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Fiala MA. Financial Toxicity and Willingness-to-Pay for Cancer Treatment Among People With Multiple Myeloma. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2400016. [PMID: 38885465 DOI: 10.1200/op.24.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study used willingness-to-pay (WTP) exercises to explore the relationships between race, financial toxicity, and treatment decision making among people with cancer. METHODS A convenience sample of people with multiple myeloma who attended an academic medical center in 2022 was surveyed. Financial toxicity was assessed by the Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity, with scores <26 indicating financial toxicity. WTP was assessed with (1) a discrete choice experiment (DCE), (2) fixed-choice tasks, and (3) a bidding game. RESULTS In total, 156 people were approached, and 130 completed the survey. The majority of the sample was White (n = 99), whereas 24% (n = 31) was African American or Black. Forty-six percent (n = 60) of the sample were experiencing financial toxicity. In the DCE, the relative importance of cost was twice as high for those with financial toxicity (30% compared with 14%; P < .001). In the fixed-choice tasks, they were twice as likely to accept a treatment with shorter progression-free survival but lower costs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.47; P = .049). In the bidding game, the median monthly WTP of those with financial toxicity was half that of those without ($100 in US dollars [USD] compared with $200 USD; P < .001). Only in the bidding game was race statistically associated with WTP; after controlling for financial toxicity, African American or Black participants were three times as likely (aOR, 3.06; P = .007) to report a lower WTP. CONCLUSION Across all three exercises, participants with financial toxicity reported lower WTP than those without. As financial toxicity disproportionally affects some segments of patients, it is possible that financial toxicity contributes to cancer disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Fiala
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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Marineau A, St-Pierre C, Lessard-Hurtubise R, David MÈ, Adam JP, Chabot I. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor treatment use in women treated for advanced breast cancer: Integrating ASCO/NCODA patient-centered standards in a community pharmacy. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022:10781552221102884. [PMID: 35642282 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outpatients treated with oral anti-cancer drugs, including selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), may benefit from a pharmacy practice setting adapted to support proper oral anti-cancer drug monitoring. This real-world study aimed to characterize patient-centered pharmacy practice aligned with American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) standards and to describe its impact on CDK4/6i treatment use. METHODS This retrospective study included women with confirmed hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor 2 negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer treated with either palbociclib, abemaciclib or ribociclib combined with letrozole or fulvestrant. Pharmacists collected patient characteristics, clinical activities, and treatment patterns using data from the pharmacy chart. CDK4/6i treatment adherence rates were estimated based on medication claims data. Time-to-treatment discontinuation, a proxy for time-to-event, was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. RESULTS Of the 195 patients assessed for eligibility, 65 were included in this study. The median observation duration was 13.6 months. An average of seven pharmaceutical care activities (range 2.8-21.7) per patient was documented for each treatment cycle. The mean proportion of days covered was 89.6%. The median time-to-treatment discontinuation was estimated at 44.2 months in patients treated with CDK4/6i + letrozole and 17.0 months in patients treated with CDK4/6i + fulvestrant. The average relative dose intensity was 85%, and the benefits of treatment were maintained regardless of the relative dose intensity levels. CONCLUSION A structured patient-centered pharmacy practice model integrating the ASCO/NCODA patient-centered standards and ongoing communication with patients and healthcare providers ensure timely refills, close monitoring, and allows patients to achieve high adherence and persistence rates comparable to those reported in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Philippe Adam
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,CHUM Research Center, CHUM, Montréal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Chabot
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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3
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Longo CJ. Linking Intermediate to Final “Real-World” Outcomes: Is Financial Toxicity a Reliable Predictor of Poorer Outcomes in Cancer? Curr Oncol 2022; 29:2483-2489. [PMID: 35448176 PMCID: PMC9027087 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, economic evaluations are based on clinical trials with well-defined patient populations that exclude many patient types. By contrast, studies that incorporate general patient populations end up including those in lower income categories, some of whom have significant financial burdens (often described as financial toxicity) related to their care. Consideration of these patient burdens when examining the incremental cost-effectiveness of newer treatments from a clinical trial perspective can result in differing conclusions regarding cost-effectiveness. The challenge is to reliably assess the link between financial toxicity, quality of life and potential decisions to forego or delay care. It is also well-documented that these financial effects are not evenly distributed across populations, with those with low income and of black or Latino decent being most affected. There is a paucity of literature in this space, but some of the early work has suggested that for lung, breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers there are poorer quality-of-life scores and/or shorter overall survival for those experiencing financial toxicity. Hence, we may see both a lower quality of life and a shorter duration of life for these populations. If this is the case, additional considerations include: are the benefits of newer, more-expensive treatment strategies muted by the lack of adherence to these newer treatments due to financial concerns, and, if true, can these effects be effectively quantified as “real-world” outcomes? This rapid review examines these possibilities and the steps that may be required to examine this reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Longo
- Health Policy and Management, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Burlington, ON L7L 5R8, Canada;
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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Bordonaro R, Piazza D, Sergi C, Cordio S, Tomaselli S, Gebbia V. Out-of-pocket costs in gastrointestinal cancer patients: Lack of a perfectly framed problem contributing to financial toxicity. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 167:103501. [PMID: 34673219 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103501] [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: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fighting cancer is an economically expensive challenge for both health care payers, and the patients and their families and the median costs for cancer care are rapidly increasing in the last decade. Although both direct and indirect costs of medical assistance have been a frequent source of distress and contention, however analysis of the non-medical expenses incurred directly by cancer patients has not received adequate attention. Developing a deeper understanding of so-called "out-of-pocket" costs may be necessary. Out-of-pocket costs for medical care range from 7 % to 11 % of medical costs for all payers. However, the range of out-of-pocket costs shows considerable variability in different studies. In this review, we reviewed available data concerning direct and indirect medical costs, including psychosocial ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bordonaro
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS), Ospedale Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | - Dario Piazza
- GSTU Foundation for Cancer Research, Palermo, Italy
| | - Concetta Sergi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS), Ospedale Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Cordio
- Medical Oncology Unit - Azienda Ospedaliera Provinciale 7, Ragusa, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Gebbia
- Medical Oncology and Supportive Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy; PROMISE Department - University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Dusetzina SB, Huskamp HA, Jazowski SA, Winn AN, Wood WA, Olszewski A, Basch E, Keating NL. Oral Oncology Parity Laws, Medication Use, and Out-of-Pocket Spending for Patients With Blood Cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 112:1055-1062. [PMID: 31883008 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djz243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we sought to estimate the association between oral oncology parity law adoption and anticancer medication use for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia or multiple myeloma. METHODS This was an observational study of administrative claims from 2008 to 2017. Among individuals initiating tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for chronic myeloid leukemia or immunomodulatory drugs for multiple myeloma, we compared out-of-pocket spending, adherence, and discontinuation before and after parity among individuals in fully insured plans (subject to parity) vs self-funded plans (exempt from parity) using propensity-score weighted difference-in-differences regression models. RESULTS Among patients initiating TKIs (N = 2082) or immunomodulatory drugs (N = 3326) there were no statistically significant differences in adherence or discontinuation associated with parity. The proportion of patients with initial out-of-pocket payments of $0 increased in fully insured plans after parity from 5.7% to 46.1% for TKIs and from 10.9% to 48.8% for immunomodulatory drugs. Relative to changes in self-funded plans, those in fully insured plans were 4.27 (95% CI = 2.20 to 8.27) times as likely to pay nothing for TKIs and 1.96 (95% CI = 1.40 to 2.73) times as likely to pay nothing for immunomodulatory drugs after parity. Similarly, the proportion paying more than $100 decreased from 30.3% to 24.7% for TKIs and 30.6% to 27.5% for immunomodulatory drugs in fully insured plans after parity. Relative to changes in self-funded plans, those in fully insured plans were 0.74 (95% CI = 0.54 to 1.01) times as likely to pay more than $100 for TKIs and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.68 to 1.06) times as likely to pay more than $100 for immunomodulatory drugs after parity. CONCLUSIONS Among patients initiating TKIs or immunomodulatory drugs, parity was not associated with better adherence or less discontinuation of therapy but yielded decreased patient out-of-pocket payments for some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Haiden A Huskamp
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shelley A Jazowski
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron N Winn
- Medical College of Wisconsin, School of Pharmacy, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Center for Advancement of Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - William A Wood
- School of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Ethan Basch
- School of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nancy L Keating
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Iragorri N, de Oliveira C, Fitzgerald N, Essue B. The Out-of-Pocket Cost Burden of Cancer Care-A Systematic Literature Review. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:1216-1248. [PMID: 33804288 PMCID: PMC8025828 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-pocket costs pose a substantial economic burden to cancer patients and their families. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the literature on out-of-pocket costs of cancer care. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies that estimated the out-of-pocket cost burden faced by cancer patients and their caregivers. The average monthly out-of-pocket costs per patient were reported/estimated and converted to 2018 USD. Costs were reported as medical and non-medical costs and were reported across countries or country income levels by cancer site, where possible, and category. The out-of-pocket burden was estimated as the average proportion of income spent as non-reimbursable costs. RESULTS Among all cancers, adult patients and caregivers in the U.S. spent between USD 180 and USD 2600 per month, compared to USD 15-400 in Canada, USD 4-609 in Western Europe, and USD 58-438 in Australia. Patients with breast or colorectal cancer spent around USD 200 per month, while pediatric cancer patients spent USD 800. Patients spent USD 288 per month on cancer medications in the U.S. and USD 40 in other high-income countries (HICs). The average costs for medical consultations and in-hospital care were estimated between USD 40-71 in HICs. Cancer patients and caregivers spent 42% and 16% of their annual income on out-of-pocket expenses in low- and middle-income countries and HICs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that cancer is associated with high out-of-pocket costs. Healthcare systems have an opportunity to improve the coverage of medical and non-medical costs for cancer patients to help alleviate this burden and ensure equitable access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Iragorri
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada; (C.d.O.); (B.E.)
- The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Toronto, ON M5H 1J8, Canada;
| | - Claire de Oliveira
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada; (C.d.O.); (B.E.)
- The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Toronto, ON M5H 1J8, Canada;
- Centre for Health Economics and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | | | - Beverley Essue
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada; (C.d.O.); (B.E.)
- The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Toronto, ON M5H 1J8, Canada;
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Crawford SY, Boyd AD, Nayak AK, Venepalli NK, Cuellar S, Wirth SM, Hsu GIH. Patient-centered design in developing a mobile application for oral anticancer medications. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2019; 59:S86-S95.e1. [PMID: 30745188 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop and test the usability and feasibility of a customizable mobile application (app) designed to help educate patients about their oral anticancer medications (OAMs) and regimens. SETTING Outpatient cancer center and oncology pharmacy for urban, Midwestern academic health system. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION Clinically-supervised educational intervention to support patients learning about OAMs. PRACTICE INNOVATION With input from patient partners, our interdisciplinary team designed the first known tablet-based educational app that can interface with a patient's electronic medical record. The app is based on learning style and adherence theories and is customizable for individually prescribed OAMs. The app can accommodate multiple learning styles through text at 6th-grade reading level, pictures, animations, and audio voiceovers. Functionalities include interactive educational modules on 11 OAMs and case-based patient stories on common barriers to OAM adherence. EVALUATION Early phase testing provided the opportunity to observe the user interface with the app and app functionality. Data were summarized descriptively from observations and comments of patient subjects. RESULTS Thirty patient subjects provided input-19 in phase 1 usability testing and 11 in phase 2 feasibility testing. Comments provided by patient subjects during usability testing were largely positive. Responses included self-identification with patient stories, usefulness of drug information, preferences for text messages, and app limitations (e.g., perceived generational digital divide in technology use and potential patient inability to receive text messages). Using their feedback, modifications were made to the prototype app. Responses in feasibility testing demonstrated the app's usefulness across a wide range of ages. Highest opinion ratings on app usefulness were stated by patients who were newer to OAM therapy. CONCLUSION User feedback suggests the potential benefit of the app as a tool to help patients with cancer, particularly after the first months for those starting new OAM regimens. Processes and lessons learned are transferable to other settings.
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8
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Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications: Evolving Interprofessional Roles and Pharmacist Workforce Considerations. PHARMACY 2018. [PMID: 29518017 PMCID: PMC5874562 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy6010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interprofessional care is exhibited in outpatient oncology practices where practitioners from a myriad of specialties (e.g., oncology, nursing, pharmacy, health informatics and others) work collectively with patients to enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. Historically, most ambulatory-based anticancer medication therapies have been administrated in infusion clinics or physician offices. Oral anticancer medications (OAMs) have become increasingly prevalent and preferred by patients for use in residential or other non-clinic settings. Self-administration of OAMs represents a significant shift in the management of cancer care and role responsibilities for patients and clinicians. While patients have a greater sense of empowerment and convenience when taking OAMs, adherence is a greater challenge than with intravenous therapies. This paper proposes use of a qualitative systems evaluation, based on theoretical frameworks for interdisciplinary team collaboration and systems science, to examine the social interactionism involved with the use of intravenous anticancer treatments and OAMs (as treatment technologies) by describing patient, organizational, and social systems considerations in communication, care, control, and context (i.e., Kaplan’s 4Cs). This conceptualization can help the healthcare system prepare for substantial workforce changes in cancer management, including increased utilization of oncology pharmacists.
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Shih YCT, Smieliauskas F, Geynisman DM, Kelly RJ, Smith TJ. Trends in the Cost and Use of Targeted Cancer Therapies for the Privately Insured Nonelderly: 2001 to 2011. J Clin Oncol 2015; 33:2190-6. [PMID: 25987701 PMCID: PMC4477789 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.58.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to define and identify drivers of trends in cost and use of targeted therapeutics among privately insured nonelderly patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy between 2001 and 2011. METHODS We classified oncology drugs as targeted oral anticancer medications, targeted intravenous anticancer medications, and all others. Using the LifeLink Health Plan Claims Database, we studied and disaggregated trends in use and in insurance and out-of-pocket payments per patient per month and during the first year of chemotherapy. RESULTS We found a large increase in the use of targeted intravenous anticancer medications and a gradual increase in targeted oral anticancer medications; targeted therapies accounted for 63% of all chemotherapy expenditures in 2011. Insurance payments per patient per month and in the first year of chemotherapy for targeted oral anticancer medications more than doubled in 10 years, surpassing payments for targeted intravenous anticancer medications, which remained fairly constant throughout. Substitution toward targeted therapies and growth in drug prices both at launch and postlaunch contributed to payer spending growth. Out-of-pocket spending for targeted oral anticancer medications was ≤ half of the amount for targeted intravenous anticancer medications. CONCLUSION Targeted therapies now dominate anticancer drug spending. More aggressive management of pharmacy benefits for targeted oral anticancer medications and payment reform for injectable drugs hold promise. Restraining the rapid rise in spending will require more than current oral drug parity laws, such as value-based insurance that makes the benefits and costs transparent and involves the patient directly in the choice of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Fabrice Smieliauskas, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Daniel M. Geynisman, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Ronan J. Kelly and Thomas J. Smith, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Fabrice Smieliauskas
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Fabrice Smieliauskas, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Daniel M. Geynisman, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Ronan J. Kelly and Thomas J. Smith, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Daniel M Geynisman
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Fabrice Smieliauskas, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Daniel M. Geynisman, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Ronan J. Kelly and Thomas J. Smith, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ronan J Kelly
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Fabrice Smieliauskas, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Daniel M. Geynisman, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Ronan J. Kelly and Thomas J. Smith, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Fabrice Smieliauskas, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Daniel M. Geynisman, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Ronan J. Kelly and Thomas J. Smith, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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10
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Geynisman DM, Hu JC, Liu L, Tina Shih YC. Treatment Patterns and Costs for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients With Private Insurance in the United States. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2015; 13:e93-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Smith SK, Nicolla J, Zafar SY. Bridging the gap between financial distress and available resources for patients with cancer: a qualitative study. J Oncol Pract 2014; 10:e368-72. [PMID: 24865219 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2013.001342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer treatment-related out-of-pocket costs create substantial financial distress for many patients. However, little work has been done to describe available financial resources and barriers to connecting those resources to patients. METHODS This was a single-center, qualitative study that used semistructured interviews and focus groups with social workers and financial care counselors. Interview guides were used to elicit feedback from study participants pertaining to the types of financial problems that their patients were experiencing, the process for addressing these issues, patient assistance resources, and access barriers. RESULTS Four interviews and two focus group sessions (n = 15) were conducted in which four themes emerged among the social work and financial care counselor samples. Participants cited (1) frustration over the lack of financial resources and increasingly stringent eligibility criteria, (2) barriers to providing assistance such as process inefficiencies, (3) limited resources to identify at- risk patients and refer them for services, and (4) inadequate insurance coverage and availability. To bridge the gap between increasing patient need and limited resources, participants suggested development of interventions designed to aid in patient screening and resource identification. CONCLUSIONS Oncology social workers and financial care counselors reported inadequate financial resources and faced barriers to matching appropriate resources with patients in need. Limited social work resources hindered early screening for financial distress. Interventions that focus on screening for early identification of financial distress and identification of resources are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia K Smith
- Center for Learning Health Care, Duke Clinical Research Institute; and Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Jonathan Nicolla
- Center for Learning Health Care, Duke Clinical Research Institute; and Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - S Yousuf Zafar
- Center for Learning Health Care, Duke Clinical Research Institute; and Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
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12
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Ray S, Bonafede MM, Mohile NA. Treatment Patterns, Survival, and Healthcare Costs of Patients with Malignant Gliomas in a Large US Commercially Insured Population. AMERICAN HEALTH & DRUG BENEFITS 2014; 7:140-149. [PMID: 24991398 PMCID: PMC4070631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults and is associated with poor survival rates. Symptoms often include headaches; nausea and vomiting; and progressive memory, personality, or neurologic deficits. The treatment remains a challenge, and despite the approval of multiple new therapies in the past decade, survival has not improved. OBJECTIVE To describe treatment patterns, survival, and healthcare costs of patients with incident glioblastoma in a large US population. METHODS For this population-based study, adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with incident malignant brain neoplasm who had undergone brain surgery between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010, were identified in the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Research Databases. The patients were stratified into 4 cohorts based on the use of temozolomide and/or external beam radiation therapy within 90 days after brain surgery (ie, the index event). Treatment patterns, survival, and healthcare costs were assessed until patient death, disenrollment, or the end-of-study period. RESULTS A total of 2272 patients met the inclusion criteria; of these, 37% received temozolomide and radiation therapy, 13.8% received radiation alone, 3.9% received temozolomide alone, and 45.3% of patients received neither. The average patient age ranged from 55.3 years to 59.8 years across the study cohorts; between 29.8% and 44% of patients in each cohort were female. The duration of temozolomide use was similar between the temozolomide-only cohort and patients receiving temozolomide with external beam radiation; approximately 76% of patients received temozolomide at least 60 days, dropping to 48.1% and 23% at 180 days and 360 days of follow-up, respectively. The median survival was 456 days, ranging from 331 days in the temozolomide-only cohort to 529 days in the cohort that received neither temozolomide nor external beam radiation. The average total costs in the 6 months postindex were $106,896, from $79,099 for patients who received neither temozolomide nor radiation to $138,767 for those who received both therapies. CONCLUSION The survival patterns of patients with glioblastoma seen in this real-world study of current treatments in a clinical setting is similar to the survival rate reported in clinical trials. However, further cost-effectiveness and quality-of-life analyses will be critical to better understand the role of temozolomide therapy in this patient population, considering its considerable cost burden and potential negative impact on survival seen in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Ray
- Director, Oncology, AbbVie (formerly Abbott Laboratories), Abbott Park, IL
| | | | - Nimish A Mohile
- Assistant Professor of Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Cambridge, Rochester, NY
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Vergnenegre A, Borget I, Chouaid C. Treatment of lung cancer: will financial issues become a criterion of choice? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2014; 13:273-5. [DOI: 10.1586/erp.13.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Shen C, Chien CR, Geynisman DM, Smieliauskas F, Shih YCT. A review of economic impact of targeted oral anticancer medications. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2013; 14:45-69. [PMID: 24378038 DOI: 10.1586/14737167.2014.868310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There has been a rapid increase in the use of targeted oral anticancer medications (OAMs) in the past decade. As OAMs are often expensive, economic consideration play a significant role in the decision to prescribe, receive or cover them. This paper performs a systematic review of costs or budgetary impact of targeted OAMs to better understand their economic impact on the healthcare system, patients as well as payers. We present our review in a summary table that describes the method and main findings, take into account multiple factors, such as country, analytical approach, cost type, study perspective, timeframe, data sources, study population and care setting when we interpret the results from different papers, and discuss the policy and clinical implications. Our review raises a concern regarding the role of sponsorship on findings of economic analyses as the vast majority of pharmaceutical company-sponsored studies reported cost advantages toward the sponsor's drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Shen
- Departments of Health Services Research and Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Zafar SY, Abernethy AP. Financial toxicity, Part I: a new name for a growing problem. ONCOLOGY (WILLISTON PARK, N.Y.) 2013; 27:80-1, 149. [PMID: 23530397 PMCID: PMC4523887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Yousuf Zafar
- Center for Learning Health Care, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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