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Sathianathen NJ, Lawrentschuk N, Konety B, Azad AA, Corcoran NM, Bolton DM, Murphy DG. Cost Effectiveness of Systemic Treatment Intensification for Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer: Is Triplet Therapy Cost Effective? Eur Urol Oncol 2024; 7:870-876. [PMID: 38057191 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.11.013] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE There has been a shift toward systemic treatment intensification for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Recent trials have demonstrated the efficacy of triplet therapy with an androgen receptor signalling inhibitor (ARSI), docetaxel, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, ARSI treatment is expensive. The objective was to determine the cost effectiveness of current treatments strategies for men with mHSPC. METHODS We developed a Markov state-transition model to simulate outcomes for men with newly diagnosed mHSPC. For the simulation, patients were entered in the model in the mHSPC disease state before progressing to castration-resistant disease and finally dying from prostate cancer. Costs were calculated from a USA health sector perspective in 2022 US dollars. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for uncertainty in the parameter estimates. We also performed scenario analyses for costs in the UK and Australian health sectors. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS Treatment intensification with doublet and triplet therapy resulted in an improvement in quality-adjusted survival for all strategies in comparison to ADT monotherapy. However, only docetaxel doublet therapy was cost effective at standard thresholds, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $13 647. The cost of ARSIs needed to be discounted by 47-70% before they were cost effective. Only medication costs impacted the model results. If the generic price for abiraterone acetate is used, then triplet therapy with abiraterone is the best-value option. Similar results were obtained for analyses for the UK and Australian health sectors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Treatment intensification with ARSIs in men with mHSPC results in better quality-adjusted survival but is not cost effective according to standard thresholds. The costs of these medications would need to be heavily discounted before they are cost effective. The cost of generic ARSIs, once available, would render these strategies cost effective. PATIENT SUMMARY This report examines whether increasing the number of systemic drugs used to treat a patient's metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer is cost effective for the health care system. We found that the additional cost of triplet therapy does not justify the increase in patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjan J Sathianathen
- Department of Urology, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia; Department of Urology, Western Health, Footscray, Australia.
| | - Nathan Lawrentschuk
- Department of Urology, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Arun A Azad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Niall M Corcoran
- Department of Urology, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Urology, Western Health, Footscray, Australia; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Parkville, Victoria
| | - Damien M Bolton
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Li H, Sun Y, Yang T, Yin X, Zhu Z, Shi J, Tong L, Yang J, Ren H. Dyadic effects of financial toxicity and social support on the fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients and caregivers: an actor-partner interdependence mediation model. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:378. [PMID: 38840268 PMCID: PMC11151716 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02046-0] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, the actor-partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) was applied to breast cancer patients and their caregivers to assess the factors that affect the fear of cancer recurrence. In particular, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the mediating effect of social support on financial toxicity and the fear of cancer recurrence, providing an effective basis for developing plans to reduce the level of fear of cancer recurrence. METHODS This study employed a cross-sectional design, and 405 dyads of breast cancer patients and their caregivers were enrolled. Financial toxicity, social support, and fear of cancer recurrence were assessed by computing comprehensive scores for financial toxicity based on patient-reported outcome measures, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form, respectively. The data were analysed using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 23.0. RESULTS The results showed that the fear of cancer recurrence of breast cancer patients and their caregivers was significantly related to dyadic financial toxicity and social support. In addition, the financial toxicity of breast cancer patients and their caregivers had significant actor effects and partner effects on the fear of cancer recurrence through dyadic social support. CONCLUSIONS The financial toxicity of breast cancer patients and their caregivers could produce actor and partner effects on the fear of cancer recurrence through the mediation of social support, which provided empirical support for improving reducing the level of fear of cancer recurrence among patients and caregivers at the dyadic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Li
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yabin Sun
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Tianye Yang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xin Yin
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jianjun Shi
- Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Lingling Tong
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Changchun Central Hospital, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hui Ren
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
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Thomson MD, Wilson-Genderson M, Siminoff LA. Cancer patient and caregiver communication about economic concerns and the effect on patient and caregiver partners' perceptions of family functioning. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:941-949. [PMID: 36808388 PMCID: PMC10445289 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01341-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial strain and stressful life events can constrain open communication within families. A cancer diagnosis can bring heightened emotional stress and financial strain for most cancer patients and their families. We evaluated how level of comfort and willingness to discuss important but sensitive economic topics affected longitudinal assessments of family relationships, exploring both within-person and between partner effects over 2 years after a cancer diagnosis. METHODS A case series of hematological cancer patient-caregiver dyads (n = 171) were recruited from oncology clinics in Virginia and Pennsylvania and followed for 2 years. Multi-level models were developed to examine the associations between comfort discussing economic aspects of cancer care and family functioning. RESULTS Broadly, caregivers and patients who were comfortable discussing economic topics reported higher family cohesion and lower family conflict. Dyads' assessments of family functioning were influenced both by their own and their partners level of communication comfort. Overtime, caregiver but not patients perceived a significant decrease in family cohesion. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to address financial toxicity in cancer care should include examination of how patients and families communicate as unaddressed difficulties can have detrimental effects on family functioning in the long term. Future studies should also examine whether the prominence of specific economic topics, such as employment status, varies depending on where the patient is in their cancer journey. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS In this sample, cancer patients did not perceive the decline in family cohesion that was reported by their family caregiver. This is an important finding for future work that aims to identify the timing and nature to best intervene with caregiver supports to mitigate caregiver burden that may negatively impact long-term patient care and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Thomson
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University/Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Maureen Wilson-Genderson
- College of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Suite 370, 1101 W. Montgomery Ave. Philadelphia, Bell Building, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Laura A Siminoff
- College of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Suite 370, 1101 W. Montgomery Ave. Philadelphia, Bell Building, PA, 19122, USA
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Azzani M, Atroosh WM, Anbazhagan D, Kumarasamy V, Abdalla MMI. Describing financial toxicity among cancer patients in different income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1266533. [PMID: 38229668 PMCID: PMC10789858 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited evidence of financial toxicity (FT) among cancer patients from countries of various income levels. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of objective and subjective FT and their measurements in relation to cancer treatment. Methods PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched to find studies that examined FT. There was no limit on the design or setting of the study. Random-effects meta-analysis was utilized to obtain the pooled prevalence of objective FT. Results Out of 244 identified studies during the initial screening, only 64 studies were included in this review. The catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) method was often used in the included studies to determine the objective FT. The pooled prevalence of CHE was 47% (95% CI: 24.0-70.0) in middle- and high-income countries, and the highest percentage was noted in low-income countries (74.4%). A total of 30 studies focused on subjective FT, of which 9 used the Comprehensive Score for FT (COST) tool and reported median scores ranging between 17.0 and 31.9. Conclusion This study shows that cancer patients from various income-group countries experienced a significant financial burden during their treatment. It is imperative to conduct further studies on interventions and policies that can lower FT caused by cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meram Azzani
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre of Occupational Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wahib Mohammed Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Aden, Aden, Yemen
| | - Deepa Anbazhagan
- Department of Microbiology, International Medical School (IMS), Management & Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla
- Physiology Department, Human Biology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Bogdanovski AK, Sturgeon C, James BC. Financial toxicity in thyroid cancer survivors. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:238-243. [PMID: 37470486 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Financial burden and distress are high in patients with thyroid cancer. However, little has been done to evaluate potential interventions to mitigate financial toxicity in survivors. This review will cover current data on the impact of financial toxicity on quality of life and clinical outcomes in patients with thyroid cancer and highlight areas for future study. RECENT FINDINGS Thyroid cancer incidence has nearly tripled in the past decades, and cost of treatment is predicted to rise more than other cancers over the next decade. With mean age of diagnosis at 51 years, most patients begin treatment while still working, do not qualify for Medicare or Social Security, and are susceptible to higher financial burden. Though thyroid cancer has high survival rates, some studies suggest patients have worse quality of life and higher financial burden than more morbid cancers. SUMMARY Thyroid cancer survivors have high rates of financial toxicity, and there remains need for longitudinal studies to evaluate how financial burden may change during the treatment process while also assessing potential tools to mitigate this burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia K Bogdanovski
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cord Sturgeon
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Biddell CB, Waters AR, Angove RSM, Gallagher KD, Rosenstein DL, Spees LP, Kent EE, Planey AM, Wheeler SB. Facing financial barriers to healthcare: patient-informed adaptation of a conceptual framework for adults with a history of cancer. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1178517. [PMID: 37255517 PMCID: PMC10225523 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1178517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-related financial hardship is associated with negative clinical outcomes, which may be partially explained by cost-related delayed or forgone care in response to financial barriers. We sought to understand patient experiences facing financial barriers to medical care following a cancer diagnosis. Methods We conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews in Fall 2022 with 20 adults with a history of cancer who had experienced cancer-related financial hardship in the prior year. We used template analysis within a pragmatic paradigm, combining constructivist and critical realist theoretical perspectives, to analyze interview transcripts and adapt an existing conceptual framework of financial barriers to care. Results The majority of interviewees identified as women (70%), non-Hispanic white (60%), and reported an annual household income of <$48,000 (60%). As interviewees sought to overcome financial barriers, they described substantial frustration at the limitations and complexities of United States health and social care systems, resulting in a reliance on a fragmented, uncertain resource landscape. The administrative burden resulting from bureaucratic systems and the advocacy responsibilities required to navigate them ultimately fell on interviewees and their caregivers. Thus, participants described their ability to overcome financial barriers as being influenced by individual and interpersonal factors, such as social support, comfort asking for help, time, prior experience navigating resources, and physical and mental health. However, participants noted health system organizational factors, such as whether all new patients proactively met with a social worker or financial navigator, as having the potential to lessen the administrative and financial burden experienced. Conclusion We present an adapted conceptual framework outlining multi-level factors influencing patient experiences coping with financial barriers to medical care. In addition to influencing whether a patient ultimately delays or forgoes care due to cost, financial barriers also have the potential to independently affect patient mental, physical, and financial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin B. Biddell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 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
| | - Austin R. Waters
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rebekah S. M. Angove
- Patient Insight Institute, Patient Advocate Foundation, Hampton, VA, United States
| | | | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 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
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Arrianna Marie Planey
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - 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, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Rodriguez G, Mancuso J, Lyman GH, Cardoso F, Nahleh Z, Vose JM, Gralow JR, Francisco M, Sherwood S. ASCO Policy Statement on Biosimilar and Interchangeable Products in Oncology. JCO Oncol Pract 2023:OP2200783. [PMID: 37027797 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As the voice of cancer care clinicians and the patients they serve, ASCO has taken steps to elevate awareness about biosimilar products and their use in oncology. In 2018, ASCO released its Statement on Biosimilars in Oncology which was subsequently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology to serve as an educational tool which highlighted and provided guidance on several topical areas surrounding biosimilars. At the time of its publication, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved eight biosimilar products for use in the United States, including one product for use as a supportive care agent in the cancer setting and two products for use in the treatment for cancer. This number has risen dramatically (40 approvals), with a total of 22 cancer or cancer-related biosimilar products approved since 2015. Recently, the FDA also approved the four interchangeable biosimilar products for diabetes, certain inflammatory diseases, and certain ophthalmic diseases. Given the current market dynamics and the regulatory landscape, this ASCO manuscript now seeks to propose several policy recommendations across the scope of value, interchangeability, clinician barriers, and patient education and access. This policy statement is intended to guide ASCO's future activities and strategies and serves to affirm our commitment to providing education to the oncology community on the use of biosimilars in the cancer setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan Mancuso
- Independent Breast Cancer Advocate, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | | | - Julie M Vose
- University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE
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Cuthbert CA, O'Sullivan DE, Boyne DJ, Brenner DR, Cheung WY. Patient-Reported Symptom Burden and Supportive Care Needs of Patients With Stage II-III Colorectal Cancer During and After Adjuvant Systemic Treatment: A Real-World Evidence Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e377-e388. [PMID: 36608313 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) experience a range of physical and psychologic symptoms, and supportive care needs throughout the illness trajectory. We used patient-reported outcomes and administrative health data to describe symptom burden and supportive care needs during and after adjuvant treatment and determine factors associated with changes to symptom burden. METHODS A retrospective population-based cohort study of patients who were newly diagnosed with stage II-III CRC in Alberta, Canada, between January 1, 2016, and January 31, 2019. Adults age 18 years or older who completed a patient-reported outcomes survey (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System) and supportive care needs (Canadian Problem Checklist) within 3 months after starting adjuvant treatment (during treatment) and > 7 months after starting treatment (after treatment) were included. Changes to symptom severity were stratified as stable, improved, or deteriorated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with these changes. RESULTS We included 303 patients (median age 60 years, 62% male, 84.5% stage III, 51.2% rectal v colon). Prevalent symptoms included tiredness (80.5%), pain (50.8%), and poor well-being (50%) during treatment, and tiredness (71.3%), pain (44.2%), and poor well-being (62.1%) after treatment. The results were heterogeneous with respect to improvements, stability, or deterioration. Pain worsened for 25% of the cohort, tiredness for 28%, and depression, anxiety, and well-being for 21%, 22%, and 31%, respectively. Deterioration of some symptoms was associated with older age, stage II, comorbidities, rural setting, and higher income. CONCLUSION We demonstrated symptom severity was generally low and most symptoms remained stable or improved after treatment. Particular groups of patients were at greater risk for more severe and/or more persistent symptoms. Ongoing assessments and interventions to address physical and psychologic symptoms, and supportive care needs in patients with CRC during and after treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A Cuthbert
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dylan E O'Sullivan
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Devon J Boyne
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darren R Brenner
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Winson Y Cheung
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Health Services, Cancer Care, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Olson RE, Smith A, Good P, Dudley M, Gurgenci T, Hardy J. 'What price do you put on your health?': Medical cannabis, financial toxicity and patient perspectives on medication access in advanced cancer. Health Expect 2023; 26:160-171. [PMID: 36335552 PMCID: PMC9854313 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following 2016 legislation permitting limited access to cannabis for research and medicinal purposes, the number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis (MC) on symptom burden relief in cancer contexts has increased in Australia. This study aimed to understand the perceptions, hopes and concerns of people with advanced cancer regarding the future availability and regulation of MC in Australia. METHODS This qualitative study draws on semistructured interviews conducted between February 2019 and October 2020 in Brisbane, Australia, as part of an MC RCT substudy. Interviews were undertaken on 48 patients with advanced cancer in palliative care eligible to participate in an MC trial (n = 26 participated in an RCT; n = 2 participated in a pilot study; n = 20 declined). Interviews included a discussion of patients' decision-making regarding trial participation, concerns about MC and perceptions of future availability, including cost. Transcribed interviews were analysed inductively and abductively, informed by constructivist thematic analysis conventions. RESULTS Overall, participants supported making MC legally accessible as a prescription-only medication. Fear of financial toxicity, however, compromised this pathway. Steep posttrial costs of accessing MC prompted several people to decline trial participation, and others to predict-if found effective-that many would either access MC through alternative pathways or reduce their prescribed dosage to enable affordable access. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that-despite a relatively robust universal healthcare system-Australians are potentially vulnerable to and fearful of financial toxicity. Prevalent in the United States, financial toxicity occurs when disadvantaged cancer patients access necessary but expensive medications with lasting consequences: bankruptcy, ongoing anxiety and cancer worry. Interview transcripts indicate that financial fears-and the systems sustaining them-may pose a threat to RCT completion and to equitable access to legal MC. Such findings support calls for embedding qualitative substudies and community partnerships within RCTs, while also suggesting the importance of subsidisation to overcoming injustices. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION A patient advisory committee informed RCT design. This qualitative substudy foregrounds patients' decision-making, perceptions and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Olson
- School of Social ScienceUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Alexandra Smith
- School of Social ScienceUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Phillip Good
- Mater Health Services, Mater Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Palliative CareSt Vincent's Private Hospital BrisbaneBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Morgan Dudley
- School of Social ScienceUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Taylan Gurgenci
- Mater Health Services, Mater Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandHerstonQueenslandAustralia
| | - Janet Hardy
- Mater Health Services, Mater Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Blasco T, Jovell E, Mirapeix R, Leon C. Patients' Desire for Psychological Support When Receiving a Cancer Diagnostic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14474. [PMID: 36361350 PMCID: PMC9654838 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors related to the desire of receiving psychological help in cancer patients are not well known. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of patients who would ask for psychological assistance in the first weeks following diagnosis, and to identify their psychosocial and disease-related profile. METHOD This cross-sectional study assessed 229 consecutive cancer outpatients at a visit with their oncologist to be informed about the treatment they will receive. Disease-related and medical characteristics were assessed, and patients were asked about their mood states, levels of self-efficacy, and difficulties coping with the disease. Finally, patients were asked about their desire to receive psychological assistance. RESULTS Only 20% of patients expressed a desire for psychological help. These patients were lower in age and had previous history of mood disorders and reported higher discouragement and coping difficulties. These variables explained 30.6% of variance. CONCLUSIONS Although psycho-oncologists can provide helpful interventions, the percentage of patients interested in receiving psychological assistance in this study is low. Although further studies are needed, results from this study suggest methods that could easily be used by oncologists and nurses to identify patients who would like to receive psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Blasco
- GIES, Grup d’Investigació en Estrès i Salut, Departament de Psicologia Bàsica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Jovell
- Hospital de Terrassa, Unidad de Epidemiología y Evaluación Asistencial, 08227 Terrassa, Spain
| | - Rosanna Mirapeix
- GIES, Grup d’Investigació en Estrès i Salut, Departament de Psicologia Bàsica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Concha Leon
- GIES, Grup d’Investigació en Estrès i Salut, Departament de Psicologia Bàsica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Green BW, Labagnara K, Feiertag N, Gupta K, Donnelly J, Watts KL, Crivelli JJ, Assimos DG, Small AC. Financial Toxicity of Nephrolithiasis: The First Assessment of the Economic Stresses of Kidney Stone Treatment. Urology 2022; 170:46-52. [PMID: 36183747 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the financial toxicity (FT) related to kidney stone treatment. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional cohort study with multi-institutional in-person and online cohorts of stone formers. Participants were surveyed using the validated COST tool (COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity). The maximum score is 44 and lower scores indicate increased FT. "Moderate FT" was defined by COST scores between 25-14 points and "severe FT" for scores <14. Descriptive statistics, X2 tests, T tests, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression were performed using SPSS v28. RESULTS 241 participants were surveyed, including 126 in-person participants and 115 online. 60% of participants reported at least moderate FT (COST score <26) and 26% reported severe FT (COST score <14). Patients who reported moderate to severe FT were younger than those with low FT by a median difference of 8 years (95%CI = 4, 12). There was a significant correlation between out-of-pocket expense and COST scores, such that as out-of-pocket expenses increased, COST scores decreased, (Spearman's rho =-0.406, p = <0.001). Participants with moderate to severe FT tended to miss more workdays (p = 0.002), and their caretakers tended to miss more workdays (p = 0.007) due to their stone disease. CONCLUSIONS Most participants reported moderate to severe FT. As prior studies have shown that patients with "moderate FT" employ cost-coping strategies (i.e., medication rationing) and those with "severe FT" have worse health outcomes, urologists need to be sensitive to the financial burdens of treatment experienced by such patients undergoing kidney stone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kavita Gupta
- Department of Urology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | | | - Kara L Watts
- Department of Urology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Joseph J Crivelli
- Department of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
| | - Dean G Assimos
- Department of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
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