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Rashidi A, Jung J, Kao R, Nguyen EL, Le T, Ton B, Chen WP, Ziogas A, Sadigh G. Interventions to mitigate cancer-related medical financial hardship: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38758809 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35367] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study systematically reviewed interventions mitigating financial hardship in patients with cancer and assessed effectiveness using a meta-analytic method. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for articles published in English during January 2000-April 2023. Two independent reviewers selected prospective clinical trials with an intervention targeting and an outcome measuring financial hardship. Quality appraisal and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers using a quality assessment tool. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed. Reporting followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS Eleven studies (2211 participants; 55% male; mean age, 59.29 years) testing interventions including financial navigation, financial education, and cost discussion were included. Financial worry improved in only 27.3% of 11 studies. Material hardship and cost-related care nonadherence remained unchanged in the two studies measuring these outcomes. Four studies (373 participants; 37% male, mean age, 55.88 years) assessed the impact of financial navigation on financial worry using the comprehensive score of financial toxicity (COST) measure (score range, 0-44; higher score = lower financial worry) and were used for meta-analysis. There was no significant change in the mean of pooled COST score between post- and pre-intervention (1.21; 95% confidence interval, -6.54 to 8.96; p = .65). Adjusting for pre-intervention COST, mean change of COST significantly decreased by 0.88 with every 1-unit increase in pre-intervention COST (p = .02). The intervention significantly changed COST score when pre-intervention COST was ≤14.5. CONCLUSION A variety of interventions have been tested to mitigate financial hardship. Financial navigation can mitigate financial worry among high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rashidi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jinho Jung
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Raymond Kao
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Emily Lan Nguyen
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Theresa Le
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Brandon Ton
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Wen-Pin Chen
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Argyrios Ziogas
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Genetic Epidemiology Research Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Gelareh Sadigh
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Lin JJ, Evans EM, Praxedes K, Agrawal AK, Winestone LE. Financial assistance and other financial coping strategies after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30890. [PMID: 38302828 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Families experience financial burden and household material hardship (HMH) after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. This study investigates types of financial assistance and other financial coping strategies (FCS) adopted by families during the first year after diagnosis. METHODS Retrospective survey of caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer from 2015 to 2019. The survey collected data on demographics, diagnosis, income, HMH, and private, hospital, and government assistance received and other FCS adopted after diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze FCS by income. Subgroup analysis of families experiencing HMH was used to identify predictors of receiving government assistance. RESULTS Of 156 respondents, 52% were low-to-middle income, 29% had public insurance, and 22% had non-English language preference. Low-to-middle-income families were more likely to incur debt (odds ratio [OR] 6.24, p < .001) and reduce consumption (OR 2.16, p = .03) than high-income families, and this association persisted in multivariable analysis. Among families with housing, food, and energy insecurity, 40%, 70%, and 39%, respectively, received hospital or government assistance specific to the experienced hardship. In subgroup analysis of families with HMH, after adjusting for income and other confounders, non-English language preference was associated with lower odds of receiving government assistance. CONCLUSIONS After a pediatric cancer diagnosis, low-to-middle-income families are more likely to incur debt than high-income families. Most families experiencing food insecurity received some food assistance, while housing and energy assistance were less common. Future studies should investigate methods to equitably improve access to financial assistance and minimize long-term financial consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie J Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erica M Evans
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Praxedes
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anurag K Agrawal
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lena E Winestone
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California, USA
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Alacevich C, Abi Nehme AM, Lee JH, Li D, Mobley EM, Close JL, George TJ, LeLaurin JH, Hong YR, Shenkman EA, Gutter MS, Salloum RG. A point-of-care pilot randomized intervention to connect patients with cancer-induced financial toxicity to telehealth financial counseling. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:393-403. [PMID: 37794203 PMCID: PMC10872295 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elevated costs of cancer treatment can result in economic and psychological "financial toxicity" distress. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of a point-of-care intervention to connect adult patients with cancer-induced financial toxicity to telehealth-delivered financial counseling. METHODS We conducted a three-armed parallel randomized pilot study, allocating newly referred patients with cancer and financial toxicity to individual, group accredited telehealth financial counseling, or usual care with educational material (1:1:1). We assessed the feasibility of recruitment, randomization, retention, baseline and post-intervention COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST), and Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) scores. RESULTS Of 382 patients screened, 121 were eligible and enrolled. 58 (48%) completed the intervention (9 individual, 9 group counseling, 40 educational booklet). 29 completed follow-up surveys: 45% female, 17% African American, 79% white, 7% Hispanic, 55% 45-64 years old, 31% over 64, 34% lived in rural areas, 24% had cancer stage I, 21% II, 7% III, 31% IV. Baseline characteristics were balanced across arms, retention status, surveys completion. Mean (SD) COST was 12.4 (6.1) at baseline and 16.0 (8.4) post-intervention. Mean (SD) COST score differences were 6.3 (11.6) after individual counseling, 5.8 (8.5) after group counseling, and 2.5 (6.4) after usual care. Mean TUQ score among nine counseling participants was 5.5 (0.9) over 7.0. Non-parametric comparisons were not statistically meaningful. CONCLUSION Recruitment and randomization were feasible, while study retention presented challenges. Nine participants reported good usability and satisfaction with telehealth counseling. Larger-scale trials focused on improving participation, retention, and impact of financial counseling among patients with cancer are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Alacevich
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
| | - Anna Maria Abi Nehme
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - Derek Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, USA
| | - Erin M Mobley
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Julia L Close
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Thomas J George
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Jennifer H LeLaurin
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Young-Rock Hong
- Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Shenkman
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Michael S Gutter
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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Raggini E, Mattavelli D, Zigliani G, Bossi P, Piazza C. Measuring financial toxicity in head and neck cancer: a systematic review. ACTA OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICA ITALICA : ORGANO UFFICIALE DELLA SOCIETA ITALIANA DI OTORINOLARINGOLOGIA E CHIRURGIA CERVICO-FACCIALE 2024; 44:1-12. [PMID: 38420716 PMCID: PMC10914354 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-n2762] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective The current study systematically reviews the literature about financial toxicity (FT) in head and neck cancer patients. Three databases were reviewed: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Methods Full text English papers published from 2000 to 2022 reporting on quantitative results about FT in head and neck cancer survivors collected through structured questionnaires or interviews were included. Results Twenty-seven articles were included. Most of the articles were published after 2015 and from United States. There was a slight prevalence of papers dealing with oropharyngeal cancer, squamous-cell carcinoma and locally advanced head and neck cancer. Measures of FT were obtained through validated questionnaires like COST, FIT and FDQ. Collected data were mostly referrable to financial spending, financial resources, psychosocial aspect, support seeking, coping care and coping lifestyle subdomain. FT scores by COST were found to be worse in the COVID era. Financial counseling and adequate information about the costs of treatment were two effective strategies to mitigate FT. Conclusions FT is a relatively new challenge in head and neck cancer treatment, whose expenses are higher than therapies for other cancers. A universal method to assess FT and a unified guideline for the administration of questionnaires are needed to mitigate FT and to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Raggini
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, School of Medicine, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Mattavelli
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, School of Medicine, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Zigliani
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Cesare Piazza
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, School of Medicine, Brescia, Italy
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Everson J, Besaw RJ, Whitmore CC, Joseph Mattingly T, Sinaiko AD, Keating NL, Everson NS, Dusetzina SB. Quality of Medication Cost Conversations and Interest in Future Cost Conversations Among Older Adults. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3482-3489. [PMID: 37709993 PMCID: PMC10713949 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08388-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication cost conversations occur less frequently than patients prefer, and it is unclear whether patients have positive experiences with them when they do occur. OBJECTIVE To describe patients' experiences discussing their medication costs with their health care team. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Nationally representative survey fielded in the United States in 2022 (response rate = 48.5%). PATIENTS 1020 adults over age 65. MEASUREMENTS Primary measures were adapted from Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers Survey visit survey v4.0 and captured patients' experiences of medication cost conversations. Additional measures captured patients' interest in future cost conversations, the type of clinicians with whom they would be comfortable discussing costs, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Among 1020 respondents who discussed medication prices with their health care team, 39.3% were 75 or older and 78.6% were non-Hispanic White. Forty-three percent of respondents indicated that their prior medication cost conversation was not easy to understand; 3% indicated their health care team was not respectful and 26% indicated their health care team was somewhat respectful during their last conversation; 48% indicated that there was not enough time. Those reporting that their prior discussion was not easy to understand or that their clinician was not definitely respectful were less likely to be interested in future discussions. Only 6% and 10% of respondents indicated being comfortable discussing medication prices with financial counselors or social workers, respectively. Few differences in responses were observed by survey participant characteristics. LIMITATIONS This cross-sectional survey of prior experiences may be subject to recall bias. CONCLUSION Among older adults who engaged in prior medication cost conversations, many report that these conversations are not easy to understand and that almost one-third of clinicians were somewhat or not respectful. Efforts to increase the frequency of medication cost conversations should consider parallel interventions to ensure the discussions are effective at informing prescribing decisions and reducing cost-related medication nonadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Everson
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert J Besaw
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christine C Whitmore
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - T Joseph Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Anna D Sinaiko
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 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
| | - Nicole Senft Everson
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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6
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Smith J, Yu J, Gordon LG, Chilkuri M. Financial Toxicity and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4922-4935. [PMID: 37232829 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30050371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To quantify financial toxicity and out-of-pocket costs for patients with HNC in Australia and explore their relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients with HNC 1-3 years after radiotherapy at a regional hospital in Australia. The survey included questions on sociodemographics, out-of-pocket expenses, HRQoL, and the Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) tool. The relationship between high financial toxicity scores (top quartile) and HRQoL was explored. RESULTS Of the 57 participants included in the study, 41 (72%) reported out-of-pocket expenses at a median of AUD 1796 (IQR AUD 2700) and a maximum of AUD 25,050. The median FIT score was 13.9 (IQR 19.5) and patients with high financial toxicity (n = 14) reported poorer HRQoL (76.5 vs. 114.5, p < 0.001). Patients who were not married had higher FIT scores (23.1 vs. 11.1, p = 0.01), as did those with lower education (19.3 vs. 11.1, p = 0.06). Participants with private health insurance had lower financial toxicity scores (8.3 vs. 17.6, p = 0.01). Medications (41%, median AUD 400), dietary supplements (41%, median AUD 600), travel (36%, median AUD 525), and dental (29%, AUD 388) were the most common out-of-pocket expenses. Participants living in rural locations (≥100 km from the hospital) had higher out-of-pocket expenses (AUD 2655 vs. AUD 730, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Financial toxicity is associated with poorer HRQoL for many patients with HNC following treatment. Further research is needed to investigate interventions aimed at reducing financial toxicity and how these can best be incorporated into routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Smith
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Justin Yu
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
| | - Louisa G Gordon
- Health Economics, Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Madhavi Chilkuri
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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Voon NS, Manan HA, Yahya N. Remote assessment of cognition and quality of life following radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: deep-learning-based predictive models and MRI correlates. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01371-8. [PMID: 37010777 PMCID: PMC10069366 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Irradiation of the brain regions from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) radiotherapy (RT) is frequently unavoidable, which may result in radiation-induced cognitive deficit. Using deep learning (DL), the study aims to develop prediction models in predicting compromised cognition in patients following NPC RT using remote assessments and determine their relation to the quality of life (QoL) and MRI changes. METHODS Seventy patients (20-76 aged) with MRI imaging (pre- and post-RT (6 months-1 year)) and complete cognitive assessments were recruited. Hippocampus, temporal lobes (TLs), and cerebellum were delineated and dosimetry parameters were extracted. Assessments were given post-RT via telephone (Telephone Interview Cognitive Status (TICS), Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA), Telephone Mini Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (Tele-MACE), and QLQ-H&N 43). Regression and deep neural network (DNN) models were used to predict post-RT cognition using anatomical and treatment dose features. RESULTS Remote cognitive assessments were inter-correlated (r > 0.9). TLs showed significance in pre- and post-RT volume differences and cognitive deficits, that are correlated with RT-associated volume atrophy and dose distribution. Good classification accuracy based on DNN area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) for cognitive prediction (T-MoCA AUROC = 0.878, TICS AUROC = 0.89, Tele-MACE AUROC = 0.919). CONCLUSION DL-based prediction models assessed using remote assessments can assist in predicting cognitive deficit following NPC RT. Comparable results of remote assessments in assessing cognition suggest its possibility in replacing standard assessments. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Application of prediction models in individual patient enables tailored interventions to be provided in managing cognitive changes following NPC RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Shatirah Voon
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Centre for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Investigative Sciences (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Jalan P7, Presint 7, 62250, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Hanani Abdul Manan
- Functional Image Processing Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorazrul Yahya
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Centre for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Investigative Sciences (CODTIS), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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8
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Medina SP, Zhang S, Nieves E, Dornsife DL, Johnson R, Spicer D, Borno HT. Experiences of a Multiethnic Cohort of Patients Enrolled in a Financial Reimbursement Program for Cancer Clinical Trials. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e801-e810. [PMID: 36800640 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial reimbursement programs (FRPs) offset out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses from therapeutic clinical trial (TCT) participation. The study explores patients' experience in TCTs after enrollment in a FRP at two academic medical centers, including barriers and opportunities to improve trial participation. METHODS From May 2019 to January 2020, adults diagnosed with cancer and eligible for TCTs and FRP were recruited from the Improving Patient Access to Cancer Clinical Trials randomized trial at the University of California San Francisco and University of Southern California. Patients with income ≤ 700% of national poverty guidelines were eligible. Semistructured interviews were conducted in patients' preferred language. Qualitative analysis was performed by site and preferred language by two independent coders. RESULTS Of 65 trial patients, 53 participated (38%, University of California San Francisco; 62%, USC). The median age was 59 (IQR, 46-65) years, and 58% were female. Nearly half (49%) identified as Latinx/Hispanic compared with 32% non-Hispanic White, 10% Asian, 4% Black, 1% Native American, and 4% Others. A third were non-English speakers, 42% had college education or more, and 55% were retired/unemployed. Most common malignancies were gastrointestinal (42%), breast (19%), and genitourinary (13%), and 66% had metastatic disease. Patients experienced long travel time (1-4.5 hours) among 57% and financial toxicity from OOP costs (68%). High acceptability of the FRP was reported (81%). Although 30% of patients reported willingness to discuss finances of cancer treatment/trial with physicians, majority (87%) preferred discussion with social workers or TCT staff. Proposed modifications to TCTs included decentralization, recruitment strategies, voucher structure, and established rates for OOP expenses. CONCLUSION Patients' experience with TCTs reveal financial and logistical stressors that may be lessened by the Improving Patient Access to Cancer Clinical Trial reimbursement program. FRPs may address inequities in clinical trial access among low-income and diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvia Zhang
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elena Nieves
- Department of Medicine and Division of Oncology, USC, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | - Darcy Spicer
- Department of Medicine and Division of Oncology, USC, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hala T Borno
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA.,Trial Library, Inc, San Francisco, CA
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Jiang JM, Eichler J, Bodner W, Fox J, Garg M, Kabarriti R, Mo A, Kalnicki S, Mehta K, Rivera A, Tang J, Yap J, Ohri N, Klein J. Predictors of Financial Toxicity in Patients Receiving Concurrent Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 8:101141. [PMID: 36636262 PMCID: PMC9829707 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.101141] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Financial toxicity (FT) is a significant concern for patients with cancer. We reviewed prospectively collected data to explore associations with FT among patients undergoing concurrent, definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT) within a diverse, urban, academic radiation oncology department. Methods and Materials Patients received CRT in 1 of 3 prospective trials. FT was evaluated before CRT (baseline) and then weekly using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 questionnaire. Patients were classified as experiencing FT if they answered ≥2 on a Likert scale question (1-4 points) asking if they experienced FT. Rate of change of FT was calculated using linear regression; worsening FT was defined as increase ≥1 point per month. χ2, t tests, and logistic regression were used to assess predictors of FT. Results Among 233 patients, patients attended an average of 9 outpatient and 4 radiology appointments over the 47 days between diagnosis and starting CRT. At baseline, 52% of patients reported experiencing FT. Advanced T stage (odds ratio, 2.47; P = .002) was associated with baseline FT in multivariate analysis. The mean rate of FT change was 0.23 Likert scale points per month. In total, 26% of patients demonstrated worsening FT during CRT. FT at baseline was not associated with worsening FT (P = .98). Hospitalization during treatment was associated with worsening FT (odds ratio, 2.30; P = .019) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Most patients reported FT before CRT. These results suggest that FT should be assessed (and, potentially, addressed) before starting definitive treatment because it develops early in a patient's cancer journey. Reducing hospitalizations may mitigate worsening FT. Further research is warranted to design interventions to reduce FT and avoid hospitalizations.
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10
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Corry J, Ng WT, Ma SJ, Singh AK, de Graeff P, Oosting SF. Disadvantaged Subgroups Within the Global Head and Neck Cancer Population: How Can We Optimize Care? Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35439036 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_359482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Within the global head and neck cancer population, there are subgroups of patients with poorer cancer outcomes independent from tumor characteristics. In this article, we review three such groups. The first group comprises patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in low- and middle-income countries where access to high-volume, well-resourced radiotherapy centers is limited. We discuss a recent study that is aiming to improve outcomes through the instigation of a comprehensive radiotherapy quality assurance program. The second group comprises patients with low socioeconomic status in a high-income country who experience substantial financial toxicity, defined as financial hardship for patients due to health care costs. We review causes and consequences of financial toxicity and discuss how it can be mitigated. The third group comprises older patients who may poorly tolerate and not benefit from intensive standard-of-care treatment. We discuss the role of geriatric assessment, particularly in relation to the use of chemotherapy. Through better recognition and understanding of disadvantaged groups within the global head and neck cancer population, we will be better placed to instigate the necessary changes to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Corry
- Division Radiation Oncology, GenesisCare Radiation OncologySt Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of MedicineThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Wai Tong Ng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Clinical Oncology CentreThe University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sung Jun Ma
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Anurag K Singh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Pauline de Graeff
- University Center for Geriatric MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoukje F Oosting
- Department of Medical OncologyUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lenze NR, Bensen JT, Farnan L, Sheth S, Zevallos JP, Yarbrough WG, Zanation AM. Association of self-reported financial burden with quality of life and oncologic outcomes in head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2021; 44:412-419. [PMID: 34793605 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data on financial toxicity among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients with HNSCC surveyed at an outpatient oncology clinic. RESULTS The sample included 202 patients with HNSCC with a mean age of 59.6 years (SD 10.0). There were 53 patients (26%) with self-reported financial burden. Education of high school or less was a significant predictor of self-reported financial burden (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.03-6.14, p = 0.042). Patients reporting financial burden had significantly worse physical (p = 0.003), mental (p = 0.003), and functional (p = 0.036) health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients reporting financial burden appeared to have lower 5-year overall survival (74.3% vs. 83.9%, p = 0.165), but this association did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Financial burden or toxicity may affect approximately a quarter of patients with HNSCC and appears to be associated with worse HRQOL outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Lenze
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jeannette T Bensen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Farnan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Siddharth Sheth
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jose P Zevallos
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Wendell G Yarbrough
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam M Zanation
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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