Article
Oncology
Michael H. Storandt, Urshila Durani, Daniela Stan, Nicole Larson, Charles Loprinzi, Fergus Couch, Janet E. Olson, Nandita Khera, Kathryn J. Ruddy
Summary: This study examined the change in financial concerns over time among breast cancer survivors and identified factors that may contribute to worsening financial concerns. The results showed that more than one in seven breast cancer survivors experience worsening financial concerns within 5 years of diagnosis, and those with poorer initial financial situations are most vulnerable. This highlights the importance of ongoing assessment of survivors' financial well-being by oncology providers.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Irina B. Grafova, Sharon L. Manne, Elisa Bandera, Biren Saraiya, Adana A. M. Llanos, Katie A. Devine, Shawna Hudson, Lisa E. Paddock, Jennifer Tsui, Jennifer Elliott, Antoinette M. Stroup, Paul R. Duberstein
Summary: The study identified predictors of financial hardship among cancer survivors, such as income, employment status, education, race, and gender. Findings suggest a need to improve and expand financial navigation programs, with a focus on strengthening family leave policies for employed survivors.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Sarah D. Tait, Sachiko M. Oshima, Harold J. Leeras, Alexander Gunn, Melissa Sarver, Funda Gunes, Rachel A. Greenup
Summary: In the context of rising healthcare costs, many medical schools lack formal education on treatment-related financial hardship, leaving future physicians undereducated and unprepared for high-value care.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
N. Bhimani, G. Y. M. Wong, C. Molloy, N. Pavlakis, C. I. Diakos, S. J. Clarke, M. Dieng, T. J. Hugh
Summary: This systematic review examines the direct cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer and highlights the significant economic burden it places on healthcare systems. The review emphasizes the need for future research to define cost components and examine the relationship between spending, overall survival, and quality of life.
Article
Oncology
Karely M. van Thiel Berghuijs, Heydon K. Kaddas, Gillian Trujillo, Gazelle Rouhani, Amy Chevrier, Jennifer Ose, David Shibata, Adetunji T. Toriola, Jane C. Figueiredo, Anita R. Peoples, Christopher I. Li, Sheetal Hardikar, Erin M. Siegel, Biljana Gigic, Martin Schneider, Cornelia M. Ulrich, Anne C. Kirchhoff
Summary: Employment and financial hardships are common among working-age colorectal cancer patients. We surveyed survivors to investigate the impact of age at diagnosis on employment, insurance, and financial outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Douglas Fair, Elyse R. Park, Ryan D. Nipp, Julia Rabin, Kelly Hyland, Karen Kuhlthau, Giselle K. Perez, Paul C. Nathan, Gregory T. Armstrong, Kevin C. Oeffinger, Leslie L. Robison, Wendy Leisenring, Anne C. Kirchhoff
Summary: The study found that survivors of childhood cancer and siblings did not significantly differ in the intensity of financial hardship. Insurance was found to be protective against financial hardship. Older age at diagnosis, female gender, chronic health conditions, and treatment with brain radiation or alkylating agents were associated with higher levels of financial hardship.
Article
Oncology
Ning Li, Wenying Deng, Guifang Zhang, Yali Du, Yanwei Guo, Yijie Ma, Chen Wei, Liangyu Bie, Chi Zhang, Tao Song, Suxia Luo, Baijun Fang
Summary: The study demonstrated that low-dose apatinib combined with S-1 showed promising efficacy and manageable toxicity in patients with progressive mCRC after at least 2 prior lines of therapy. Among 30 patients, the median PFS was 7.9 months, mOS was 12.9 months, ORR was 13.79%, and DCR was 89.66%.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Debbie W. Chen, David Reyes-Gastelum, Christine M. Veenstra, Ann S. Hamilton, Mousumi Banerjee, Megan R. Haymart
Summary: The study found that Hispanic women with thyroid cancer who have low acculturation levels are more likely to experience financial hardship. While financial hardship decreases with age for high-acculturated women, it remains elevated across all age groups for low-acculturated women. These findings emphasize the need for tailored patient-focused interventions for low-acculturated Hispanic women with thyroid cancer.
Article
Oncology
Echo L. Warner, Morgan M. Millar, Brian Orleans, Sandra L. Edwards, Marjorie E. Carter, Perla L. Vaca Lopez, Carol Sweeney, Anne C. Kirchhoff
Summary: This study investigated the association between cancer survivor-reported hardships and caregiver employment changes. The results indicated that material hardship, behavioral hardship, and job lock were associated with caregiver employment changes.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Timothy J. D. Ohlsen, Huiqi Wang, David Buchbinder, I-Chan Huang, Arti D. Desai, Zhiyuan Zheng, Anne C. Kirchhoff, Elyse R. Park, Kevin Krull, Rena M. Conti, Yutaka Yasui, Wendy Leisenring, Gregory T. Armstrong, K. Robin Yabroff, Paul C. Nathan, Eric J. Chow
Summary: Adult siblings of childhood cancer survivors may experience greater aspects of financial hardship compared with the general population. Childhood cancer may adversely affect entire households, with potentially lasting implications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Courtney D. Williams, Gabrielle Rocque, Nicole Caston, Kathleen S. Gallagher, Rebekah S. M. T. Angove, Eric C. Anderson, Janet de Moor, Michael Halpern, Anaeze Offodile II, Risha Gidwani
Summary: This study evaluates the association between health insurance coverage and financial hardship among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that despite 97% of cancer survivors being insured, 31% and 57% reported difficulty in paying for healthcare and non-healthcare needs, respectively. The study emphasizes the importance of paying attention to both medical and non-medical financial burden.
Article
Oncology
Tetsuo Ishizaki, Junichi Mazaki, Masanobu Enomoto, Masatoshi Shigoka, Kenta Kasahara, Takaaki Matsudo, Hideaki Kawakita, Yuichi Nagakawa, Kenji Katsumata, Akihiko Tsuchida
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of biweekly TAS-102 with bevacizumab combination therapy in patients with mCRC. The results showed prolonged progression-free and overall survival, reduced incidence of grade 3 or more neutropenia, and maintained performance status for patients, making this combination a potential treatment option for late-stage mCRC receiving third-or later-line therapy.
ANTICANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
April L. Metzger, Adams Kusi Appiah, Christopher M. Wright, Vikram Jairam, Arya Amini, Henry S. Park, James W. Welsh, Charles R. Thomas, Vivek Verma, Ethan B. Ludmir
Summary: Financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) may bias oncologic randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with investigators receiving substantial amounts of payments potentially influencing trial outcomes. Analysis shows that higher payments were associated with certain types of trials and medical specialties, highlighting the need for thorough scrutiny to ensure trial integrity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Theresa A. Hastert, Mrudula Nair, Susan Eggly
Summary: This study examines the communication-related concerns of oncology providers in addressing financial issues with cancer patients. The researchers conducted interviews with 17 providers and found that communication issues varied by provider type. Clinicians identified lack of information and time constraints as barriers, while social workers/navigators emphasized the importance of establishing relationships and revisiting cost concerns over time. Attorneys endorsed more and earlier cost communication to prevent financial hardship.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Salene M. W. Jones, Mimi Ton, Jaimee L. Heffner, Rachel C. Malen, Stacey A. Cohen, Polly A. Newcomb
Summary: Financial worry among cancer survivors is associated with anxiety, depression, and worse quality of life. Only current tobacco use is associated with financial worry, while misuse of cannabis, alcohol, and prescription drugs is not. Addressing financial worry and material hardship is important for cancer survivors' mental health and quality of life.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Dawn L. Hershman, Cathee Till, Lori M. Minasian, Raymond U. Osarogiagbon, Mark E. Fleury, Riha Vaidya
Summary: The study found that more than half of cancer patients offered clinical trials actually choose to participate. Factors such as race and type of treatment did not significantly affect participation rates. The main reasons for nonparticipation were treatment choice or lack of interest.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Laurie E. McLouth, Chandylen L. Nightingale, Emily Dressler, Anna C. Snavely, Matthew F. Hudson, Joseph M. Unger, Anne E. Kazak, Simon J. Craddock Lee, Jean Edward, Ruth Carlos, Charles S. Kamen, Heather B. Neuman, Kathryn E. Weaver
Summary: Most NCORP practice groups screen for financial concerns and half have a cancer-specific financial navigator. Practices serving more racial or ethnic minority patients are less likely to screen and have a designated financial navigator.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Dawn L. Hershman, Alfred Neugut, Anna Moseley, Kathryn B. Arnold, Julie R. Gralow, N. Lynn Henry, Grace Clarke Hillyer, Scott D. Ramsey, Joseph M. Unger
Summary: Younger patients and multiple baseline patient-reported outcome factors were found to be significantly associated with nonadherence to aromatase inhibitors. Using these assessments can help identify patients for targeted interventions to improve adherence.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Anna B. Moseley, Christabel K. Cheung, Raymond U. Osarogiagbon, Banu Symington, Scott D. Ramsey, Dawn L. Hershman
Summary: Patients with cancer from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas participating in clinical trials have worse survival outcomes, with higher area-level socioeconomic deprivation associated with poorer overall, progression-free, and cancer-specific survival. The etiology of this disparity may be related to reduced access to supportive care or post-protocol therapy and/or differences in health status not reflected by protocol selection criteria.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Joseph M. Unger, Hong Xiao
Summary: The study found a significant decrease in the activation of clinical trials in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to trials conducted outside the US. Additionally, the rebound in trial activations during the initial reopening phase was weaker for US-based studies compared to non-US-based studies.
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Melissa Beauchemin, Dawn L. Hershman
Summary: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients have not experienced the same survival improvements as pediatric or older adult patients, potentially due to lower participation in clinical trials. This study found that AYA patients were well represented in SWOG trials, with a more racially/ethnically diverse population compared to older patients, but less diversity compared to the US AYA cancer population.
Article
Oncology
David Hui, Amy K. Darke, Katherine A. Guthrie, Ishwaria M. Subbiah, Joseph M. Unger, Dawn L. Hershman, Robert S. Krouse, Marie Bakitas, Mark A. O'Rourke
Summary: This study examined the association between health-related quality of life and time to disease progression. The findings suggest that higher baseline quality of life scores may be associated with better progression-free survival and overall survival. These results highlight the potential of using quality of life as a stratification factor in clinical trials.
JCO ONCOLOGY PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Riha Vaidya, Kathy S. Albain, Michael LeBlanc, Lori M. Minasian, Carolyn C. Gotay, N. Lynn Henry, Michael J. Fisch, Shing M. Lee, Charles D. Blanke, Dawn L. Hershman
Summary: Women have a higher risk of severe adverse events (AEs) from cancer treatment compared to men, especially in immunotherapy. The study found that there are broad-based sex differences in the severity of symptomatic AEs and hematologic AEs across different treatment modalities. Understanding the sex differences in AEs is important, particularly in the context of immunotherapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. M. Unger, Michael LeBlanc, Suzanne George, Norman Wolmark, Walter J. J. Curran Jr, Peter J. J. O'Dwyer, Mitchell D. D. Schnall, Robert S. S. Mannel, Sumithra J. J. Mandrekar, Robert J. J. Gray, Fengmin Zhao, Mariama Bah, Riha Vaidya, Charles D. D. Blanke
Summary: The National Cancer Institute National Cancer Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) groups in the United States have conducted publicly funded oncology research for 50 years, but the combined impact of all adult network group trials has never been systematically examined.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Lu Qian, Mary W. Redman, Susan S. Tavernier, Lori Minasian, Ellen Sigal, Vassiliki A. Papadimitrakopoulou, Michael Leblanc, Charles S. Cleeland, Samuel A. Dzingle, Thomas J. Summers, Herta Chao, Sheshadri Madhusudhana, Liza Villaruz, Jeffrey Crawford, Jhanelle E. Gray, Karen L. Kelly, David R. Gandara, Lyudmila Bazhenova, Roy S. Herbst, Scott N. Gettinger, Carol M. Moinpour
Summary: This study compared the effects of nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus nivolumab alone on the survival and quality of life in patients with advanced squamous cell lung cancer. The results showed that the combination therapy did not improve the patients' quality of life. Appetite loss and shortness of breath were identified as important factors predicting poor prognosis.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Cathee Till, Jessica P. Hwang, Kathryn B. Arnold, Michael Leblanc, Dawn L. Hershman, Scott D. Ramsey
Summary: Researchers have identified a risk model with 7 factors and constructed a risk score with 4 levels to predict the presence of viral infection in cancer patients. Using this model, individuals in the highest risk group were 18 times more likely to be viral positive compared to those with no risk factors. A risk-stratified screening approach using this limited set of questions could be an effective strategy to streamline screening for viral infection.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Joseph M. Unger, Hillary Stires, Laura A. Levit, Mark Stewart, Brittany Avin Mckelvey, Beverly Canin, Emily Dressler, Keith Flaherty, Peter Fredette, Lee Jones, Peggy Mccann, Therica Miller, Adedayo A. Onitilo, Fran Palmieri, Timil Patel, Rocio Paul, Gary L. Smith, Suanna S. Bruinooge, Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer, Xiudong Jennifer Lei, Ajjai Alva, Caroline Schenkel
Summary: Despite temporary increases in protocol deviations reported by nearly all sponsors during the COVID-19 pandemic, most stated that it had minimal to no impact on overall data integrity. The pandemic accelerated a trend toward greater flexibility in trial conduct, potentially reducing burden on participants and sites and improving patient access to research.
JCO ONCOLOGY PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hong Xiao, Fang Liu, Joseph M. Unger
Summary: The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus Omicron variant in Shanghai in April 2022 resulted in a significant decrease in healthcare utilization, both in Shanghai and other regions. The stringency of mitigation strategies is directly associated with a further reduction in healthcare utilization.
COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
N. Lynn Henry, Joseph M. Unger, Cathee Till, Katherine D. Crew, Michael J. Fisch, Dawn L. Hershman
Summary: This study identified that breast cancer patients with AI-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) who have lower symptom and functional distress at study entry in AIMSS intervention trials are more likely to experience meaningful pain reduction. Baseline symptom and functional status should be considered as stratification factors in future interventional trials.
JNCI CANCER SPECTRUM
(2021)