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Greenwald SJ, Yokanovich L, Kourelis R, Parsons HM. Patient and family preferences in referral to legal services after a cancer diagnosis. Patient Educ Couns 2024; 122:108141. [PMID: 38237530 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Greenwald
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Gu C, Jewett PI, Yabroff KR, Vogel RI, Parsons HM, Gangnon RE, Purani H, Blaes AH. Forgoing physician visits due to cost: regional clustering among cancer survivors by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:385-397. [PMID: 35316473 PMCID: PMC9492897 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01201-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovative treatments have improved cancer survival but also increased financial hardship for patients. While demographic factors associated with financial hardship among cancer survivors are known in the USA, the role of geography is less clear. METHODS We evaluated prevalence of forgoing care due to cost within 12 months by US Census region (Northeast, North Central/Midwest [NCMW], South, West) by demographic factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity) among 217,981 cancer survivors aged 18 to 82 years from the 2015-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. We summarized region- and group-specific prevalence of forgoing physician visits due to cost and used multilevel logistic regression models to compare regions. RESULTS The prevalence of forgoing physician visits due to cost was highest in the South (aged < 65 years: 19-38%; aged ≥ 65: 4-21%; adjusted odds ratios [OR], NCMW versus South, OR: 0.63 [0.56-0.71]; Northeast versus South, OR: 0.63 [0.55-0.73]; West versus South, OR: 0.73 [0.64-0.84]). Across the USA, including regions with broad Medicaid expansion, younger, female, and persons of color most often reported cost-related forgoing physician visits. CONCLUSION Forgoing physician visits due to cost among cancer survivors is regionally clustered, raising concerns for concentrated poor long-term cancer outcomes. Underlying factors likely include variation in regional population compositions and contextual factors, such as Medicaid expansion and social policies. Disproportionate cost burden among survivors of color in all regions highlight systemic barriers, underscoring the need to improve access to the entire spectrum of care for cancer survivors, and especially for those most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Patricia I Jewett
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ronald E Gangnon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Himal Purani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Anne H Blaes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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Gupta A, Chant ED, Mohile S, Vogel RI, Parsons HM, Blaes AH, Booth CM, Rocque GB, Dusetzina SB, Ganguli I. Health Care Contact Days Among Older Cancer Survivors. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300590. [PMID: 38452315 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Health care contact days-days spent receiving health care outside the home-represent an intuitive, practical, and person-centered measure of time consumed by health care. METHODS We linked 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and traditional Medicare claims data for community-dwelling older adults with a history of cancer. We identified contact days (ie, spent in a hospital, emergency department, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient hospice or receiving ambulatory care including an office visit, procedure, treatment, imaging, or test) and described patterns of total and ambulatory contact days. Using weighted Poisson regression models, we identified factors associated with contact days. RESULTS We included 1,168 older adults representing 4.51 million cancer survivors (median age, 76.4 years, 52.8% women). The median (IQR) time from cancer diagnosis was 65 (27-126) months. In 2019, these adults had mean (standard deviation) total contact days of 28.4 (27.6) and ambulatory contact days of 24.2 (23.6). These included days for tests (8.0 [8.8]), imaging (3.6 [4.1]), visits with any clinicians (12.4 [11.5]), and visits with primary care clinicians (4.4 [4.7]), and nononcology specialists (7.1 [9.4]) specifically. Sixty-four percent of days with a nonvisit ambulatory service (eg, a test) were not on the same day as a clinician visit. Factors associated with more total contact days included younger age, lower income, more chronic conditions, poor self-rated health, and tendency to "go to doctor as soon as feel bad." CONCLUSION Older adult cancer survivors spent nearly 1 month of the year receiving health care outside the home. This care was largely ambulatory, often delivered by nononcologists, and varied by factors beyond clinical characteristics. These results highlight the need to recognize patient burdens and improve survivorship care delivery, including through care coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma D Chant
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Supriya Mohile
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ishani Ganguli
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Jewett PI, Purani H, Vogel RI, Parsons HM, Borrero M, Blaes A. Comparisons of financial hardship in cancer care by family structure and among those with and without minor children using nationally representative data. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7088. [PMID: 38520136 PMCID: PMC10960158 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While demographic risk factors of cancer-related financial hardships have been studied, having minor children or being single have rarely been assessed in the context of healthcare-related financial hardships. METHODS Using data from the 2015 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey, we assessed financial hardship (material and psychological hardship; behavioral coping due to costs: delaying/foregoing care, reducing prescription costs, or skipping specialists or follow-up care) among adults aged 18-59 years with cancer (N = 2844) by minor child parenting status and family structure. In a secondary analysis, we compared this group with individuals without cancer. Using logistic regression models, we compared those with and without children aged <18 years, further distinguishing between those who were single versus one of two or more adults in the family. RESULTS Compared to individuals from families with two or more adults/without children, single adults with children more often reported cancer-related financial hardships, for example material hardship (45.9% vs. 38.8%), and reducing prescription costs, (50.7% vs. 34.4%, adjusted OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07-2.28). Single adults without minor children and those from families with two or more adults/with minor children also reported greater financial hardships on some dimensions. Associations were similar among those without cancer, but the overall magnitude of financial hardships was lower compared to those with cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that having minor children, and being a single adult are risk factors for cancer-related financial hardship. Financial vulnerability associated with family structure should be taken into consideration in healthcare, and especially cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Jewett
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Himal Purani
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Maria Borrero
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anne Blaes
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Huckfeldt PJ, Shier V, Escarce JJ, Rabideau B, Boese T, Parsons HM, Sood N. Postacute Care for Medicare Advantage Enrollees Who Switched to Traditional Medicare Compared With Those Who Remained in Medicare Advantage. JAMA Health Forum 2024; 5:e235325. [PMID: 38363561 PMCID: PMC10873769 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.5325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Medicare Advantage (MA) plans receive capitated per enrollee payments that create financial incentives to provide care more efficiently than traditional Medicare (TM); however, incentives could be associated with MA plans reducing use of beneficial services. Postacute care can improve functional status, but it is costly, and thus may be provided differently to Medicare beneficiaries by MA plans compared with TM. Objective To estimate the association of MA compared with TM enrollment with postacute care use and postdischarge outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a cohort study using Medicare data on 4613 hospitalizations among retired Ohio state employees and 2 comparison groups in 2015 and 2016. The study investigated the association of a policy change with use of postacute care and outcomes. The policy changed state retiree health benefits in Ohio from a mandatory MA plan to subsidies for either supplemental TM coverage or an MA plan. After policy implementation, approximately 75% of retired Ohio state employees switched to TM. Hospitalizations for 3 high-volume conditions that usually require postacute rehabilitation were assessed. Data from the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files were used to identify all hospitalizations in short-term acute care hospitals. Difference-in-difference regressions were used to estimate changes for retired Ohio state employees compared with other 2015 MA enrollees in Ohio and with Kentucky public retirees who were continuously offered a mandatory MA plan. Data analyses were performed from September 1, 2019, to November 30, 2023. Exposures Enrollment in Ohio state retiree health benefits in 2015, after which most members shifted to TM. Main Outcomes and Measures Received care in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility, or home health, or any postacute care; the occurrence of any hospital readmission; the number of days in the community during the 30 days after hospital discharge; and mortality. Results The study sample included 2373 hospitalizations for Ohio public retirees, 1651 hospitalizations for other Humana MA enrollees in Ohio, and 589 hospitalizations for public retirees in Kentucky. After the 2016 policy implementation, the percentage of hospitalizations covered by MA decreased by 70.1 (95% CI, -74.2 to -65.9) percentage points (pp), inpatient rehabilitation facility admissions increased by 9.7 (95% CI, 4.7 to 14.7) pp, use of only home health or skilled nursing facility care fell by 8.6 (95% CI, -14.6 to -2.6) pp, and days in the community fell by 1.6 (95% CI, -2.9 to -0.3) days for Ohio public retirees compared with other Humana MA enrollees in Ohio. There was no change in 30-day mortality or hospital readmissions; similar results were found by comparisons using Kentucky public retirees as a control group. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study indicate that after a change in retiree health benefits, most Ohio public retirees shifted from MA to TM and received more intensive postacute care with no significant change in measured short-term postdischarge outcomes. Future work should consider additional measures of postacute functional status over a longer follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Huckfeldt
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis
| | - Victoria Shier
- Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - José J. Escarce
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Brendan Rabideau
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Analysis Group, Inc, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tyler Boese
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis
| | - Neeraj Sood
- Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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Rees-Punia E, Masters M, Teras LR, Leach CR, Williams GR, Newton CC, Diver WR, Patel AV, Parsons HM. Long-term multimorbidity trajectories in older adults: The role of cancer, demographics, and health behaviors. Cancer 2024; 130:312-321. [PMID: 37837241 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity is associated with premature mortality and excess health care costs. The burden of multimorbidity is highest among patients with cancer, yet trends and determinants of multimorbidity over time are poorly understood. METHODS Via Medicare claims linked to Cancer Prevention Study II data, group-based trajectory modeling was used to compare National Cancer Institute comorbidity index score trends for cancer survivors and older adults without a cancer history. Among cancer survivors, multinomial logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between demographics, health behaviors, and comorbidity trajectories. RESULTS In 82,754 participants (mean age, 71.6 years [SD, 5.1 years]; 56.9% female), cancer survivors (n = 11,265) were more likely than older adults without a cancer history to experience the riskiest comorbidity trajectories: (1) steady, high comorbidity scores (remain high; odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.29-1.45), and (2) high scores that increased over time (start high and increase; OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38-1.65). Cancer survivors who were physically active postdiagnosis were less likely to fall into these two trajectories (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64-0.84, remain high; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.33-0.53, start high and increase) compared to inactive survivors. Cancer survivors with obesity were more likely to have a trajectory that started high and increased (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 2.32-3.45 vs. normal weight), although being physically active offset some obesity-related risk. Cancer survivors who smoked postdiagnosis were also six times more likely to have trajectories that started high and increased (OR, 6.86; 95% CI, 4.41-10.66 vs. never smokers). CONCLUSIONS Older cancer survivors are more likely to have multiple comorbidities accumulated at a faster pace than older adults without a history of cancer. Weight management, physical activity, and smoking avoidance postdiagnosis may attenuate that trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rees-Punia
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Masters
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren R Teras
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Corinne R Leach
- Center for Digital Health, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Grant R Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christina C Newton
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - W Ryan Diver
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alpa V Patel
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Warren JL, Parsons HM, Mariotto AB, Boyd E, Enewold L. Evaluation of the Completeness of Managed Care Data to Identify Cancer Diagnoses and Treatments for Patients in the SEER-Medicare Data. Med Care 2023; 61:846-857. [PMID: 37796197 PMCID: PMC10841257 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utility of codes on Medicare Advantage (MA) data to capture cancer diagnoses and treatment for cancer patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study compared cancer diagnoses and treatments on MA encounter data (MA data) with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) data. SUBJECTS Subjects were patients enrolled in either MA or Medicare fee-for-service (MFFS) when diagnosed with incident breast, colorectal, prostate, or lung cancer, 2015-2017, in a SEER cancer registry. MEASURES MA data, from 2 months before to 12 months following SEER diagnosis, were reviewed to identify cancer diagnoses, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy (RT). MA data were compared with SEER to determine their sensitivity to capture cancer diagnoses and sensitivity/specificity to identify surgeries. The agreement between SEER and Medicare data regarding receipt of chemotherapy and RT was measured by Kappa statistics. A similar comparison to SEER diagnoses/treatments was made using MFFS claims to provide context for the SEER-MA comparison. RESULTS The study included 186,449 patients, 38% in MA. MA data had 92%+ sensitivity to identify SEER cancer diagnosis and 90%+ sensitivity for cancer surgery. Specificity for surgery was >84%, except for breast cancer (52%). Kappa statistics for agreement between SEER and MA data regarding chemotherapy varied by cancer, 0.61-0.82, and for receipt of RT exceeded 0.75 for all cancers. Results observed for MFFS claims were similar to those in MA data. CONCLUSION For 4 common cancers, MA data included most cancer diagnoses and general types of cancer treatment reported in the SEER data. More research is needed to assess additional cancers and detailed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L. Warren
- National Cancer Institute/DCCPS, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - Eric Boyd
- Information Management Services, Calverton, Maryland 20705
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Muffly LS, Parsons HM, Miller K, Li Q, Brunson A, Keegan TH. Impact of Specialized Treatment Setting on Survival in Adolescent and Young Adult ALL. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1190-1198. [PMID: 37890123 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unlike children with ALL who receive cancer care primarily at specialized cancer centers (SCCs; National Cancer Institute and/or Children's Oncology Group centers), adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years) receive care in a variety of settings. Using population-based data, we describe where AYAs with ALL receive treatment and determine associations with overall survival (OS). METHODS Data from the 2004 to 2018 California (CA, n = 2,283), New York (NY, n = 795), and Texas (TX, n = 955) state cancer registries were used to identify treatment setting of AYAs with newly diagnosed ALL. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models evaluated associations with OS. RESULTS Seventy percent were older than 18 years, and 65% were male. A majority in CA (63%) and TX (64%) were Hispanic while most in NY were non-Hispanic White (50%). Treatment at an SCC occurred in 48.2% (CA), 44.4% (NY), and 19.5% (TX). Across states, AYAs who were older or uninsured were less likely to receive treatment at an SCC. Treatment at an SCC was associated with superior OS in CA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.85) and TX (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.83); a nonsignificant association was seen in NY (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.08). CONCLUSION Only 20%-50% of AYA patients with ALL received frontline treatment at SCCs. Treatment of ALL at an SCC was associated with superior survival, highlighting the importance of policy efforts to improve access and reduce inequities in AYA ALL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori S Muffly
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Kate Miller
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Qian Li
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Ann Brunson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Theresa H Keegan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
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Patel VR, Ramesh V, Tsai AK, Sedhom R, Westanmo AD, Blaes AH, Vogel RI, Parsons HM, Hanna TP, Ganguli I, Dusetzina SB, Rocque GB, Booth CM, Gupta A. Health Care Contact Days Experienced by Decedents With Advanced GI Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1031-1038. [PMID: 37738532 PMCID: PMC10667015 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Frequent visits to health care facilities can be time intensive and all-consuming for people with cancer. We measured health care contact days (days with healthcare contact outside the home) among decedents with advanced GI cancer and examined sources of contact days, their associations with demographic and clinical factors, and their temporal patterns over the course of illness. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a tumor registry and electronic medical record data for decedents with stage IV GI cancer between 2011 and 2019 in a large health care network in MN. We determined contact days from diagnosis to death using chart review. Using multivariable beta regression adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics offset by survival, we calculated adjusted estimates of contact days and determined patient-level factors associated with percentage of contact days. RESULTS We identified 809 patients eligible for analysis (median [IQR] age at diagnosis, 65 [56-73] years). The median (IQR) overall survival was 175 (56-459) days. Patients spent a median (IQR) of 25.8% (17.4%-39.1%) of these as contact days. Of these days, 83.6% were spent on outpatient visits. In the multivariable analysis, older age, Black race, and never receiving systemic cancer-directed treatment were associated with a higher percentage of contact days. The percentage of contact days was highest in the first month after diagnosis (39.6%) and before death (32.2%), with a more moderate middle phase (U-shaped curve). CONCLUSION Decedents with advanced GI cancer spend 1 in 4 days alive with health care contact, despite a median survival of under 6 months. This is even higher immediately postdiagnosis and near death. These findings highlight the need to understand sources of variation, benchmark appropriate care, and deliver more efficient care for this vulnerable population with limited time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal R Patel
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | | | | | - Ramy Sedhom
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anders D Westanmo
- Department of Pharmacy, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | | | | | - Timothy P Hanna
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ishani Ganguli
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Gabrielle B Rocque
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Arjun Gupta
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Costs of Care, Cambridge, MA
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Shippee ND, Danan ER, Linzer M, Parsons HM, Beebe TJ, Enders FT. Development and use of a novel tool for assessing and improving researcher embeddedness in learning health systems and applied system improvements. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e248. [PMID: 38229893 PMCID: PMC10789988 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper outlines the development, deployment and use, and testing of a tool for measuring and improving healthcare researcher embeddedness - i.e., being connected to and engaged with key leverage points and stakeholders in a health system. Despite the widely acknowledged importance of embeddedness for learning health systems and late-stage translational research, we were not aware of useful tools for addressing and improving embeddedness in scholar training programs. We developed the MN-LHS Embeddedness Tool covering connections to committees, working groups, leadership, and other points of contact across four domains: patients and caregivers; local practice (e.g., operations and workflows); local institutional research (e.g., research committees and agenda- or initiative-setting groups); and national (strategic connections within professional groups, conferences, etc.). We used qualitative patterns and narrative findings from 11 learning health system training program scholars to explore variation in scholar trajectories and the embeddedness tool's usefulness in scholar professional development. Tool characteristics showed moderate evidence of construct validity; secondarily, we found significant differences in embeddedness, as a score, from baseline through program completion. The tool has demonstrated simple, practical utility in making embeddedness an explicit (rather than hidden) part of applied and learning health system researcher training, alongside emerging evidence for validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D. Shippee
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN,
USA
| | - Elisheva R. Danan
- VA HSR&D Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA
Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN,
USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School,
Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark Linzer
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Hennepin
Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN,
USA
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN,
USA
| | - Timothy J. Beebe
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN,
USA
| | - Felicity T. Enders
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo
Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Parsons HM, Banegas MP, Bar-Sela G, Jones SM. Editorial: Financial anxiety in cancer prevention and control. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1304079. [PMID: 37908816 PMCID: PMC10615129 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1304079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Matthew P. Banegas
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
| | - Salene M. Jones
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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Parsons HM, Forte ML, Abdi HI, Brandt S, Claussen AM, Wilt T, Klein M, Ester E, Landsteiner A, Shaukut A, Sibley SS, Slavin J, Sowerby C, Ng W, Butler M. Nutrition as prevention for improved cancer health outcomes: a systematic literature review. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkad035. [PMID: 37212631 PMCID: PMC10290234 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among adults with cancer, malnutrition is associated with decreased treatment completion, more treatment harms and use of health care, and worse short-term survival. To inform the National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention workshop, "Nutrition as Prevention for Improved Cancer Health Outcomes," this systematic review examined the evidence for the effectiveness of providing nutrition interventions before or during cancer therapy to improve outcomes of cancer treatment. METHODS We identified randomized controlled trials enrolling at least 50 participants published from 2000 through July 2022. We provide a detailed evidence map for included studies and grouped studies by broad intervention and cancer types. We conducted risk of bias (RoB) and qualitative descriptions of outcomes for intervention and cancer types with a larger volume of literature. RESULTS From 9798 unique references, 206 randomized controlled trials from 219 publications met the inclusion criteria. Studies primarily focused on nonvitamin or mineral dietary supplements, nutrition support, and route or timing of inpatient nutrition interventions for gastrointestinal or head and neck cancers. Most studies evaluated changes in body weight or composition, adverse events from cancer treatment, length of hospital stay, or quality of life. Few studies were conducted within the United States. Among intervention and cancer types with a high volume of literature (n = 114), 49% (n = 56) were assessed as high RoB. Higher-quality studies (low or medium RoB) reported mixed results on the effect of nutrition interventions across cancer and treatment-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Methodological limitations of nutrition intervention studies surrounding cancer treatment impair translation of findings into clinical practice or guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mary L Forte
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Hamdi I Abdi
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sallee Brandt
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amy M Claussen
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Timothy Wilt
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark Klein
- School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Adrienne Landsteiner
- Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Shalamar S Sibley
- School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joanne Slavin
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Catherine Sowerby
- Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Weiwen Ng
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mary Butler
- Minnesota Evidence-Based Practice Center, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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13
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Parsons SK, Keegan THM, Kirchhoff AC, Parsons HM, Yabroff KR, Davies SJ. Cost of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: Results of the 2021 Report by Deloitte Access Economics, Commissioned by Teen Cancer America. J Clin Oncol 2023:JCO2201985. [PMID: 36827624 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this report, commissioned by Teen Cancer America and performed by Deloitte Access Economics in 2021, was to estimate the total costs incurred by adolescent and young adults (AYAs) after cancer diagnosis in the United States (US) over their life course. METHODS The incidence of cancer in 2019 among AYAs age 15-39 years was estimated from the US Cancer Statistics Public Use Database, and relative survival was projected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Cost domains included health system, productivity, and well-being costs. Components were estimated with published literature and pooled data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2008 to 2012 and inflated to 2019 dollars. RESULTS The economic and human costs of cancer in AYAs are substantial-$23.5 billion overall, corresponding to $259,324 per person over the lifetime. The majority of costs are borne by AYA cancer survivors themselves in the form of lost productivity, loss of well-being, and loss of life. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the need to address the burden of cancer in AYAs through targeted programs for AYAs, such as financial navigation and health insurance literacy interventions, as well as local and national policy initiatives to address access to and enhanced coverage for clinical trials participation, fertility services, and survivorship care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Parsons
- Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Clinical Care Research, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Scientific Vice President, Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Inc
| | - Simon J Davies
- Executive Director, Teen Cancer America, Los Angeles, CA
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14
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Rees-Punia E, Newton CC, Parsons HM, Leach CR, Diver WR, Grant AC, Masters M, Patel AV, Teras LR. Fracture Risk Among Older Cancer Survivors Compared With Older Adults Without a History of Cancer. JAMA Oncol 2023; 9:79-87. [PMID: 36326746 PMCID: PMC9634602 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.5153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Importance The number of cancer survivors living in the US is projected to be 26.1 million by 2040. Cancer survivors may be at increased risk of bone fractures, but research is limited in several important ways. Objective To investigate the associations of cancer diagnoses, including time since diagnosis and stage at diagnosis, with risks of pelvic, radial, and vertebral fractures (separately and combined) among older cancer survivors and compared with fracture risk among older adults without a history of cancer. Secondarily, to examine differences in risk of fracture stratified by modifiable behaviors, treatment, and cancer type. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal cohort study used data from 92 431 older adults in the US Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort linked with 1999 to 2017 Medicare claims. Data were analyzed from July 15, 2021, to May 3, 2022. Exposures Cancer history, time since cancer diagnosis, and stage at cancer diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the risk of pelvic, radial, vertebral, and total frailty-related fractures were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Stratification was used for secondary aims. Results Among 92 431 participants (mean [SD] age, was 69.4 [6.0] years, 51 820 [56%] women, and 90 458 [97.9%] White], 12 943 participants experienced a frailty-related bone fracture. Compared with participants without a history of cancer, cancer survivors who were diagnosed 1 to less than 5 years earlier with advanced stage cancer had higher risk of fracture (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.75-2.58). The higher fracture risk in cancer survivors with recent advanced stage diagnosis (vs no cancer) was driven largely by vertebral (HR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.93-3.13) and pelvic (HR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.84-3.29) fracture sites. Compared with cancer survivors who did not receive chemotherapy, survivors who received chemotherapy were more likely to have a fracture; this association was stronger within 5 years of diagnosis (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.09-1.57) than 5 or more years after diagnosis (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.99-1.51). Although the HR for risk of fracture was lower among physically active cancer survivors 5 or more years after diagnosis (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.54-1.07), this result was not statistically significant, whereas current smoking was significantly associated with higher risk of fracture (HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.55-3.33). Conclusions and Relevance Findings from this cohort study suggest that older adults with a history of cancer may benefit from clinical guidance on prevention of frailty-related fractures. If study findings are replicated, fracture prevention programs for survivors might include referrals for physical activity with cancer exercise professionals and smoking cessation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rees-Punia
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Christina C. Newton
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Corinne R. Leach
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - W. Ryan Diver
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Amber C. Grant
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Matthew Masters
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Alpa V. Patel
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Lauren R. Teras
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
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Thomaier L, Aase DA, Vogel RI, Parsons HM, Sadak KT, Teoh D. HPV vaccination coverage for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients receiving care in a childhood cancer survivor program. Prev Med Rep 2022; 29:101972. [PMID: 36161114 PMCID: PMC9502284 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients undergoing cancer treatment and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplant are at increased risk for developing a secondary human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancy. The objective of this study was to determine HPV vaccination coverage among individuals participating in a childhood cancer survivor program (CCSP). A retrospective cohort study was conducted among CCSP patients age 11–26 years attending a CCSP visit between 2014 and 2019. Survivors were age-, sex-, and race-matched 1:2 with controls without cancer. Data were abstracted from the electronic health record and state-based vaccination registry. Analysis was limited to Minnesota residents to minimize missing vaccination data. Survivorship care plans (SCPs) were reviewed for vaccine recommendations. 592 patients were included in the analyses (200 CCSP patients; 392 controls). By study design, mean age (18.4 years), race (72 % white), and sex (49 % female) were similar in the two groups. Among CCSP patients 22 % resided in a rural area compared to 3.8 % of controls. Vaccination coverage among CCSP patients was not statistically significantly different from controls [60.0 % vs 66.3 %, OR = 0.82, 95 % CI: (0.55, 1.23), p = 0.35]. Completion of 3 doses was not different between groups even though 3 doses is recommended for all CCSP patients regardless of age at initiation (28.5 % vs 30.1 %, p = 0.09). Only 8.0 % of SCPs recommended HPV vaccination. Although patients participating in a CCSP did not have significantly different HPV vaccination coverage compared to controls, HPV vaccination initiation and 3-dose series completion are still suboptimal in a patient population at high-risk of a secondary HPV-associated cancer.
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Key Words
- Adolescent
- CCSP, Childhood Cancer Survivor Program
- EHR, electronic health record
- HPV vaccination
- HPV, human papillomavirus
- HSCT, hematopoietic stem cell transplant
- IRB, institutional review board
- MIIC, Minnesota Immunization Information Connection
- Pediatric
- SCP, survivorship care plan
- Secondary cancer prevention
- Survivorship
- TDaP, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- Young adult cancer survivors
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Thomaier
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Danielle A Aase
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Karim T Sadak
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Deanna Teoh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Quam N, Stenzel AE, Brown K, Jewett P, Parsons HM, Hui J, Ghebre RG, Blaes A, Teoh D, Vogel RI. Perception of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Survivors of Gynecologic Cancer. Oncologist 2022; 27:512-515. [PMID: 35294028 PMCID: PMC9177115 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to assess gynecologic cancer survivor preferences for telehealth cancer care. Gynecologic cancer survivors participating in a prospective cohort study were invited to complete a cross-sectional survey regarding their experience with and preferences for telehealth. Of 188 participants, 48.9% had undergone a telehealth visit since March 2020, and 53.7% reported a preference for exclusively in-person visits for their cancer care and surveillance. Furthermore, 80.5% of participants were satisfied with the telehealth care they received and 54.8% would recommend telehealth services to patients with similar conditions. Most participants thought a physical examination was critical to detecting recurrence, and concern that their provider may miss something during telehealth visits was greater among those who preferred in-person visits. With many gynecologic cancer survivors preferring in-person care, building a future care model that includes telehealth elements will require adaptations, careful evaluation of patient concerns, as well as patient education on telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Quam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ashley E Stenzel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Program in Health Disparities Research, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Katherine Brown
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia Jewett
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jane Hui
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rahel G Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Deanna Teoh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Rivers ZT, Parsons HM, Jacobson PA, Kuntz KM, Farley JF, Stenehjem DJ. Opportunities for personalizing colorectal cancer care: an analysis of SEER-medicare data. Pharmacogenomics J 2022; 22:198-209. [PMID: 35361994 PMCID: PMC9156546 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-022-00276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
United States clinical practice guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer recommend use of medications impacted by genetic variants but do not recommend testing. We analyzed real-world treatment using a cancer registry and claims dataset to explore pharmacogenomic (PGx) medication treatment patterns and characterize exposure. In a cohort of 6957 patients, most (86.9%) were exposed to at least one chemotherapy medication with PGx guidelines. In a cohort of 2223 patients with retail pharmacy claims available, most (79.2%) were treated with at least one non-chemotherapy (79.2%) medication with PGx guidelines. PGx-associated chemotherapy exposure was associated with age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and rurality. PGx-associated non-chemotherapy exposure was associated with medication use and comorbidities. The potential impact of PGx testing is large and policies aimed at increasing PGx testing at diagnosis may impact treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer as most patients are exposed to medications with pharmacogenomics implications during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Rivers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pamala A Jacobson
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Karen M Kuntz
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joel F Farley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David J Stenehjem
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Duluth, MN, USA
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Gupta A, Nshuti L, Grewal US, Sedhom R, Check DK, Parsons HM, Blaes AH, Virnig BA, Lustberg MB, Subbiah IM, Nipp RD, Dy SM, Dusetzina SB. Financial Burden of Drugs Prescribed for Cancer-Associated Symptoms. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:140-147. [PMID: 34558297 PMCID: PMC9213200 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The financial toxicity of anticancer drugs is well-documented, but little is known about the costs of drugs used to manage cancer-associated symptoms. METHODS We reviewed relevant guidelines and compiled drugs used to manage seven cancer-associated symptoms (anorexia and cachexia, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, constipation, diarrhea, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, cancer-associated fatigue, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting). Using GoodRx website, we identified the retail price (cash price at retail pharmacies) and lowest price (discounted, best-case scenario of out-of-pocket costs) for patients without insurance for each drug or formulation for a typical fill. We describe lowest prices here. RESULTS For anorexia and cachexia, costs ranged from $5 US dollars (USD; generic olanzapine or mirtazapine tablets) to $1,156 USD (brand-name dronabinol solution) and varied widely by formulation of the same drug or dosage: for olanzapine 5 mg, $5 USD (generic tablet) to $239 USD (brand-name orally disintegrating tablet). For chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, costs of duloxetine varied from $12 USD (generic) to $529 USD (brand-name). For constipation, the cost of sennosides or polyethylene glycol was <$15 USD, whereas newer agents such as methylnaltrexone were expensive ($1,001 USD). For diarrhea, the cost of generic loperamide or diphenoxylate-atropine tablets was <$15 USD. For exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, only brand-name formulations were available, range of cost, $1,072 USD-$1,514 USD. For cancer-associated fatigue, the cost of generic dexamethasone or dexmethylphenidate was <$15 USD, whereas brand-name modafinil was more costly ($1,284 USD). For a 4-drug nausea and vomiting prophylaxis regimen, costs ranged from $181 USD to $1,430 USD. CONCLUSION We highlight the high costs of many symptom control drugs and the wide variation in the costs of these drugs. These findings can guide patient-clinician discussions about cost-effectively managing symptoms, while promoting the use of less expensive formulations when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Gupta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Leonce Nshuti
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Udhayvir S. Grewal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA
| | - Ramy Sedhom
- Division of Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, PA
| | - Devon K. Check
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Anne H. Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Beth A. Virnig
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Ishwaria M. Subbiah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ryan D. Nipp
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Sydney M. Dy
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stacie B. Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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Johnson BA, Lindgren BR, Blaes AH, Parsons HM, LaRocca CJ, Farah R, Hui JYC. The New Normal? Patient Satisfaction and Usability of Telemedicine in Breast Cancer Care. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:5668-5676. [PMID: 34275045 PMCID: PMC8286165 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10448-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine was adopted to minimize exposure risks for patients and staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study measured patient satisfaction and telemedicine usability in breast cancer care. METHODS Adult breast cancer patients who had a telemedicine visit at a single academic institution (with surgical, radiation, or medical oncology) from 15 June 2020 to 4 September 2020 were surveyed anonymously. Patient and cancer characteristics were collected, and patient satisfaction and telemedicine usability were assessed using a modified Telehealth Usability Questionnaire with a 7-point Likert scale. Associations of satisfaction and usability with patient characteristics were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS Of 203 patients who agreed to be contacted, 78 responded, yielding a response rate of 38%. The median age of the respondents was 63 years (range 25-83 years). The majority lived in an urban area (61%), were white (92%), and saw a medical oncologist (62%). The median patient satisfaction score was 5.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 4.25-6.25). The median telemedicine usability score was 5.6 (IQR 4.4-6.2). A strong positive correlation was seen between satisfaction and usability, with a Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) of 0.80 (p < 0.001). Satisfaction and usability scores did not vary significantly according to patient age, race, location of residence, insurance status, previous visit commute time, oncology specialty seen, prior telemedicine visits, or whether patients were actively receiving cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer patients were satisfied with telemedicine and found it usable. Patient satisfaction and telemedicine usability should not limit the use of telemedicine in future post-pandemic breast cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Johnson
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Bruce R Lindgren
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne H Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher J LaRocca
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ronda Farah
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jane Yuet Ching Hui
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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20
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Johnson BA, Lindgren BR, Blaes AH, Parsons HM, LaRocca CJ, Farah R, Hui JYC. ASO Visual Abstract: The New Normal? Patient Satisfaction and Usability of Telemedicine in Breast Cancer Care. Ann Surg Oncol 2021. [PMID: 32720046 PMCID: PMC8410169 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Johnson
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Bruce R Lindgren
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne H Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher J LaRocca
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ronda Farah
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jane Yuet Ching Hui
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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21
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Parsons HM, Jewett PI, Sadak K, Turcotte LM, Vogel RI, Blaes AH. e-Cigarette Use Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors Relative to the US Population. JAMA Oncol 2021; 6:923-926. [PMID: 32271357 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Patricia I Jewett
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Karim Sadak
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Lucie M Turcotte
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Anne H Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
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22
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Haizel-Cobbina J, Spector LG, Moertel C, Parsons HM. Racial and ethnic disparities in survival of children with brain and central nervous tumors in the United States. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28738. [PMID: 32970937 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements in overall survival for pediatric cancers, treatment disparities remain for racial/ethnic minorities compared to non-Hispanic Whites; however, the impact of race on treatment outcomes for pediatric brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States is not well known. METHODS We included 8713 children aged 0-19 years with newly diagnosed primary brain and CNS tumors between 2000 and 2015 from the Census Tract-level SES and Rurality Database developed by Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. We used chi-square tests to assess differences in sociodemographic, cancer, and treatment characteristics by race/ethnicity and Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models to examine differences in 10-year survival, adjusting for these characteristics. RESULTS Among 8713 patients, 56.75% were non-Hispanic White, 9.59% non-Hispanic Black, 25.46% Hispanic, and 8.19% from "other" racial/ethnic groups. Median unadjusted survival for all pediatric brain tumors was 53 months, but varied significantly by race/ethnicity with a median survival of 62 months for non-Hispanic Whites, 41 months for non-Hispanic Blacks, and 40 months for Hispanic and other. Multivariable analyses demonstrated minority racial groups still had significantly higher hazard of death than non-Hispanic Whites; Hispanic (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.25 [1.18-1.31]); non-Hispanic Black (aHR 1.12 [1.04-1.21]); other (aHR 1.22 [1.12-1.32]). Results were consistent when stratified by tumor histology. CONCLUSION We identified disparities in survival among racial/ethnic minorities with pediatric brain and CNS tumors, with Hispanic patients having the highest risk of mortality. Eliminating these disparities requires commitment toward promoting heath equity and personalized cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Logan G Spector
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Christopher Moertel
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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23
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Abrahão R, Maguire FB, Morris CR, Parikh-Patel A, Parsons HM, Keegan THM. The influence of the Affordable Care Act-Dependent Care Expansion on insurance coverage among young cancer survivors in California: an updated analysis. Cancer Causes Control 2020; 32:95-101. [PMID: 33156483 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-020-01360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess changes in health insurance coverage for young cancer patients pre- and post- the Affordable Care Act-Dependent Care Expansion (ACA-DCE) implementation in California. Further, we examined differences in insurance coverage by socioeconomic and race/ethnicity. METHODS Data were obtained from the California Cancer Registry and Medicaid enrollment files, from 2005 to 2014. We conducted difference-in-difference analyses among 7042 cancer patients aged 22-25 years ("intervention group") and 25,269 aged 26-34 years ("control group"). We also examined the independent and combined effects of race/ethnicity and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) on insurance coverage. RESULTS After the ACA-DCE implementation, we observed a 52.7% reduction in the proportion of uninsured and a 35.7% increase in the proportion of privately insured patients. There was also a 17.3% reduction in Medicaid at cancer diagnosis and a 27.5% reduction in discontinuous Medicaid enrollment. However, these benefits were limited to patients of non-Hispanic White, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity living in higher nSES, with no differences in insurance enrollment among young adults who lived in low nSES or those of Black race/ethnicity. CONCLUSION The ACA-DCE broadened insurance coverage for young adults with cancer in California. Yet, only certain subgroups of patients have benefited from this policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Abrahão
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, 4501 X Street, Suite 3016, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Frances B Maguire
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Cyllene R Morris
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Arti Parikh-Patel
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, 4501 X Street, Suite 3016, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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24
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Mintz HP, Dosanjh A, Parsons HM, Hughes A, Jakeman A, Pope AM, Bryan RT, James ND, Patel P. Development and validation of a follow-up methodology for a randomised controlled trial, utilising routine clinical data as an alternative to traditional designs: a pilot study to assess the feasibility of use for the BladderPath trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:165. [PMID: 33292682 PMCID: PMC7599120 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00713-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer outcomes have not changed significantly in 30 years; the BladderPath trial (Image Directed Redesign of Bladder Cancer Treatment Pathway, ISRCTN35296862) proposes to evaluate a modified pathway for diagnosis and treatment ensuring appropriate pathways are undertaken earlier to improve outcomes. We are piloting a novel data collection technique based on routine National Health Service (NHS) data, with no traditional patient-Health Care Professional contact after recruitment, where trial data are traditionally collected on case report forms. Data will be collected from routine administrative sources and validated via data queries to sites. We report here the feasibility and pre-trial methodological development and validation of the schema proposed for BladderPath. Methods Locally treated patient cohorts were utilised for routine data validation (hospital interactions data (HID) and administrative radiotherapy department data (RTD)). Single site events of interest were algorithmically extracted from the 2008–2018 HID and validated against reference datasets to determine detection sensitivity. Survival analysis was performed using RTD and HID data. Hazard ratios and survival statistics were calculated estimating treatment effects and further validating and assessing the scope of routine data. Results Overall, 829/1042 (sensitivity 0.80) events of interest were identified in the HID, with varying levels of sensitivity; identifying, 202/206 (sensitivity 0.98; PPV 0.96) surgical events but only 391/568 (sensitivity 0.69; PPV 0.95) radiotherapy regimens. An overall temporal quality improvement trend was present: detecting 41/117 events (35%) in 2011 to 104/109 (95%) in 2017 (all event types). Using the RTD, 5-year survival rates were 43% (95% CI 25–59%) in the chemoradiotherapy group and 30% (95% CI 23–36%) in the radiotherapy group; using the HID, the 5-year radical cystectomy survival rate was 57% (95% CI 50–63%). Conclusions Routine data are a feasible method for trial data collection. As long as events of interest are pre-validated, very high sensitivities for trial conduct can be achieved and further improved with targeted data queries. Outcomes can also be produced comparable to clinical trial and national dataset results. Given the real-time, obligatory nature of the HID, which forms the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data, alongside other datasets, we believe routine data extraction and validation is a robust way of rapidly collecting datasets for trials. Supplementary Information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s40814-020-00713-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet P Mintz
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Amandeep Dosanjh
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK.,Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ana Hughes
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alicia Jakeman
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Ann M Pope
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Richard T Bryan
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Nicholas D James
- The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK.,The Royal Marsden NHS foundation Trust, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 6JJ, UK
| | - Prashant Patel
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK. .,Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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25
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Parsons HM, Vogel RI, Blaes AH, Lou E, Beckwith H, Yuan J, Ching Hui JY. Sources of Medical Information for Oncology Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a National Cross-Sectional Survey. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2020; 4:pkaa095. [PMID: 33403321 PMCID: PMC7665641 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Because the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has completely transformed the accepted norms and approaches to cancer care delivery in the United States, we sought to understand the sources of medical information that oncology physicians seek and trust. We recruited 486 oncology physicians to an anonymous cross-sectional online survey through social media from March 27, 2020, to April 10, 2020, with 79.2% reporting their sources of medical information during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found a diverse array of reported sources for COVID-19 information that most commonly included professional societies (90.7%), hospital or institutional communications (88.6%), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (69.9%); however, trust in these sources of information varied widely, with professional societies being the most trusted source. These results highlight the important role that professional societies, hospitals, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention play in ensuring dissemination of consistent, high-quality practice recommendations for oncology physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne H Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emil Lou
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Heather Beckwith
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jianling Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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26
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Christakopoulos GE, Kobe C, Flesch S, Lee J, Parsons HM, Sadak KT. Personalized Clinical Research: Childhood Cancer Survivor and Parent Preferences for Research Participation. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:779-782. [PMID: 33006912 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios E Christakopoulos
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Hematology, Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Christopher Kobe
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sue Flesch
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Jill Lee
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Helen M Parsons
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Health Policy and Management, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Karim T Sadak
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN.,University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN
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27
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Parsons HM, Maguire FB, Morris CR, Parikh-Patel A, Brunson AM, Wun T, Keegan THM. Impact of insurance type and timing of Medicaid enrollment on survival among adolescents and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28498. [PMID: 32589358 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with public or no insurance experience later stage at diagnosis and worse overall survival compared with those with private insurance. However, prior studies have not distinguished the survival impact of continuous Medicaid coverage prior to diagnosis compared with gaining Medicaid coverage at diagnosis. METHODS We linked a cohort of AYAs aged 15-39 who were diagnosed with 13 common cancers from 2005 to 2014 in the California Cancer Registry with California Medicaid enrollment files to ascertain Medicaid enrollment, with other insurance determined from registry data. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate the impact of insurance on survival, adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics. RESULTS Among 62 218 AYAs, over 65% had private/military insurance, 10% received Medicaid at diagnosis, 13.2% had continuous Medicaid, 4.1% had discontinuous Medicaid, 1.7% had other public insurance, 3% were uninsured, and 2.6% had unknown insurance. Compared with those with private/military insurance, individuals with Medicaid insurance had significantly worse survival regardless of when coverage began (received Medicaid at diagnosis: hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.51 [1.42-1.61]; continuously Medicaid insured: 1.42 [1.33-1.52]; discontinuous Medicaid: 1.64 [1.49, 1.80]). Analyses of those with Medicaid insurance only demonstrated slightly worse cancer-specific survival among those with discontinuous Medicaid or enrollment at diagnosis compared with those with continuous enrollment, but results were not significant stratified by cancer site. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE AYAs with Medicaid insurance experience worse cancer-specific survival compared with those with private/military insurance, yet continuous enrollment demonstrates slight survival improvements, providing potential opportunities for future policy intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Frances B Maguire
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, California
| | - Cyllene R Morris
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, California
| | - Arti Parikh-Patel
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, California
| | - Ann M Brunson
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT) and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Ted Wun
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, California.,Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT) and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, California.,Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT) and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
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28
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Keegan THM, Parsons HM, Chen Y, Maguire FB, Morris CR, Parikh-Patel A, Kizer KW, Wun T. Impact of Health Insurance on Stage at Cancer Diagnosis Among Adolescents and Young Adults. J Natl Cancer Inst 2020; 111:1152-1160. [PMID: 30937440 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djz039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uninsured adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and those with publicly funded health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages. However, prior population-based studies have not distinguished between AYAs who were continuously uninsured from those who gained Medicaid coverage at the time of cancer diagnosis. METHODS AYA patients (ages 15-39 years) with nine common cancers diagnosed from 2005 to 2014 were identified using California Cancer Registry data. This cohort was linked to California Medicaid enrollment files to determine continuous enrollment, discontinuous enrollment, or enrollment at diagnosis, with other types of insurance determined from registry data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with later stages at diagnosis. RESULTS The majority of 52 774 AYA cancer patients had private or military insurance (67.6%), followed by continuous Medicaid (12.4%), Medicaid at diagnosis (8.5%), discontinuous Medicaid (3.9%), other public insurance (1.6%), no insurance (2.9%), or unknown insurance (3.1%). Of the 13 069 with Medicaid insurance, 50.1% were continuously enrolled. Compared to those who were privately insured, AYAs who enrolled in Medicaid at diagnosis were 2.2-2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with later stage disease, whereas AYAs discontinuously enrolled were 1.7-1.9 times and AYAs continuously enrolled were 1.4-1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with later stage disease. Males, those residing in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods, and AYAs of Hispanic or black race and ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic white) were more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, independent of insurance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that access to continuous medical insurance is important for decreasing the likelihood of late stage cancer diagnosis.
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29
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Alvarez EM, Maguire F, Parsons HM, Morris C, Parikh-Patel A, Malogolowkin MH, Wun T, Keegan T. Worse outcomes associated with public insurance at sarcoma diagnosis in adolescent and young adults (AYAs). J Clin Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.e18143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e18143 Background: Studies have shown that having public or no insurance at sarcoma diagnosis is associated with higher stage disease and poor survival. However, previous studies have not differentiated sarcoma patients who enrolled in Medicaid at diagnosis from those previously insured, groups with differing access to care. Therefore, we examined the impact of insurance on stage at diagnosis and overall survival for AYAs with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS). Methods: Using Medicaid enrollment data linked to the California Cancer Registry, we identified AYAs with STS (n = 1782), OS (n = 458), and EWS (n = 348), diagnosed during 2005-14. Insurance was classified as Medicaid [1. Continuous (≥5 months prior to diagnosis), 2. Discontinuous, 3. At diagnosis (no coverage prior to diagnosis)], private, and uninsured. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression determined the association of insurance with metastatic stage (vs localized) and overall survival, respectively adjusting for sociodemographic factors, baseline comorbidities, type of facility, treatment (survival) and stage (survival). Results: Only 17.5% of sarcoma patients had continuous Medicaid prior to diagnosis, with 11% of STS, 17% of EWS and 19% of OS patients obtaining Medicaid at diagnosis. AYAs with Medicaid at diagnosis [Odds Ratio (OR) 3.03, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.27-4.03; vs private] and discontinuous Medicaid (OR 2.25, CI 1.48-3.41) had a higher likelihood of metastatic disease. STS patients with Medicaid at diagnosis [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.83, CI 1.44-2.33; vs private) and discontinuous Medicaid (HR 1.45, CI 1.01-2.08) had worse survival. Medicaid at diagnosis (HR 1.68, CI 1.07-2.63) also was associated with worse survival in OS patients, but this association was not observed in EWS patients. Conclusions: Lacking insurance prior to diagnosis is associated with metastatic disease at presentation and worse survival in AYA patients with sarcoma. Health insurance remained associated with worse survival even after adjusting for stage, highlighting the importance of continuous health insurance to improve outcomes for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frances Maguire
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, CA
| | | | | | - Arti Parikh-Patel
- California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance Program, University of California Davis Health, Institute for Population Health Improvement, Sacramento, CA
| | | | - Ted Wun
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Theresa Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
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30
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Rhee TG, Pawloski PA, Parsons HM. Health-related quality of life among US adults with cancer: Potential roles of complementary and alternative medicine for health promotion and well-being. Psychooncology 2019; 28:896-902. [PMID: 30803097 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We estimated prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by reason for use (treatment, wellness, or both) among non-institutionalized adults with cancer in the United States. We also examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes among adults with cancer who used CAM. METHODS We used data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which represents non-institutionalized adults with cancer (n = 2967 unweighted). Using a cross-sectional design with survey sampling techniques, we estimated past year prevalence of CAM use. We ran multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the odds of perceived benefits of CAM. RESULTS In the past 12 months, 35.1% of adults with cancer reported using some form of CAM. Among CAM users, 56.0% used CAM for both treatment and wellness, and 32.4% used CAM for wellness only. Only 11.6% used CAM for treatment only. Regardless of reason for use, the most commonly used CAM types in the past year were herbal therapies (56.8%), chiropractic (27.1%), and massage (24.9%). Among CAM users, those using CAM for wellness only and for a combination of treatment and wellness reported significantly higher odds of "a better sense of controlling health" and "improved overall health and feeling better" compared with treatment only users. Similar patterns were found in other HRQOL outcomes, but they were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS CAM is widely used among adults with cancer for wellness only or a combination of treatment and wellness. Given improved HRQOL outcomes, CAM may be a promising approach for enhancing health promotion and well-being among adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Pamala A Pawloski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, HealthPartners, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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31
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Parsons HM, Muffly L, Alvarez EM, Keegan THM. Does Treatment Setting Matter? Evaluating Resource Utilization for Adolescents Treated in Pediatric vs Adult Cancer Institutions. J Natl Cancer Inst 2019; 111:224-225. [PMID: 30053066 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djy123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Lori Muffly
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Elysia M Alvarez
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training , University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
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32
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Parsons HM, Penn DC, Li Q, Cress RD, Pollock BH, Malogolowkin MH, Wun T, Keegan TH. Increased clinical trial enrollment among adolescent and young adult cancer patients between 2006 and 2012-2013 in the United States. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27426. [PMID: 30256525 PMCID: PMC6249090 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stagnant outcomes for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) 15-39 years of age with cancer are partly attributed to poor enrollment onto clinical trials. Initiatives have focused on increasing accrual, but changes at the population-level are unknown. We examined patterns of clinical trial participation over time in AYA patients with cancer. PROCEDURE We utilized medical record data from AYAs in two population-based National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care Studies identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. Among 3135 AYAs diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and sarcoma, we used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate patient and provider characteristics associated with clinical trial enrollment. Interaction terms evaluated variation in clinical trial enrollment across patient and provider characteristics by year of diagnosis. RESULTS From 2006 to 2012-2013, clinical trial participation increased from 14.8% to 17.9% (P < 0.01). Adjusting for patient and provider characteristics, we found lower clinical trial enrollment among those who were older at diagnosis, diagnosed with NHL vs ALL, treated by adult hematologist/oncologists only (vs pediatric hematologist/oncologists), and of non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic White) (P < 0.05 for all). Interaction analyses indicate improved clinical trial enrollment from 2006 to 2012-2013 among young adults 25-29 years of age and the uninsured. CONCLUSIONS Although disparities in enrollment onto clinical trials remain for AYAs with cancer, our study identified increasing overall clinical trial participation over time. Further, we identify promising trends in enrollment uptake among AYAs 25-29 years of age and the uninsured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Qian Li
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT) and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Rosemary D. Cress
- Public Health Institute, Cancer Registry of Greater California, Sacramento, CA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Brad H. Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Marcio H. Malogolowkin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Ted Wun
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT) and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Theresa H.M. Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT) and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
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Shay LA, Schmidt S, Cornell SD, Parsons HM. "Making My Own Decisions Sometimes": A Pilot Study of Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Perspectives on Medical Decision-Making. J Cancer Educ 2018; 33:1341-1346. [PMID: 28752237 PMCID: PMC5787043 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-017-1256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the medical decision-making preferences and experiences of young adult survivors of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancers. We conducted key informant interviews and a cross-sectional mailed survey with young adult survivors (currently aged 18-39 years) of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancers in South Texas. Of the responding survivors, almost all wanted to be actively involved in medical decision-making, but preferences regarding family and doctor involvement varied. In open-ended responses, the most commonly reported concerns related to medical decision-making were feelings of uncertainty and fear of receiving bad news. Survivors reported that they desired more information in order to feel better about medical decision-making. Due to the variety of preferences regarding decision-making and who to include in the process, physicians should be prepared to ask and accommodate patients regarding their decision-making preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Aubree Shay
- UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Dr., Suite 1100, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie D Cornell
- UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Dr., Suite 1100, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Survival among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 15 to 39 with cancer has not improved to the same extent as that of pediatric and older adult cancer patients, which is thought to relate, in part, to the lower participation of AYAs in clinical trials. Because significant efforts have been made to improve clinical trial enrollment for AYAs, we (1) present contemporary clinical trial enrollment rates by cancer type, sociodemographic characteristics, and treatment setting and (2) discuss provider-, patient-, and system-level barriers to clinical trial participation. Contemporary studies examining clinical trial enrollment among AYAs have continued to find low overall participation relative to pediatric populations, with most studies observing no significant improvements in enrollment over time. In addition to age and cancer type, enrollment varies by treatment setting, health insurance, and race/ethnicity. Access to available clinical trials may be increased by appropriate referral of AYAs to pediatric and adult specialty cancer centers with studies relevant to the AYA population because most AYAs are treated in the community setting. Even with similar access to trials, however, AYAs may be less likely to participate, and therefore, future efforts should focus on better understanding and addressing barriers to enrollment as well as improving education and outreach regarding clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA; and
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Parsons HM, Schmidt S, Tenner LL, Davidoff AJ. Trends in Antineoplastic Receipt after Medicare Payment Reform: Implications for Future Oncology Payment Design. J Cancer Policy 2018; 17:51-58. [PMID: 30345223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) reduced reimbursement for many antineoplastics delivered in outpatient settings, altering practice patterns for some cancers. To further evaluate the MMA's effect, we focus on colon cancer, where longstanding fluorouracil-based regimens were augmented in 2004 with 3 newly-approved drugs (oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, and/or cetuximab). Staggered implementation of MMA reimbursement changes (physician offices implemented reimbursement changes in 2005 vs hospital outpatient departments(OPD) in 2006) provide a natural experiment to examine policy effects. Methods Using the 2000-2009 SEER-Medicare data, we examined antineoplastic use among 59,642 stage II-IV colon cancer patients. Using multivariate logistic regression models, we conducted difference-in-differences analyses to examine an interaction between time (pre-post MMA) and setting (physician offices versus OPDs) on antineoplastic receipt, adjusting for patient and cancer characteristics. A significant interaction indicates different practice patterns in physician offices versus OPD during the staggered implementation. Results After the reimbursement change in 2007-09 relative to 2000-03, use of fluorouracil-based therapy decreased slightly (Marginal Probability(MP): -0.07 stage II; -0.05 stage III; -0.05 stage IV; p< 0.01), while use of new drugs increased substantially (MP: 0.48 stage II; 0.69 stage III, 0.79 stage IV; p< 0.01). The interaction between MMA implementation and physician office setting was significant when examining use of new agents for Stage IV disease only. Conclusions Our results indicate that providers responded to reimbursement changes after the MMA by increasing use of newly approved agents, but the magnitude of the response was small and limited to individuals diagnosed with Stage IV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Laura L Tenner
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Amy J Davidoff
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University School of Public Health
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DeRouen MC, Parsons HM, Kent EE, Pollock BH, Keegan THM. Sociodemographic disparities in survival for adolescents and young adults with cancer differ by health insurance status. Cancer Causes Control 2017; 28:841-851. [PMID: 28660357 PMCID: PMC5572560 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-017-0914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate associations of sociodemographic factors-race/ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES), and health insurance-with survival for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with invasive cancer. METHODS Data on 80,855 AYAs with invasive cancer diagnosed in California 2001-2011 were obtained from the California Cancer Registry. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate overall survival. RESULTS Associations of public or no insurance with greater risk of death were observed for 11 of 12 AYA cancers examined. Compared to Whites, Blacks experienced greater risk of death, regardless of age or insurance, while greater risk of death among Hispanics and Asians was more apparent for younger AYAs and for those with private/military insurance. More pronounced neighborhood SES disparities in survival were observed among AYAs with private/military insurance, especially among younger AYAs. CONCLUSIONS Lacking or having public insurance was consistently associated with shorter survival, while disparities according to race/ethnicity and neighborhood SES were greater among AYAs with private/military insurance. While health insurance coverage associates with survival, remaining racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities among AYAs with cancer suggest additional social factors also need consideration in intervention and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy C DeRouen
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, 2201 Walnut Ave, Suite 300, Fremont, CA, 94538, USA.
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Outcomes Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Brad H Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Med Sci 1-C, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, 4501 X Street, Suite 3016, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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Parsons HM, Chu Q, Karlitz JJ, Stevens JL, Harlan LC. Adoption of Sorafenib for the Treatment of Advanced-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Oncology Practices in the United States. Liver Cancer 2017; 6:216-226. [PMID: 29234628 PMCID: PMC5704716 DOI: 10.1159/000473862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of sorafenib into oncology practice as a first-line systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. We examined sorafenib use since Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2007 and associated survival for individuals diagnosed with advanced HCC, conducting a population-based evaluation of treatment patterns and outcomes for this newly approved drug in the US over time. METHODS We identified individuals diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C from the 2007 and 2012 National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care study. We examined trends in use as well as patient and clinical factors associated with receiving sorafenib using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We then evaluated the association between sorafenib use and overall hazard of death using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Among 550 individuals diagnosed with advanced HCC, we found no significant increase in the proportion of patients treated with sorafenib from 2007 to 2012 (26.3 vs. 30.4%). After adjusting for patient and clinical characteristics, non-Hispanic Blacks (compared to non-Hispanic Whites) and those with a lower Child-Pugh score remained more likely to receive sorafenib. Individuals receiving systemic chemotherapy only, radiation therapy only, or no treatment at all experienced a higher risk of death than those treated with sorafenib, while those receiving a transplant experienced a lower risk of death. CONCLUSIONS Sorafenib has not been widely adopted into oncology practice since FDA approval for advanced HCC. Few factors apart from Child-Pugh score and race/ethnicity predict sorafenib use in clinical practice, although sorafenib treatment is associated with a lower risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Quyen Chu
- LSU-Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Jordan J. Karlitz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Linda C. Harlan
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Keegan T, Penn D, Li Q, Pollock B, Malogolowkin MH, Wun T, Parsons HM. Changes in clinical trial participation among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients from 2006 to 2013 in the United States. J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e18037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e18037 Background: Stagnant outcomes for AYAs (15 to 39 years) with cancer are partly attributed to poor enrollment onto clinical trials. Initiatives have focused on increasing accrual, but changes at the population-level are unknown. We examined patterns of clinical trial participation over time in AYA cancer patients. Methods: We utilized medical record data from AYAs in two National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care Studies identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Among 1,358 AYAs diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), germ cell cancer, and sarcoma in 2006 and 3,560 AYAs diagnosed with NHL, HL, ALL, sarcoma, and breast cancer in 2012/2013, we used unconditional logistic regression to evaluate patient and provider characteristics associated with enrollment by year of diagnosis. Analyses were weighted to reflect the SEER populations and associations are summarized as adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: From 2006 to 2012/2013, clinical trial participation increased from 14.8% to 17.9% among AYAs diagnosed with NHL, HL, ALL and sarcoma (p < 0.0001), primarily due to increased participation among ALL patients (2006: 37.4%; 2012/2013: 42.3%). In 2012/2013, participation varied by type of cancer, with the highest among those with ALL and sarcoma (31.2%), followed by HL (9.4%), NHL (6.9%) and breast cancer (4.3%). In both study years, multivariate analyses demonstrated that younger patients and those treated by pediatric oncologists (OR = 3.5; CI: 2.6-4.7) were more likely to enroll onto clinical trials. Uninsured AYAs were less likely to enroll in 2006 but no association was observed in 2012/2013. Hispanic (OR = 0.5; CI: 0.4-0.6), Black (OR = 0.6; CI: 0.5-0.9) and Asian (OR = 0.4; CI: 0.3-0.6) AYAs were less likely to enroll in 2012/2013 but not 2006. Conclusions: Our study identified increasing overall clinical trial participation over time. Disparities in likelihood of participating for racial/ethnic minority groups increased suggesting the need to improve access to clinical trials for all racial/ethnic groups to improve care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | | | - Qian Li
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | | | | | - Theodore Wun
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
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Mintz HP, Evison F, Parsons HM, Sydes MR, Spears MR, Patel P, James ND. National, centralised hospital datasets can inform clinical trial outcomes in prostate cancer: A pilot study in the STAMPEDE trial. J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.6_suppl.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
257 Background: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are routinely collected data describing National Health Service (NHS) hospital visits in England, with procedure & disease codes. This study, embedded in STAMPEDE, aimed to build a model using HES, linked to primary medical records & trial case report forms (CRFs) to identify progressive disease events (PDEs), including skeletal-related events (SREs). Methods: Analysis of 5 STAMPEDE patients (pts) in 2 stages (data to Jul 16). 1: Detailed manual note review of 3 pts’ PDEs were compared to HES & CRFs to build model. 2: Used model to use HES to identify possible PDEs in 2 pts, verified by note review & compared to CRFs. Created algorithm rules to identify PDEs per 8 week interval plus further analysis of HES coding to find SREs. Results: Prostate cancer PDEs coincided with clustering of HES events. HES found 4 PDEs omitted from CRFs but missed 2 (total PDEs: HES 10, CRFs 8). HES found a false positive CRF PDE. Compared with note review HES missed 4 PDEs (false negatives), with 2 missed & 2 upgraded to PDEs post-standard query procedures, plus HES found 3 false positives (1 STAMPEDE treatment & 2 delayed treatments post-PDE). Hence HES found 71% of PDEs in note review (HES 10, note review 14).CRFs found 57% of PDEs compared to note review (CRFs 8, note review 14). Hence HES found 14% more PDEs than were recorded in CRFs compared to note review. HES identified 4 additional SREs not recorded in CRFs but missed 2. Conclusions: Hospital record review revealed site staff may miss reporting major clinical efficacy outcome events on CRFs, especially nearer end-of-life. HES successfully identified most PDEs (often found as a cluster of SREs), plus additional trial events not reported on CRFs compared to note review and as predicted HES & CRFs found less PDEs. PDEs & SREs missed from CRF recording can be identified in HES.This confirmed use of HES to detect PDEs is feasible. HES-identified events have potential as a primary data source when subsequently verified by standard data queries. Future work will test this model prospectively in the forthcoming BladderPath trial. It may offer a superior, cost-effective method of primary data collection compared to traditional CRF recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Paige Mintz
- University of Warwick Medical School and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Coventry & Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Felicity Evison
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Prashant Patel
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Shay LA, Parsons HM, Vernon SW. Survivorship Care Planning and Unmet Information and Service Needs Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2017; 6:327-332. [PMID: 28103126 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2016.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine whether survivorship care planning (receipt of written treatment summary or instructions for follow-up care) is associated with unmet needs among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (aged 15-39 at diagnosis). METHODS We used data from the 2010 LIVESTRONG Survey for People Affected by Cancer. Outcome variables were survivor reports of unmet needs, including information on late effects of cancer treatment, fertility issues, cancer recurrence, and family cancer risk. We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine whether receipt of either a treatment summary or follow-up care instructions was associated with each unmet needs after controlling for sociodemographic and cancer history factors. RESULTS Of the AYA respondents (N = 1395), only 30% reported receipt of a written treatment summary and 86% received instructions for follow-up care. The most commonly reported unmet need was addressing recurrence concerns (80%), followed by information on late effects (78%), family risk of cancer (51%), and fertility information (45%). In multivariable analyses, receipt of a written treatment summary was associated with lower odds of having unmet needs about late effects information (odds ratio; OR = 0.51 [0.37-0.71]) and recurrence concerns (OR = 0.55 [0.39-0.79]). Receipt of follow-up care instructions was associated with lower odds of unmet needs about late effects information (OR = 0.29 [0.15-0.58]) and fertility information (OR = 0.62 [0.42-0.91]). CONCLUSIONS Survivorship care planning including written treatment summaries and follow-up care instructions may help reduce unmet information and service needs of AYA survivors. This study provides further evidence for the importance of survivorship care planning as a way to improve survivor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Aubree Shay
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston , San Antonio, Texas
| | - Helen M Parsons
- 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Sally W Vernon
- 3 School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston , Houston, Texas
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Parsons HM, Harlan LC, Schmidt S, Keegan THM, Lynch CF, Kent EE, Wu XC, Schwartz SM, Chu RL, Keel G, Smith AW. Who Treats Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer? A Report from the AYA HOPE Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2016; 4:141-50. [PMID: 26421222 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2014.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Physicians play a critical role in delivering effective treatment and enabling successful transition to survivorship among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. However, with no AYA cancer medical specialty, information on where and by whom AYAs with cancer are treated is limited. METHODS Using the National Cancer Institute's population-based AYA HOPE Study, 464 AYAs aged 15-39 at diagnosis treated by 903 physicians were identified. Differences in physician and hospital characteristics were examined by age at diagnosis and cancer type (germ cell cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL], and sarcoma) using chi-square tests. RESULTS Treating physicians were predominately 51-64 years old, male, United States-trained in non-pediatric specialties, and in group practices within large metropolitan areas. Older patients were less often treated by pediatric physicians (p < 0.01) and more likely to be treated by United States-trained physicians without research/teaching responsibilities and in hospitals without residency programs (p < 0.05). The majority of the few pediatricians (n = 44) treated ALL patients. Physicians with research/teaching responsibilities and those based in medical schools were more likely to treat patients with ALL and sarcoma compared with other cancer types (p < 0.01). Of HL patients, 73% were treated at a cancer center compared with 56% of patients with germ cell cancer (p < 0.01), while ALL (85%) and sarcoma (87%) patients were more likely to be treated in hospitals with residency programs (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Most AYAs with cancer were treated by non-pediatric physicians in community settings, although physician characteristics varied significantly by patient cancer type and age at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center , San Antonio, Texas
| | - Linda C Harlan
- Applied Research Program, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center , San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Charles F Lynch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin E Kent
- Applied Research Program, National Cancer Institute , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xiao-Cheng Wu
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Stephen M Schwartz
- Epidemiology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington
| | - Roland L Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Gretchen Keel
- Information Management Services , Calverton, Maryland
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Schmidt S, Goros M, Parsons HM, Saygin C, Wan HD, Shireman PK, Gelfond JAL. Improving Initiation and Tracking of Research Projects at an Academic Health Center: A Case Study. Eval Health Prof 2016; 40:372-379. [PMID: 27653774 DOI: 10.1177/0163278716669793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research service cores at academic health centers are important in driving translational advancements. Specifically, biostatistics and research design units provide services and training in data analytics, biostatistics, and study design. However, the increasing demand and complexity of assigning appropriate personnel to time-sensitive projects strains existing resources, potentially decreasing productivity and increasing costs. Improving processes for project initiation, assigning appropriate personnel, and tracking time-sensitive projects can eliminate bottlenecks and utilize resources more efficiently. In this case study, we describe our application of lean six sigma principles to our biostatistics unit to establish a systematic continual process improvement cycle for intake, allocation, and tracking of research design and data analysis projects. The define, measure, analyze, improve, and control methodology was used to guide the process improvement. Our goal was to assess and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations by objectively measuring outcomes, automating processes, and reducing bottlenecks. As a result, we developed a web-based dashboard application to capture, track, categorize, streamline, and automate project flow. Our workflow system resulted in improved transparency, efficiency, and workload allocation. Using the dashboard application, we reduced the average study intake time from 18 to 6 days, a 66.7% reduction over 12 months (January to December 2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schmidt
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Martin Goros
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Can Saygin
- 2 The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hung-Da Wan
- 2 The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Paula K Shireman
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,3 South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan A L Gelfond
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Wettergren L, Kent EE, Mitchell SA, Zebrack B, Lynch CF, Rubenstein MB, Keegan THM, Wu XC, Parsons HM, Smith AW. Cancer negatively impacts on sexual function in adolescents and young adults: The AYA HOPE study. Psychooncology 2016; 26:1632-1639. [PMID: 27240019 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cohort study examined the impact of cancer on sexual function and intimate relationships in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We also explored factors predicting an increased likelihood that cancer had negatively affected these outcomes. METHODS Participants (n = 465, ages 15-39) in the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Outcomes and Patient Experience (AYA HOPE) study completed two surveys approximately 1 and 2 years post-cancer diagnosis. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors negatively affected by perceptions of sexual function at 2 years post-diagnosis. RESULTS Forty-nine percent of AYAs reported negative effects on sexual function at 1 year post-cancer diagnosis and 70% of those persisted in their negative perceptions 2 years after diagnosis. Those reporting a negative impact at 2 years were more likely to be 25 years or older (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.44-4.42), currently not raising children (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.06-3.08), experiencing fatigue (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.975-0.998) and more likely to report that their diagnosis has had a negative effect on physical appearance (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.97-4.81). Clinical factors and mental health were not significant predictors of negative effects on sexual function. CONCLUSIONS Many AYAs diagnosed with cancer experience a persistent negative impact on sexual life up to 2 years following diagnosis. The findings underscore the need to develop routine protocols to assess sexual function in AYAs with cancer and to provide comprehensive management in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Wettergren
- Outcomes Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erin E Kent
- Outcomes Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandra A Mitchell
- Outcomes Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brad Zebrack
- University of Michigan, School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Charles F Lynch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, CA, USA
| | - Xiao-Cheng Wu
- Epidemiology Program/Louisiana Tumor Registry, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ashley Wilder Smith
- Outcomes Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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- The AYA HOPE Study Collaborative Group, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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44
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Parsons HM, Schmidt S, Tenner LL, Bang H, Keegan THM. Early impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on insurance among young adults with cancer: Analysis of the dependent insurance provision. Cancer 2016; 122:1766-73. [PMID: 26998967 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) included provisions to extend dependent health care coverage up to the age of 26 years in 2010. The authors examined the early impact of the ACA (before the implementation of insurance exchanges in 2014) on insurance rates in young adults with cancer, a historically underinsured group. METHODS Using National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data for 18 cancer registries, the authors examined insurance rates before (pre) (January 2007-September 2010) versus after (post) (October 2010-December 2012) dependent insurance provisions among young adults aged 18 to 29 years when diagnosed with cancer during 2007 through 2012. Using multivariate generalized mixed effect models, the authors conducted difference-in-differences analysis to examine changes in overall and Medicaid insurance after the ACA among young adults who were eligible (those aged 18-25 years) and ineligible (those aged 26-29 years) for policy changes. RESULTS Among 39,632 young adult cancer survivors, the authors found an increase in overall insurance rates in those aged 18 to 25 years after the dependent provisions (83.5% for pre-ACA vs 85.4% for post-ACA; P<.01), but not among individuals aged 26 to 29 years (83.4% for pre-ACA vs 82.9% for post-ACA; P = .38). After adjusting for patient sociodemographics and cancer characteristics, the authors found that those aged 18 to 25 years had a 3.1% increase in being insured compared with individuals aged 26 to 29 years (P<.01); however, there were no significant changes noted in Medicaid enrollment (P = .17). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study identify an increase in insurance rates for young adults aged 18 to 25 years compared with those aged 26 to 29 years (1.9% vs -0.5%) that was not due to increases in Medicaid enrollment, thereby demonstrating a positive impact of the ACA dependent care provisions on insurance rates in this population. Cancer 2016;122:1766-73. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Laura L Tenner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Heejung Bang
- Division of Biostatistics, University of California at Davis, Davis, California
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California
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45
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Davidoff AJ, Hu X, Parsons HM, Zheng Z. Early impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on financial worry. J Clin Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.7_suppl.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
44 Background: We examined changes in financial worry for working-aged cancer survivors compared to individuals without a cancer history (controls) after ACA-mandated health insurance enrollment and caps on cost-sharing were implemented in 2014. We hypothesized that cancer survivors would be more likely to report financial worry, and that ACA implementation would reduce financial worry. Methods: We pooled data from the 2013-2014 National Health Interview Survey for adults aged 21-64 years. Cancer survivors were identified based on self-report of ever being told by a physician that they had cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Reports of worry about eight financial matters were dichotomized as “very worried” vs. “less worried”; a summary measure captured reports of being “very worried” about any item. Linear probability regressions assessed the impact of being a cancer survivor and the post-ACA period on high financial worry, controlling for demographics and health status. Interaction terms between cancer and post-ACA tested for differential ACA effects for cancer survivors. Results: Compared to controls (n = 50,304), cancer survivors (n = 2,192) were more likely to report being very worried about finances pre-ACA (46.7% vs. 39.6%) and post-ACA (42.3% vs. 36.0%). The ACA was associated with an adjusted 3.9 (CI: 2.9-4.9) percentage point (PPT) decrease in the probability of financial worry overall. Being a cancer survivor was associated with increased likelihood of being very worried about finances overall (PPT = 3.5, CI: 0.8-6.2), medical costs associated with a serious illness (PPT = 3.4, CI: 0.9-5.9) and normal healthcare (PPT = 3.4, CI: 1.1-5.7), having enough money for retirement (PPT = 2.4, CI: 0.0-4.8), and being able to maintain an enjoyable standard of living (PPT = 2.5, CI: 0.3-4.7). The ACA did not affect financial worry for cancer survivors differently than for controls. Conclusions: The ACA was associated with small but significant reductions in financial worry for working-aged adults, with similar effects for cancer survivors and controls. Cancer survivors were more likely to report financial worry, and worried about both paying for healthcare and the ability to maintain an adequate financial position in the short and longer run.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Hu
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
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46
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Warner EL, Kent EE, Trevino KM, Parsons HM, Zebrack BJ, Kirchhoff AC. Social well-being among adolescents and young adults with cancer: A systematic review. Cancer 2016; 122:1029-37. [PMID: 26848713 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cancer diagnosis during adolescence or young adulthood may negatively influence social well-being. The existing literature concerning the social well-being of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer was reviewed to identify gaps in current research and highlight priority areas for future research. METHODS A systematic review of the scientific literature published in English from 2000 through 2014 was performed. Eligible studies included patients and survivors diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 39 years that reported on social well-being domains in the City of Hope Cancer Survivor Quality of Life Model. Each article was reviewed for relevance using a standardized template. A total of 253 potential articles were identified. After exclusions, a final sample of 26 articles identified domains of social well-being that are believed to be understudied among AYAs with cancer: 1) educational attainment, employment, and financial burden; 2) social relationships; and 3) supportive care. Articles were read in their entirety, single coded, and summarized according to domain. RESULTS AYAs with cancer report difficulties related to employment, educational attainment, and financial stability. They also report problems with the maintenance and development of peer and family relationships, intimate and marital relationships, and peer support. Supportive services are desired among AYAs. Few studies have reported results in reference to comparison samples or by cancer subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Future research studies on AYAs with cancer should prioritize the inclusion of underserved AYA populations, more heterogeneous cancer samples, and comparison groups to inform the development of supportive services. Priority areas for potential intervention include education and employment reintegration, and social support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Echo L Warner
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Erin E Kent
- Outcomes Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kelly M Trevino
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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47
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Parsons HM, Schmidt S, Karnad AB, Liang Y, Pugh MJ, Fox ER. Association Between the Number of Suppliers for Critical Antineoplastics and Drug Shortages: Implications for Future Drug Shortages and Treatment. J Oncol Pract 2016; 12:e289-98, 249-50. [PMID: 26837565 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2015.007237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Congress has identified the critical need to evaluate contributors to ongoing cancer drug shortages. Because increased competition may reduce drug shortages, we investigated the association between the number of suppliers for first-line breast, colon, and lung antineoplastics and drug shortages. DATA AND METHODS Using the 2003 to 2014 Red Book and national drug shortage data from the University of Utah's Drug Information Service, we used exploratory analysis to quantify time trends in first-line drug suppliers and shortages by cancer site. Generalized mixed models were used to examine the association between the number of suppliers for individual drugs and resulting drug shortages. RESULTS Among 35 antineoplastic drugs approved for first-line treatment of breast, colon, and lung cancer, the number of unique suppliers varied greatly (range, 1 to 19). In 2003, 12.5%,33.3%, and 0%of breast, colon, and lung cancer drugs, respectively, experienced shortages, which increased overall by 2014, to 40.0%, 37.5%, and 54.5%, respectively. Having as mall number of drug suppliers more than doubled the odds of shortages compared with a large number of suppliers (≥5), although the results were only statistically significant with three to four suppliers (odds ratio = 2.6, P = .049) but not with one to two suppliers (odds ratio = 3.49, P = .105). One of the strongest risk factors for drug shortages was the age of the drug, with older drugs significantly more likely to experience shortages (P<.001). CONCLUSION Cancer drugs with a small number of suppliers had a higher risk of drug shortages than did those with$5 suppliers, but the relationship was nonlinear. Because the age of the drug is the strongest risk factor, future studies should explore underlying causes of shortages in older drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Anand B Karnad
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Erin R Fox
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; and University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT
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48
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Keegan THM, DeRouen MC, Parsons HM, Clarke CA, Goldberg D, Flowers CR, Glaser SL. Impact of Treatment and Insurance on Socioeconomic Disparities in Survival after Adolescent and Young Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Population-Based Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016; 25:264-73. [PMID: 26826029 PMCID: PMC4767568 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-15-0756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies documented racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in survival after Hodgkin lymphoma among adolescents and young adults (AYA), but did not consider the influence of combined-modality treatment and health insurance. METHODS Data for 9,353 AYA patients ages 15 to 39 years when diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma during 1988 to 2011 were obtained from the California Cancer Registry. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, we examined the impact of sociodemographic characteristics [race/ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES), and health insurance], initial combined-modality treatment, and subsequent cancers on survival. RESULTS Over the 24-year study period, we observed improvements in Hodgkin lymphoma-specific survival by diagnostic period and differences in survival by race/ethnicity, neighborhood SES, and health insurance for a subset of more recently diagnosed patients (2001-2011). In multivariable analyses, Hodgkin lymphoma-specific survival was worse for Blacks than Whites with early-stage [HR: 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-2.49] and late-stage disease (HR: 1.68; 95% CI, 1.17-2.41) and for Hispanics than Whites with late-stage disease (HR: 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.04). AYAs diagnosed with early-stage disease experienced worse survival if they also resided in lower SES neighborhoods (HR: 2.06; 95% CI, 1.59-2.68). Furthermore, more recently diagnosed AYAs with public health insurance or who were uninsured experienced worse Hodgkin lymphoma-specific survival (HR: 2.08; 95% CI, 1.52-2.84). CONCLUSION Our findings identify several subgroups of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at higher risk for Hodgkin lymphoma mortality. IMPACT Identifying and reducing barriers to recommended treatment and surveillance in these AYAs at much higher risk of mortality is essential to ameliorating these survival disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa H M Keegan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California.
| | - Mindy C DeRouen
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, California
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Christina A Clarke
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, California. Department of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Debbie Goldberg
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, California
| | - Christopher R Flowers
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sally L Glaser
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, California. Department of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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49
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Wu XC, Prasad PK, Landry I, Harlan LC, Parsons HM, Lynch CF, Smith AW, Hamilton AS, Keegan THM. Impact of the AYA HOPE Comorbidity Index on Assessing Health Care Service Needs and Health Status among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015; 24:1844-9. [PMID: 26420768 PMCID: PMC4670595 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-15-0401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing comorbidity indices were not developed for adolescent and young adults (AYA) 15 to 39 years of age. The aim of this study was to assess impact of comorbidities on health care service needs and health status among AYA cancer survivors using the newly developed AYA HOPE comorbidity index in comparison with the existing indices. METHODS Data on comorbid conditions were obtained from medical records and service needs and health status were from a survey of AYA cancer survivors. Prevalence of comorbidities was based on the AYA HOPE index. Charlson and NCI indices were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used. RESULTS Of the 485 patients, 14.6% had ≥2 comorbidities based on the AYA HOPE Index. Prevalence of mental illness and obesity/overweight, which were not included in existing indices, were 8.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Prevalence of cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and neurologic conditions were higher with the AYA HOPE Index than the other two indices. Forty percent of AYA patients reported service needs, particularly for mental health services (25.2%) and support groups (17.7%). Having ≥2 comorbidities on the AYA index was associated with higher mental health service needs [OR, 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-3.82] adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Comorbidities were associated with fair/poor self-reported health status. CONCLUSION The AYA HOPE Index is a more comprehensive comorbidity index for AYA cancer patients than existing indices, and the number of comorbidities is associated with service needs and health status. IMPACT The AYA HOPE index could identify patients' additional service needs early in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cheng Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, LSUHSC, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | - Pinki K Prasad
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, LSUSHC/Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Ian Landry
- Department of Epidemiology, LSUHSC, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Linda C Harlan
- Applied Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Helen M Parsons
- University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Charles F Lynch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ashley W Smith
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Davis, California
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50
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Shnorhavorian M, Harlan LC, Smith AW, Keegan THM, Lynch CF, Prasad PK, Cress RD, Wu XC, Hamilton AS, Parsons HM, Keel G, Charlesworth SE, Schwartz SM. Fertility preservation knowledge, counseling, and actions among adolescent and young adult patients with cancer: A population-based study. Cancer 2015. [PMID: 26214755 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fertility of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer can be threatened by treatments, but to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding the extent to which providers discuss this with patients or recommend fertility preservation, or the patient and physician characteristics associated with these interactions. METHODS Questionnaires from 459 AYA patients with cancer who were diagnosed between 2007 and 2008 and recruited through 7 US population-based cancer registries were analyzed using sex-specific multivariable models. The authors assessed characteristics associated with not discussing therapy effects on fertility or fertility preservation options, and not making fertility preservation arrangements. RESULTS Males without a medical oncologist were more likely not to be told that therapy might affect fertility than those with a medical oncologist (male odds ratio [OR], 2.28; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.03-5.00). Individuals without insurance (male OR, 2.91 [95% CI, 1.41-5.91] and female OR, 5.46 [95% CI, 1.59-18.72]); those raising children aged <18 years; and, among males only, those who received treatment posing no or a low fertility risk (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.60-7.16) were more likely not to discuss fertility preservation with providers. Finally, among males, those without a college degree (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.00-3.97), lacking private insurance (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.16-7.63), and raising children aged <18 years (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.63-7.65) were more likely to not make fertility preservation arrangements; too few females had made fertility preservation arrangements for similar analyses to be performed. CONCLUSIONS Discussion and action surrounding fertility preservation for AYA patients with cancer are associated with medical factors, patient socioeconomic data, and child-rearing status. These results highlight the need for insurance coverage for fertility preservation and increased awareness of fertility preservation options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarett Shnorhavorian
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Linda C Harlan
- Applied Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, California.,Department of Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Charles F Lynch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Pinki K Prasad
- Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Rosemary D Cress
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Xiao-Cheng Wu
- Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Gretchen Keel
- Information Management Services Inc, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Sarah E Charlesworth
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephen M Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Epidemiology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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