their spousal caregivers (n = 76 dyads) completed measures of somatic and affective symptoms including FD, physical and mental QOL, and ease of engaging in illness communication. Patients and caregivers additionally rated their perception of each other's symptoms, including FD. RESULTS FD was endorsed by both patients (any FD 62.7%; high FD 24%) and spousal caregivers (any FD 64.7%; high FD 32.3%). Self-reported FD was significantly correlated (partial r = .52, p < .001) within couples. FD was associated with greater symptoms of anxiety (r = .29, p = .01; r = .31, p = .01), depression (r = 29, p = 01; r = .39, p = .001), and poorer physical QOL(r = - .25, p = .03; r = - .25, p = .001) for patients and caregivers, respectively. For patients, FD was additionally associated with poorer mental QOL(r = - .44, p < .001). Caregivers accurately perceived patient FD, yet patients tended to underreport their caregiver's FD by almost an entire point (t = 2.8, p = .007). A 3-way interaction (FD X role X illness communication) revealed (b = .40, p = .041) that illness communication moderated the association between FD and physical QOL for spouses so that spouses who reported less ease of illness communication demonstrated a stronger association between financial distress and physical QOL (b = - 2.08, p < .001) than those reporting greater ease of engaging in illness communication (b = .49, p = .508). CONCLUSION In the advanced cancer setting, FD is prevalent in both patients and their spousal caregivers and associated with psychological distress and poor physical QOL. Results suggest that optimal FD assessment should include patients and spouses, and spouse's ease of engaging with illness communication may be a potential target for future intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet L Kroll
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
| | - Seokhun Kim
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Dalnim Cho
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shiao-Pei Weathers
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aileen B Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Grace Smith
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation & Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathrin Milbury
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
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Cardenas V, Rahman A, Zhu Y, Enguidanos S. Reluctance to Accept Palliative Care and Recommendations for Improvement: Findings From Semi-Structured Interviews With Patients and Caregivers. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 39:189-195. [PMID: 33896233 PMCID: PMC8684814 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211012605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite some insurance plans now paying for home-based palliative care, recent reports have suggested that insurance coverage for palliative care may be insufficient in expanding patient access to home-based palliative care. AIM To identify patients' and caregivers' perceived barriers to home-based palliative care and their recommendations for overcoming these barriers. DESIGN We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews. Our interview protocol elicited participants' perspectives on home-based palliative care services; positive and negative aspects of the palliative program explanation; and suggestions for improving messaging around home-based palliative care. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five participants (patients, proxies, and their caregivers) who were eligible for a randomized controlled trial of home-based palliative care were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS Themes related to home-based palliative care referral barriers included reluctance to have home visits, enrollment timing, lack of palliative care knowledge, misconceptions about palliative care, and patients' self-perceived health condition. Themes related to recommendations for overcoming these obstacles included ensuring that palliative care referrals come from healthcare providers or insurance companies and presenting palliative care services more clearly. CONCLUSION Findings reinforce the need for additional palliative care education among patients with serious illness (and their caregivers) and the importance of delivering palliative care information and referrals from trusted sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cardenas
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Rahman
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yujun Zhu
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan Enguidanos
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Shankaran V, Unger JM, Darke AK, Suga JM, Wade JL, Kourlas PJ, Chandana SR, O’Rourke MA, Satti S, Liggett D, Hershman DL, Ramsey SD. S1417CD: A Prospective Multicenter Cooperative Group-Led Study of Financial Hardship in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:372-380. [PMID: 34981117 PMCID: PMC8902339 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial toxicity is a growing problem in oncology, but no prior studies have prospectively measured the financial impact of cancer treatment in a diverse national cohort of newly diagnosed cancer patients. S1417CD was the first cooperative group-led multicenter prospective cohort study to evaluate financial hardship in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. METHODS Patients aged 18 years or older within 120 days of mCRC diagnosis completed quarterly questionnaires for 12 months. We estimated the cumulative incidence of major financial hardship (MFH), defined as 1 or more of increased debt, new loans from family and/or friends, selling or refinancing home, or 20% or more income decline. We evaluated the association between patient characteristics and MFH using multivariate cox regression and the association between MFH and quality of life using linear regression. RESULTS A total of 380 patients (median age = 59.9 years) were enrolled; 77.7% were White, 98.0% insured, and 56.5% had annual income of $50 000 or less. Cumulative incidence of MFH at 12 months was 71.3% (95% confidence interval = 65.7% to 76.1%). Age, race, marital status, and income (split at $50 000 per year) were not statistically significantly associated with MFH. However, income less than $100 000 and total assets less than $100 000 were both associated with greater MFH. MFH at 3 months was associated with decreased social functioning and quality of life at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Nearly 3 out of 4 mCRC patients experienced MFH despite access to health insurance. These findings underscore the need for clinic and policy solutions that protect cancer patients from financial harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Shankaran
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA,Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA,Correspondence to: Veena Shankaran, MD, MS, Division of Medical Oncology, Associate Member, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, 825 Eastlake Ave E, MS LG-465, Seattle, WA 98109, USA (e-mail: )
| | - Joseph M Unger
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy K Darke
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - James L Wade
- Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois/Heartland NCORP, Decatur, IL, USA
| | - Peter J Kourlas
- Columbus Oncology Associates, Columbus/Columbus NCORP, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sreenivasa R Chandana
- Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan/Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan NCORP, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Mark A O’Rourke
- Prisma Health Cancer Institute/NCORP of the Carolinas (Prisma Health), Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Suma Satti
- Ochsner Cancer Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Diane Liggett
- SWOG Data Operations Center/Cancer Research and Biostatistics (CRAB), Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Scott D Ramsey
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Abrams HR, Durbin S, Huang CX, Johnson SF, Nayak RK, Zahner GJ, Peppercorn J. Financial toxicity in cancer care: origins, impact, and solutions. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:2043-2054. [PMID: 34850932 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Financial toxicity describes the financial burden and distress that can arise for patients, and their family members, as a result of cancer treatment. It includes direct out-of-pocket costs for treatment and indirect costs such as travel, time, and changes to employment that can increase the burden of cancer. While high costs of cancer care have threatened the sustainability of access to care for decades, it is only in the past 10 years that the term "financial toxicity" has been popularized to recognize that the financial burdens of care can be just as important as the physical toxicities traditionally associated with cancer therapy. The past decade has seen a rapid growth in research identifying the prevalence and impact of financial toxicity. Research is now beginning to focus on innovations in screening and care delivery that can mitigate this risk. There is a need to determine the optimal strategy for clinicians and cancer centers to address costs of care in order to minimize financial toxicity, promote access to high value care, and reduce health disparities. We review the evolution of concerns over costs of cancer care, the impact of financial burdens on patients, methods to screen for financial toxicity, proposed solutions, and priorities for future research to identify and address costs that threaten the health and quality of life for many patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Abrams
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sienna Durbin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cher X Huang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rahul K Nayak
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Greg J Zahner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Peppercorn
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Riva S, Arenare L, Di Maio M, Efficace F, Montesarchio V, Frontini L, Giannarelli D, Bryce J, Del Campo L, De Lorenzo F, Iannelli E, Traclò F, Gitto L, Jommi C, Vaccaro CM, Barberio D, Cinieri S, Porta C, Del Mastro L, Zagonel V, Cogoni AA, Bordonaro R, Gimigliano A, Piccirillo MC, Guizzaro L, Gallo C, Perrone F. Cross-sectional study to develop and describe psychometric characteristics of a patient-reported instrument (PROFFIT) for measuring financial toxicity of cancer within a public healthcare system. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049128. [PMID: 34670762 PMCID: PMC8529986 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure and explain financial toxicity (FT) of cancer in Italy, where a public healthcare system exists and patients with cancer are not expected (or only marginally) to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare. SETTING Ten clinical oncological centres, distributed across Italian macroregions (North, Centre, South and Islands), including hospitals, university hospitals and national research institutes. PARTICIPANTS From 8 October 2019 to 11 December 2019, 184 patients, aged 18 or more, who were receiving or had received within the previous 3 months active anticancer treatment were enrolled, 108 (59%) females and 76 (41%) males. INTERVENTION A 30-item prefinal questionnaire, previously developed within the qualitative tasks of the project, was administered, either electronically (n=115) or by paper sheet (n=69). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES According to the protocol and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research methodology, the final questionnaire was developed by mean of explanatory factor analysis and tested for reliability, internal consistency (Cronbach's α test and item-total correlation) and stability of measurements over time (test-retest reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient). RESULTS After exploratory factor analysis, a score measuring FT (FT score) was identified, made by seven items dealing with outcomes of FT. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the FT score was 0.87 and the item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.53 to 0.74. Further, nine single items representing possible determinants of FT were also retained in the final instrument. Test-retest analysis revealed a good internal validity of the FT score and of the 16 items retained in the final questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS The Patient-Reported Outcome for Fighting FInancial Toxicity (PROFFIT) instrument consists of 16 items and is the first reported instrument to assess FT of cancer developed in a country with a fully public healthcare system. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03473379.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Riva
- Psychology and Pedagogic Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University Hospital of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Arenare
- Unità Sperimentazioni Cliniche, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, AO Ordine Mauriziano, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, Gruppo Italiano per le Malattie Ematologiche dell'Adulto (GIMEMA), Roma, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Frontini
- Federation of Italian Cooperative Oncology Groups (FICOG), Milano, Italy
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Unità di Biostatistica, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori Regina Elena, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Jane Bryce
- Unità Sperimentazioni Cliniche, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy
- Clinical Research Institute, Ascension St. John Clinical Research Institute, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura Del Campo
- Federazione Italiana delle Associazioni di Volontariato in Oncologia (FAVO), Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco De Lorenzo
- Associazione Italiana Malati di Cancro (AIMAC), Roma, Italy
- European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elisabetta Iannelli
- Federazione Italiana delle Associazioni di Volontariato in Oncologia (FAVO), Roma, Italy
| | | | - Lara Gitto
- Dipartimento di Economia, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudio Jommi
- CERGAS (Centre for Health and Social Care Management), Università Bocconi, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Barberio
- Psiconcologia Clinica, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Camillo Porta
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche ed Oncologia Umana, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Del Mastro
- Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Medicina Specialistica (DIMI), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Anna Gimigliano
- Unità Sperimentazioni Cliniche, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Piccirillo
- Unità Sperimentazioni Cliniche, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Guizzaro
- Statistica Medica, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ciro Gallo
- Statistica Medica, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Perrone
- Unità Sperimentazioni Cliniche, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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Puhr HC, Preusser M, Ilhan-Mutlu A. Immunotherapy for Esophageal Cancers: What Is Practice Changing in 2021? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4632. [PMID: 34572859 PMCID: PMC8472767 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of advanced esophageal cancer is dismal, and treatment options are limited. Since the first promising data on second-line treatment with checkpoint inhibitors in esophageal cancer patients were published, immunotherapy was surmised to change the face of modern cancer treatment. Recently, several studies have found this to be true, as the checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab have achieved revolutionary response rates in advanced as well as resectable settings in esophageal cancer patients. Although the current results of large clinical trials promise high efficacy with tolerable toxicity, desirable survival rates, and sustained quality of life, some concerns remain. This review aims to summarize the novel clinical data on immunotherapeutic agents for esophageal cancer and provide a critical view of potential restrictions for the implementation of these therapies for unselected patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Christina Puhr
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (H.C.P.); (M.P.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (H.C.P.); (M.P.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Aysegül Ilhan-Mutlu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (H.C.P.); (M.P.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Chan RJ, Cooper B, Koczwara B, Chan A, Tan CJ, Gordon L, Paul SM, Dunn LB, Conley YP, Kober KM, Abrams G, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Characteristics associated with inter-individual variability in financial distress in patients with breast cancer prior to and for 12 months following surgery. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:1293-1302. [PMID: 34477973 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate for inter-individual differences in financial distress and identify demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics associated with higher levels of financial distress. METHODS Patients (n = 387) were enrolled prior to breast cancer surgery and followed for 12 months. Financial distress was measured using a 0 (no problem) to 10 (severe problem) numeric rating scale. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate for inter-individual differences in trajectories of financial distress and characteristics associated with financial distress at enrollment and over 12 months. RESULTS Patients' mean age was 55.0 (± 11.7) years and the majority underwent breast conservation surgery (80.6%). Mean financial distress score prior to surgery was 3.3 (± 3.4; range 0 to 10). Unconditional model for financial distress demonstrated no significant changes over time (-0.006/month). Younger age, lower income, receipt of an axillary lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemotherapy, and lower attentional function were associated with higher preoperative levels of financial distress. CONCLUSION Risk factors identified in this study can be used to inform clinicians regarding the need to initiate financial discussions and social work referrals for some patients. Additional clinical or system level interventions should be considered for vulnerable groups with these risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Javan Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA5042, Australia.
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia.
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Services, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
| | - Bruce Cooper
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Chia Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louisa Gordon
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven M Paul
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura B Dunn
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yvette P Conley
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kord M Kober
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary Abrams
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jon D Levine
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Gould Rothberg BE, Canavan ME, Mun S, Sedghi T, Carafeno T, Raucci M, Dest V, Sinanis N, Gross CP, Adelson KB. Impact of a Dedicated Cancer Urgent Care Center on Acute Care Utilization. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 18:e129-e136. [PMID: 34383579 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute care imposes a significant burden on patients and cancer care costs. We examined whether an advanced practice provider-driven, cancer-specific urgent care center embedded within a large tertiary academic center decreased acute care use among oncology patients on active therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a quasi-experimental study anchored around the Oncology Extended Care Clinic (OECC) opening date. We evaluated two parallel 4-month periods: a post-OECC period that followed a 5-month run-in phase, and the identical calendar period 1 year earlier. Our primary outcomes included all emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions during the 3-month window following the index provider visit. We used Poisson models to calculate absolute pre-OECC v post-OECC rate differences. RESULTS Our cohort included 2,095 patients in the pre-OECC period and 2,188 in the post-OECC period. We identified 32.6 ED visits/100 patients and 41.2 hospitalizations/100 patients in the pre-OECC period, versus 28.2 ED visits/100 patients and 26.1 hospitalizations/100 patients post-OECC. After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and practice location, we observed a significant decrease of 4.6 ED visits/100 patients during the post-OECC period (95% CI, -8.92/100 to -0.28/100; P = .04) compared with the pre-OECC period. There was no significant association between the OECC opening and hospitalization rate (rate difference: -3.29 admissions/100 patients; 95% CI, -8.24/100 to 1.67/100; P = .19). CONCLUSION Establishing a cancer-specific urgent care center was significantly associated with a modest decrease in emergency room utilization but not with hospitalization rate. Barriers included clinic capacity, patient awareness, and physician comfort with advanced practice provider autonomy. Optimizing workflow and standardizing clinical pathways can create benchmarks useful for value-based payments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maureen E Canavan
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Sophia Mun
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Tannaz Sedghi
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Tracy Carafeno
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Maureen Raucci
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Vanna Dest
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Naralys Sinanis
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Cary P Gross
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kerin B Adelson
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Kamran SC, Palma D, Katz MS, Zietman AL. Technical Giants But Biologic Infants: Defining a More Sophisticated Role for Local Therapy in Metastatic Disease. Semin Radiat Oncol 2021; 31:200-204. [PMID: 34090646 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The role of radiation therapy in metastatic cancer is rapidly evolving with increased understanding of the oligometastatic state and improved technologies to deliver higher doses of radiation with greater precision and avoidance of normal tissues than before. Recent data have demonstrated that the use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in oligometastatic disease confers a survival benefit. Yet, the current enthusiasm must be balanced with caution. Here we summarize the evidence in favor of SABR for oligometastatic patients as well as the concerns regarding rapid adoption into clinical practice and outline broad principles to guide clinical trials evaluating the role of SABR in oligometastatic disease. As oncologists, we must exercise due diligence and gather the appropriate evidence necessary to 1) understand the oligometastatic disease state and 2) optimize benefit in those patients before broadly offering SABR to all. Any alternative path forward will do our field and our patients a great injustice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C Kamran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David Palma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew S Katz
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Lowell General Hospital, Lowell, MA
| | - Anthony L Zietman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Tevaarwerk A, Denlinger CS, Sanft T, Ansbaugh SM, Armenian S, Baker KS, Broderick G, Day A, Demark-Wahnefried W, Dickinson K, Friedman DL, Ganz P, Goldman M, Henry NL, Hill-Kayser C, Hudson M, Khakpour N, Koura D, McDonough AL, Melisko M, Mooney K, Moore HCF, Moryl N, Moslehi JJ, O'Connor T, Overholser L, Paskett ED, Patel C, Peterson L, Pirl W, Rodriguez MA, Ruddy KJ, Schapira L, Shockney L, Smith S, Syrjala KL, Zee P, McMillian NR, Freedman-Cass DA. Survivorship, Version 1.2021. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2021; 19:676-685. [PMID: 34214969 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship are intended to help healthcare professionals working with cancer survivors to ensure that each survivor's complex and varied needs are addressed. The Guidelines provide screening, evaluation, and treatment recommendations for consequences of adult-onset cancer and its treatment; recommendations to help promote healthful lifestyle behaviors, weight management, and immunizations in survivors; and a framework for care coordination. This article summarizes the recommendations regarding employment and return to work for cancer survivors that were added in the 2021 version of the NCCN Guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tara Sanft
- 3Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital
| | | | | | - K Scott Baker
- 6Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
| | | | - Andrew Day
- 8UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Mindy Goldman
- 13UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | - Melissa Hudson
- 16St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Kathi Mooney
- 20Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
| | - Halle C F Moore
- 21Case Comprehensive Cancer Center/University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
| | | | | | | | | | - Electra D Paskett
- 25The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
| | | | - Lindsay Peterson
- 26Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Lillie Shockney
- 30The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
| | | | - Karen L Syrjala
- 6Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
| | - Phyllis Zee
- 32Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; and
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40
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Koenig JL, Sandhu N, Sborov K, Sabolch A, Usoz M, Li G, Gephart MH, Chang S, Hiniker S, Soltys SG, Pollom EL. Financial Toxicity in Patients with Brain and Spine Metastases. World Neurosurg 2021; 151:e630-e651. [PMID: 33940276 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Financial toxicity associated with cancer treatment has a deleterious impact on patient outcomes but has not been well characterized among patients with metastatic cancers. We characterize the extent of financial toxicity among this population and identify factors associated with financial toxicity. METHODS We prospectively surveyed adult patients with brain and spine metastases who received radiosurgery at a large academic medical center between January 2018 and December 2019. Financial toxicity was measured with the Personal Financial Wellness (PFW) scale. RESULTS In total, 93 patients were included, with a median survival of 17.7 months. Most patients had private insurance (47%) or Medicare with supplementary insurance (42%), whereas 11% of patients were uninsured or insured by Medicaid/Medicare/Veterans Affairs. Of patients, 60% were primary income earners, of whom 52% had dependents. The median PFW score was 7.0 (interquartile range, 5.1-9.1), with financial toxicity reported in 23 patients (25%). After adjusting for age and education level, private insurance (odds ratio [OR], 0.28; P = 0.080) was associated with a lower likelihood of financial toxicity. Having ≥1 emergency department visit (OR, 3.87; P = 0.024) and a cancer-related change in employment status (OR, 3.63; P = 0.036) were associated with greater likelihood of reporting financial toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with cancer with brain and spine metastases with a poor prognosis treated at a tertiary center are primary income earners and experience financial toxicity. Further studies are warranted to assess the longitudinal impact of financial toxicity in patients with metastatic cancer, particularly those with ≥1 emergency department visit and a cancer-related change in employment status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Koenig
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Navjot Sandhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Katherine Sborov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Aaron Sabolch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Melissa Usoz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gordon Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Steven Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Susan Hiniker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Scott G Soltys
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Erqi L Pollom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA.
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McLouth LE, Nightingale CL, Levine BJ, Burris JL, McDougall JA, Lycan TW, Gabbard J, Ruiz J, Farris M, Blackstock AW, Grant SC, Petty WJ, Weaver KE. Unmet Care Needs and Financial Hardship in Patients With Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer on Immunotherapy or Chemoimmunotherapy in Clinical Practice. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e1110-e1119. [PMID: 33539182 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy is now standard treatment for most patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC), yet patient supportive care needs (SCNs) on immunotherapy are not well defined. This study characterized the SCNs and financial hardship of patients with mNSCLC treated with immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy and examined the relationship between patient and caregiver cancer-related employment reductions and patient financial hardship. METHODS Patients with mNSCLC on immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy from a single academic medical center completed the SCNs Survey-34, items indexing material, psychological, and behavioral financial hardship, and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity. Univariate and bivariate analyses examined care needs, financial hardship, and impact of cancer-related employment reductions on patient financial hardship. RESULTS Sixty patients (40% male; 75% White, mean age = 62.5 years, 57% on immunotherapy alone) participated. Fifty-five percent reported unmet needs in physical or daily living and psychological domains. Financial hardship was common (33% material, 63% psychological, and 57% behavioral). Fifty-two percent reported hardship in at least two domains. Forty percent reported a caregiver cancer-related employment reduction. Caregiver employment reduction was related to patient financial hardship (68% of those reporting caregiver employment reduction reported at least two domains of hardship v 40% of those without reduction, P = .03) and patient financial distress (mean Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity = 19.6 among those with caregiver employment reduction v 26.8 without, P = .01). CONCLUSION Patients with mNSCLC treated with immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy report multiple unmet care needs and financial hardship. Psychological, functional, financial, and caregiver concerns merit assessment and intervention in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie E McLouth
- Department of Behavioral Science, Markey Cancer Center, Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Chandylen L Nightingale
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.,Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Beverly J Levine
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.,Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | - Jean A McDougall
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Thomas W Lycan
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Jennifer Gabbard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Jimmy Ruiz
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.,W. G. (Bill) Hefner Veteran Administration Medical Center, Cancer Center, Salisbury, NC
| | - Michael Farris
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Arthur W Blackstock
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Stefan C Grant
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - W Jeffrey Petty
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Kathryn E Weaver
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.,Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
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Living with Metastatic Cancer: A Roadmap for Future Research. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123684. [PMID: 33302472 PMCID: PMC7763639 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although people with metastatic cancer are living longer with their disease, they are faced with challenges that can interfere with their quality of life. These challenges include worsening disease, survival time, symptoms, distress, and financial problems. The aim of this review paper is to describe a framework to guide future efforts to address these challenges. The framework includes the risk factors (predisposing factors), triggers (precipitating factors), and responses (perpetuating factors) that contribute to the onset and maintenance of problems in living with metastatic cancer. We conclude by suggesting areas for future work to prevent problems, manage triggers, and reduce unhelpful responses. Abstract Living with metastatic cancer, or metavivorship, differs from cancer survivorship and has changed as novel treatments have increased survival time. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe factors that impact challenges in metavivorship within a conceptual framework to guide future research. This review focuses on the specific metavivorship outcomes of progressive disease, survival time, symptoms, distress, financial toxicity, and quality of life. We describe the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating (3P) model of metavivorship. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social 3P factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of challenges in metavivorship provides a roadmap for future research. Implications of this model include prevention by targeting predisposing factors, management of precipitating factors after onset of metastatic disease, and treatment of perpetuating factors to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life during the chronic phase of metavivorship. This can be accomplished through biopsychosocial screening efforts, monitoring of patient-reported outcomes, education and communication interventions, interdisciplinary symptom management, advance care planning, and behavioral interventions to cultivate psychological resilience.
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Tevaarwerk AJ, Kwekkeboom K, Buhr KA, Dennee A, Conkright W, Onitilo AA, Robinson E, Ahuja H, Kwong RW, Nanad R, Wiegmann DA, Chen K, LoConte NK, Wisinski KB, Sesto ME. Results from a prospective longitudinal survey of employment and work outcomes in newly diagnosed cancer patients during and after curative-intent chemotherapy: A Wisconsin Oncology Network study. Cancer 2020; 127:801-808. [PMID: 33231882 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postcancer work limitations may affect a substantial proportion of patients and contribute to the "financial toxicity" of cancer treatment. The degree and nature of work limitations and employment outcomes are poorly understood for cancer patients, particularly in the immediate period of transition after active treatment. We prospectively examined employment, work ability, and work limitations during and after treatment. METHODS A total of 120 patients receiving curative therapy who were employed prior to their cancer diagnosis and who intended to work during or after end of treatment (EOT) completed surveys at baseline (pretreatment), EOT, and 3, 6, and 12 months after EOT. Surveys included measures of employment, work ability, and work limitations. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means with standard deviations) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 111 participants completed the baseline survey. On average, participants were 48 years of age and were mostly white (95%) and female (82%) with a diagnosis of breast cancer (69%). Full-time employment decreased during therapy (from 88% to 50%) and returned to near prediagnosis levels by 12-month follow-up (78%). Work-related productivity loss due to health was high during treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to report the effects of curative intent cancer therapy on employment, work ability, and work limitations both during and after treatment. Perceived work ability was generally high overall 12 months after EOT, although a minority reported persistent difficulty. A prospective analysis of factors (eg, job type, education, symptoms) most associated with work limitations is underway to assist in identifying at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amye J Tevaarwerk
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin.,Division of Hematology/Oncology & Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kris Kwekkeboom
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin.,School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kevin A Buhr
- Division of Hematology/Oncology & Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Alexandra Dennee
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Douglas A Wiegmann
- Division of Hematology/Oncology & Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Karen Chen
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Noelle K LoConte
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin.,Division of Hematology/Oncology & Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kari B Wisinski
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin.,Division of Hematology/Oncology & Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mary E Sesto
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin.,Division of Hematology/Oncology & Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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A qualitative analysis and development of a conceptual model assessing financial toxicity in cancer patients accessing the universal healthcare system. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:3219-3233. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05840-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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45
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Trogdon JG, Liu X, Reeder-Hayes KE, Rotter J, Ekwueme DU, Wheeler SB. Productivity costs associated with metastatic breast cancer in younger, midlife, and older women. Cancer 2020; 126:4118-4125. [PMID: 32648979 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of the current study was to estimate productivity costs due to metastatic breast cancer (mBC) via productive time lost among survivors and potential life-years lost from premature mortality among 3 age groups: younger (aged 18-44 years), midlife (aged 45-64 years), and older (aged ≥65 years) women. METHODS The authors estimated the number of work and home productivity days missed due to mBC by age group using data from the 2000 to 2016 National Health Interview Survey. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to mBC were calculated for each age group using 2015 National Vital Statistics System data. The authors valued both sources of lost productivity time using the Current Population Survey and prior studies. RESULTS The per-woman value of lost productive days (work and home) due to mBC ranged from $680 for older women to $5169 for younger women. In 2015, the value of lost work and home productivity days associated with mBC nationally was $67 million for younger women, $246 million for midlife women, and $66 million for older women. YPLL were highest among midlife women (403,786 life-years), followed by older women (248,522 life-years) and younger women (95,943 life-years). Midlife women were found to have the highest market value of YPLL ($4.1 billion), followed by younger women ($1.6 billion) and older women ($527 million). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study demonstrated that mBC generates a high economic burden through lost productivity, especially among midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Trogdon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xuejun Liu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Katherine E Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jason Rotter
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Donatus U Ekwueme
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Trogdon JG, Baggett CD, Gogate A, Reeder-Hayes KE, Rotter J, Zhou X, Ekwueme DU, Fairley TL, Wheeler SB. Medical costs associated with metastatic breast cancer in younger, midlife, and older women. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 181:653-665. [PMID: 32346820 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05654-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We estimated average medical costs due to metastatic breast cancer (mBC) among younger (aged 18-44), midlife (aged 45-64), and older women (aged 65 and older) by phase of care: initial, continuing, and terminal. METHODS We used 2003-2014 North Carolina cancer registry data linked with administrative claims from public and private payers. We developed a claims-based algorithm to identify breast cancer patients who progressed to metastatic disease. We matched breast cancer patients (mBC and earlier stage) to non-cancer patients on age group, county of residence, and insurance plan. Outcomes were average monthly medical expenditures and expected medical expenditures by phase. We used regression to estimate excess costs attributed to mBC as the difference in mean payments between patients with mBC (N = 4806) and patients with each earlier-stage breast cancer (stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and unknown stage; N = 21,772) and non-cancer controls (N = 109,631) by treatment phase and age group. RESULTS Adjusted monthly costs for women with mBC were significantly higher than for women with earlier-stage breast cancer and non-cancer controls for all age groups and treatment phases except the initial treatment among women with stage 3 breast cancer at diagnosis. The largest expected total costs were for women aged 18-44 with mBC during the continuing phase ($209,961 95% Confidence Interval $165,736-254,186). CONCLUSIONS We found substantial excess costs for mBC among younger women and during the continuing and terminal phases of survivorship. It is important to assess whether this care is high value for these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Trogdon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Christopher D Baggett
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anagha Gogate
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katherine E Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jason Rotter
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xi Zhou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Donatus U Ekwueme
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Temeika L Fairley
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Dottino JA, Rauh-Hain JA. Financial toxicity: An adverse effect worthy of a black box warning? Gynecol Oncol 2020; 156:263-264. [PMID: 32046838 PMCID: PMC7346986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Dottino
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - J Alejandro Rauh-Hain
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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48
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Financial toxicity associated with treatment of localized prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 17:28-40. [PMID: 31792431 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-019-0258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Financial toxicity is a broad term to describe the economic consequences and subjective burden resulting from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. As financial toxicity is associated with poor disease outcomes, recognition of this problem and calls for strategies to identify and support those most at risk are increasing. Men with localized prostate cancer face treatment choices including active surveillance, prostatectomy or radiotherapy. The fact that potential patient out-of-pocket costs might influence decision making has rarely been acknowledged and, overall, the risk of financial toxicity for men with localized prostate cancer remains poorly studied. This shortfall requires a work-up in the context of prostate cancer and a multidimensional framework for considering a patient's risk of financial toxicity. The major elements of this framework are direct and indirect costs, patient-specific values, expectations of possible financial burdens, and individual economic circumstances. Current data indicate that total cost patterns probably differ by treatment modality: surgery might have an increased short-term effect, whereas radiotherapy might have an increased long-term risk of financial toxicity. Specific thresholds of patient income levels or out-of-pocket costs that predict risk of financial toxicity are difficult to identify. Compared with other malignancies, prostate cancer might have a lower overall risk of financial toxicity, but persistent post-treatment urinary, bowel or sexual adverse effects are likely to increase this risk.
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49
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Perry LM, Hoerger M, Seibert K, Gerhart JI, O'Mahony S, Duberstein PR. Financial Strain and Physical and Emotional Quality of Life in Breast Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:454-459. [PMID: 31163258 PMCID: PMC6708751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Few studies have examined the association between financial strain and quality of life outcomes in breast cancer. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between financial strain and key elements of physical and emotional quality of life among women with breast cancer. METHODS Across three geographically diverse samples (census regions: Northeast = 13.2%, Midwest = 26.8%, South = 35.5%, West = 17.4%; international = 7.1%), 309 women with a history of breast cancer completed online surveys including measures of financial strain, depression, anxiety, symptom burden, and perceived health. The third sample (N = 134) also reported financial toxicity that specifically documents financial strain because of medical care costs. Primary analyses assessed the association between financial strain and measures of emotional and physical quality of life. Sensitivity analyses examined associations using the measure of financial toxicity. All analyses were controlled for key covariates. RESULTS Results showed that 37.5% of women experienced financial strain (Samples 1-3), varying from 12.1% among older, married, and college-educated women to 81.0% among women who were younger, unmarried, and lacked a college education. In addition, 26.1% reported treatment-specific financial toxicity (Sample 3). Financial strain was associated with more severe symptoms of depression (P < 0.001) and anxiety (P < 0.001) and worse physical symptom burden (P < 0.001) and perceived health (P < 0.001). Observed effects were sustained in sensitivity analyses using the financial toxicity measure. CONCLUSIONS The present investigation illustrates the importance of financial strain in breast cancer. Healthcare systems are encouraged to expand interdisciplinary palliative and supportive care services that have the expertise necessary to help financially strained patients navigate the cancer care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sean O'Mahony
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul R Duberstein
- Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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50
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Wright JD. Financial Toxicity: A Severe But Underrecognized Side Effect for Cancer Patients. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 154:1-2. [PMID: 31229193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Wright
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center; New York Presbyterian Hospital.
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