Pilot study of patient and caregiver out-of-pocket costs of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Financial Toxicity and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Stem-Cell Transplant Evaluation: A Single-Center Analysis

PURPOSE

We investigated the prevalence of financial toxicity in a population undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) evaluation and measured its impact on post-transplant clinical and health-related quality-of-life outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study in patients undergoing evaluation for allogeneic HCT between January 1, 2018, and September 23, 2020, at a large academic medical center. Financial health was measured via a baseline survey and the comprehensive score for financial toxicity-functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (COST-FACIT) survey. The cohort was divided into three groups: none (grade 0), mild (grade 1), and moderate-high financial toxicity (grades 2-3). Health-related quality of life outcomes were measured at multiple time points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated factors associated with financial toxicity. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and nonrelapse survival.

RESULTS

Of 245 patients evaluated for transplant, 176 (71.8%) completed both questionnaires (median age was 57 years, 63.1% were male, 72.2% were White, and 39.2% had myelodysplastic syndrome, 38.1% leukemia, and 13.6% lymphoma). At initial evaluation, 83 (47.2%) patients reported no financial toxicity, 51 (29.0%) with mild, and 42 (23.9%) with moderate-high financial toxicity. Patients with financial toxicity reported significant cost-cutting behaviors, including reduced spending on food or clothing, using their savings, or not filling a prescription because of costs (P < .0001). Quality of life was lower in patients with moderate-high financial toxicity at 6 months (P = .0007) and 1 year (P = .0075) after transplant. Older age (>62; odds ratio [OR], 0.33 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.79]; P = .04) and income ≥$60,000 in US dollars (USD) (OR, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.08 to 0.38]; P < .0001) were associated with lower odds of financial toxicity. No association was noted between financial toxicity and selection for transplant, OS, or nonrelapse mortality.

CONCLUSION

Financial toxicity was highly correlated with patient-reported changes in compensatory behavior, with notable impact on patient quality of life after transplant.

Utilization and outcome disparities in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in the United States

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) is increasingly being used in the United States (US) and across the world as a curative therapeutic option for patients with certain high-risk hematologic malignancies and non-malignant diseases. However, racial and ethnic disparities in utilization of the procedure and in outcome following transplant remain major problems. Racial and ethnic minority patients are consistently under-represented in the proportion of patients who undergo allo-HSCT in the US. The transplant outcomes in these patients are also inferior. The interrelated driving forces responsible for the differences in the utilization and transplant outcome of the medical intervention are socioeconomic status, complexity of the procedure, geographical barriers, and the results of differences in the genetics and comorbidities across different races. Bridging the disparity gaps is important not only to provide equity and inclusion in the utilization of this potentially life-saving procedure but also in ensuring that minority groups are well represented for research studies about allo-HSCT. This is required to determine interventions that may be more efficacious in particular racial and ethnic groups. Various strategies at the Federal, State, and Program levels have been designed to bridge the disparity gaps with varying successes. In this review paper, we will examine the disparities and discuss the strategies currently available to address the utilization and outcome gaps between patients of different races in the US.

A dyadic analysis of financial toxicity and health-related quality of life among bone marrow transplant patients and their caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Relatively few dyad-based studies have evaluated the shared psychosocial and financial toxicity (FT) experiences of hematologic patients and their caregivers, especially those undergoing bone marrow transplantations (BMTs). This study evaluated the association of FT with health-related quality of life (QOL) among BMT patient-caregiver dyads.

METHODS

Survey and electronic health record data were collected between April 2021 and January 2022 from BMT patients and their caregivers pre- (T1) and post-intervention (T2). Thirty-four patient-caregiver dyads completed surveys; all dyads included a patient experiencing elevated T1 FT. The effect of the total FT score (i.e., the combination of psychological response, coping behaviors, and material conditions domain scores) on physical health, mental health, anxiety, depression and distress scores was evaluated using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling (APIM).

RESULTS

Patients and caregivers who reported lower total FT scores had better physical and mental health, and lower anxiety, depressive symptoms, distress (APIM actor effects). None of the partner effects were significant in the APIM models. Other model findings indicated that compared with caregivers, patients had lower reported physical health; mental health scores were higher, on average, for all participants at the T2 compared with T1; and members of dyads whose caregiver took time off work reported better physical health and lower depressive symptoms and distress than those whose caregiver did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study addresses a significant gap in dyad-based cancer FT studies; the findings underscore the need for additional research to help develop tailored dyad-level FT interventions for improving health-related QOL among BMT patients.

Hospitalization and Healthcare Resource Utilization of Omidubicel-Onlv versus Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies: Secondary Analysis from a Pivotal Phase 3 Clinical Trial

A phase 3 trial (ClincialTrials.gov identifier NCT02730299) of omidubicel-onlv, a nicotinamide-modified allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell therapy manufactured from a single umbilical cord blood (UCB) unit, showed faster hematopoietic recovery, reduced rate of infections, and shorter hospital stay compared with patients randomized to standard UCB. This prospective secondary analysis of the phase 3 trial characterized resource utilization in the first 100 days post-transplantation with omidubicel-onlv compared with UCB. This analysis examined resource utilization, including hospital length of stay, hospital care setting, visits by provider type, rate of transfusions, and readmissions, among the 108 treated patients (omidubicel-onlv, n = 52; UCB, n = 56) from day 0 to day 100 post-transplantation. Demographics were generally balanced between the 2 arms, except a higher proportion of females (52% versus 37%) and older median age (40 years versus 36 years) were noted in the omidubicel-onlv arm. Compared with patients receiving UCB transplantation, patients receiving omidubicel-onlv had a shorter average total hospital length of stay (mean, 41.2 days versus 50.8 days; P = .027) in the first 100 days post-transplantation and more days alive and out of the hospital (mean, 55.8 days versus 43.7 days; P = .023). Fewer patients died in the omidubicel-onlv arm compared with the UCB arm (12% vs 16%) before day 100 post-transplantation. During primary hospitalization (ie, time from transplantation to discharge), fewer patients receiving omidubicel-onlv required intensive care unit (ICU) admission (10% versus 23%) and spent fewer days in the ICU (mean, .4 day versus 4.7 days; P = .028) and transplant unit (mean, 25.3 days versus 32.9 days; P = .022) compared with those receiving UCB. Patients receiving omidubicel-onlv required fewer outpatient consultant and nonconsultant visits and fewer platelet or other transfusions within 100 days from transplantation. Our findings suggest that faster hematopoietic recovery in omidubicel-onlv patients is associated with significantly shorter hospital stay and reduced healthcare resource use compared with UCB.

Financial burden and recommended multilevel solutions among caregivers of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The healthcare costs of patients who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are substantial. At the same time, the increasing use of pediatric HSCT leaves more caregivers of pediatric HSCT recipients at risk for financial burden-an understudied area of research.

METHODS

Financial burden experienced by caregivers of recipients who received autologous or allogeneic transplants was assessed using an explanatory mixed-methods design including a one-time survey and semi-structured interviews. Financial burden was assessed through an adapted COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) as well as questions about the types of out-of-pocket costs and cost-coping behaviors. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used to assess differences in costs incurred and coping behaviors by financial toxicity and financial toxicity by demographic factors. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using directed content analysis.

RESULTS

Of 99 survey participants, 64% experienced high financial toxicity (COST ≤ $ \le \;$ 22). Caregivers with high financial toxicity were more likely to report costs related to transportation and diet. High financial toxicity was associated with nearly all cost-coping behaviors (e.g., borrowed money). High financial toxicity was also associated with increased use of hospital financial support and transportation assistance. Qualitative analysis resulted in four categories that were integrated with quantitative findings: (1) care-related out-of-pocket costs incurred, (2) cost-coping behaviors, (3) financial support resources used, and (4) multilevel recommendations for reducing financial burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the substantial, long-term financial burden among pediatric HSCT patients and their caregivers, this population would benefit from adapted and tailored financial burden interventions.

Financial toxicity in patients with leukemia undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review

Financial toxicity (FT) is a term used to describe the objective financial burden of cancer care including the associated coping behaviors used by patients and their caregivers. FT has been shown to result in both direct financial burdens and in clinically relevant outcomes, such as non-adherence with care, diminished quality of life, and even decreased overall survival. Much of the data has been described in solid tumors, with limited investigations in the malignant hematology population. Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) face a unique financial burden driven by lengthy hospitalizations and acute and chronic morbidity that have downstream implications on their income and costs. In this review, we discuss the prevalence of FT in patients with leukemia who are eligible for HSCT. We review the impact of FT on financial and clinical outcomes and the role of various interventions that have been studied within this population.

Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links: Addressing Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Hematologic Cancer and Their Caregivers

PURPOSE

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an oncology financial navigation (OFN) intervention, Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links (CC Links), among patients with hematologic cancer and their caregivers who are at increased risk of experiencing financial toxicity (FT).

METHODS

All patients who presented to the Division of Hematology and Bone and Marrow Transplant (BMT) at an National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center between April 2021 and January 2022 were screened for FT during inpatient and outpatient visits. Patients who screened positive for FT and met the inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in CC Links that provided financial navigation and assistance via a financial navigator. Caregivers of patients undergoing BMTs were also recruited to participate. Primary outcomes were defined as improvements in FT, distress, and physical and mental quality of life.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients and 32 caregivers completed the intervention and pre-/postintervention surveys. CC Links resulted in statistically significant decreases in the Comprehensive Score for FT for both patients (|t| = 2.42, P = .019) and caregivers (|t| = 2.43, P = .021) and total FT (|t| = 2.13, P = .041) and material conditions scores (|t| = 2.25, P = .031) for caregivers only. Only 27% of eligible patients participated in the study, whereas 100% of eligible caregivers participated. The majority of participants rated the intervention highly for acceptability (89%) and appropriateness (88%). An average of $2,500 (USD) in financial benefits was secured per participant via CC Links.

CONCLUSION

CC Links was effective in decreasing FT among patients with hematologic cancer and their caregivers while demonstrating high acceptability and appropriateness ratings.

Financial Burden in Blood or Marrow Transplantation Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A BMTSS Report

PURPOSE

The financial burden experienced by blood or marrow transplant (BMT) survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unstudied. We evaluated the risk for high out-of-pocket medical costs and associated financial burden experienced by BMT survivors and a sibling comparison group during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study included 2,370 BMT survivors and 750 siblings who completed the BMT Survivor Study survey during the pandemic. Participants reported employment status, out-of-pocket medical costs, and financial burden. Medical expenses ≥ 10% of the annual household income constituted high out-of-pocket medical costs. Logistic regression identified factors associated with high out-of-pocket medical costs and financial burden.

RESULTS

BMT survivors were more likely to incur high out-of-pocket medical costs (11.3% v 3.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.88; 95% CI, 1.84 to 4.50) than the siblings. Survivor characteristics associated with high out-of-pocket medical costs included younger age at study (aORper_year_younger_age, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.03), lower prepandemic annual household income and/or education (< $50,000 US dollars and/or < college graduate: aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.42 to 2.69; reference: ≥ $50,000 in US dollars and ≥ college graduate), > 1 chronic health condition (aOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.00 to 3.98), ≥ 1 hospitalization during the pandemic (aOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.89), and being unemployed during the pandemic (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.17). Among BMT survivors, high out-of-pocket medical costs were significantly associated with problems in paying medical bills (aOR, 10.57; 95% CI, 7.39 to 15.11), deferring medical care (aOR, 4.93; 95% CI, 3.71 to 6.55), taking a smaller dose of medication than prescribed (aOR, 4.99; 95% CI, 3.23 to 7.70), and considering filing for bankruptcy (aOR, 3.80; 95% CI, 2.14 to 6.73).

CONCLUSION

BMT survivors report high out-of-pocket medical costs, which jeopardizes their health care and may affect health outcomes. Policies aimed at reducing financial burden in BMT survivors, such as expanding access to patient assistance programs, may mitigate the negative health consequences.

Home-Based Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the United States

Patients undergoing allogeneic (allo) and autologous (auto) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) require extensive hospitalizations or daily clinic visits for the duration of their transplantation. Home HCT, wherein patients live at home and providers make daily trips to the patient's residence to perform assessments and deliver any necessary interventions, may enhance patient quality of life and improve outcomes. We conducted the first study of home HCT in the United States to evaluate this model in the US healthcare setting and to determine the effect on clinical outcomes and quality of life. This case-control study evaluated patients who received home HCT at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, from November 2012 to March 2018. Each home HCT patient was matched with 2 controls from the same institution who had received standard treatment based on age, disease, and type of transplant for outcomes comparison. Clinical outcomes were abstracted from electronic health records, and quality of life was assessed via Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant. Clinical outcomes were compared with Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test (continuous variables) or chi-square test (categorical variables). Quality of life scores were compared using the Student t-test. All analyses used a significance threshold of 0.05. Twenty-five patients received home HCT, including 8 allos and 17 autos. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the home HCT patients and their matched controls; home HCT patients had decreased incidence of relapse within 1 year of transplantation. Pre-HCT quality of life was well preserved for autologous home HCT patients. This Phase I study demonstrated that home HCT can be successfully implemented in the United States. There was no evidence that home HCT outcomes were inferior to standard-of-care treatment, and patients undergoing autologous home HCT were able to maintain their quality of life. A Phase II randomized trial of home versus standard HCT is currently underway to better compare outcomes and costs.

Cost of HSCT in a Tertiary Care Public Sector Hospital in India

India harbours a significant burden of hematological diseases including cancers for which Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) is a definitive life-saving procedure. Very few studies in India have carried out the costing of the important procedure, hence we undertook a study to ascertain the cost of auto HCT in our tertiary care teaching hospital. We did a prospective study using Top-down and Bottom-up approach to arrive at the cost of autologous HCT which came out to be INR 699,200 ($10,282) out of which hospital bears 34% of the cost. The major share of the hospital cost is on account of expenditure on Human Resources. The rest 66% is Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) for the patients. We also calculated the cost which is borne by patient attendants over & above the cost of procedure while caring for the patient, which on an average came to be INR 88,598. This is approximately 19% of the cost borne by the patient for the procedure itself. The cost is usually not factored in while contemplating the procedure and is not covered by any insurance scheme. The overall cost, OOPE & attendant cost can all lead to a substantial financial hardship. Hence, steps need to be taken to make HCT an affordable and accessible procedure.

Health-Related and Economic Burden Among Family Caregivers of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Hematological Malignancies

Introduction

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with lower survival and greater unmet need compared with some other hematologic malignancies (HMs). Despite differences in acuteness between AML and other HMs, the burden of family caregivers (FCs) of patients with these malignancies offer similar patient experiences. A targeted literature review was conducted to explore FC burden of patients with AML and HM with and without hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Instruments to measure and interventions to address FC burden were identified.

Methods

Studies on economic burden and compromised health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with FC burden, family affairs, and childcare from 1 January 2010 to 30  June 2019 were identified through database and hand searches. Published English articles on randomized controlled trials or standardized qualitative or quantitative observational studies were included. FCs were those in close familial proximity to the patient (i.e., spouse, parents, children, relatives, other family members, significant others).

Results

Seventy-one publications were identified (AML, n = 3; HM, n = 29; HSCT, n = 39). Predominant burden categories included humanistic (n = 33), economic (n = 17), and interventions (n = 22); one study was classified as humanistic and economic. FCs lack sufficient resources to manage stressors and experience negative psychological, behavioral, and physiological effects. FCs of patients with HMs reported post-traumatic stress disorder, significant sleep problems, moderate-to-poor HRQoL, and negative impacts on family relationships. Instruments designed to measure caregiver burden were generic and symptom-specific. Educational, expressional, and self-adjustment interventions were used to improve FC burden.

Conclusion

Findings indicate a need for additional research, public health approaches to support FCs, and effective interventions to address FC burden. Minimizing FC burden and improving quality of life may reduce the overall healthcare service use and allow FCs to more effectively fulfill caregiver tasks. Support systems to alleviate caregiver burden may create reinforced integrators, thus positively affecting quality of life and possibly the outcomes of patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01872-x.

Experiences and needs of people with haematological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Objective

Haematological cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID‐19. In addition to being immunocompromised, pandemic‐related travel restrictions have impacted access to treatments and overseas stem cell donations for patients requiring transplantation. Given this vulnerability, people with haematological cancers are at risk of experiencing heightened distress during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore haematological cancer patients' experiences and needs.

Methods

Twenty‐four Australian haematological cancer patients completed semi‐structured interviews exploring their concerns and worries during the pandemic, impact of pandemic on management of disease, access to information and support, lifestyle changes, and attitudes towards emerging models of healthcare during the pandemic. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes reflecting the experiences of haematological cancer patients during the pandemic were identified: ‘Fears about contracting COVID‐19' (behaviour changes to protect health, impact on daily routine and habits, annoyance at dismissive attitude of others toward COVID‐19); ‘Reduced sense of connection and support’ (reduced social support and access to external support services); ‘New challenges’ (increased financial hardship, worsened health), and; ‘Underlying system and communication issues' (access to trusted information, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with care, navigating telehealth). Participants expressed a need for improved access to support services and trusted information.

Conclusions

The findings emphasise the additional challenges experienced by haematological cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their impact on daily life. Results point to the importance of validation of increased distress during periods of uncertainty; reinforcing recommendations about high‐quality sources of information; and facilitating access to support services when face‐to‐face care is limited.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence among haematological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disruptive effect on people with haematological cancers, who represent a high-risk population due to the nature of their disease and immunosuppressive treatments. We aimed to identify the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on haematology patients and identify correlated factors to inform the development of appropriate supportive interventions.

Methods

Three hundred and ninety-four respondents volunteered their participation in response to a study advertisement distributed online through established haematology groups. Participants completed a self-report online survey exploring wellbeing, psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence.

Results

At least 1 in 3 respondents (35%) reported clinical levels of distress and nearly 1 in 3 (32%) identified at least one unmet need. Among respondents in remission (n = 134), clinical fear of cancer recurrence was reported by nearly all (95%). Unmet needs, pre-existing health conditions, younger age, financial concerns, and perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 were the dominant factors contributing to psychological distress during the pandemic. Psychological distress, lost income, perceived inadequate support from care team, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, and being a woman were significantly associated with unmet needs. Psychological distress and concern about the impact of COVID-19 on cancer management were significantly associated with fear of cancer recurrence among respondents in remission.

Conclusion

Results highlight the high psychological burden and unmet needs experienced by people with haematological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicate a need for innovative solutions to rapidly identify distress and unmet needs during, and beyond, pandemic times.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-021-06369-5.

A theoretical model of financial burden after cancer diagnosis

Current models of financial burden after cancer do not adequately define types of financial burden, moderators or causes. We propose a new theoretical model to address these gaps. This model delineates the components of financial burden as material and psychological as well as healthcare-specific (affording treatment) versus general (affording necessities). Psychological financial burden is further divided into worry about future costs and rumination about past and current financial burden. The model hypothesizes costs and employment changes as causes, and moderators include precancer socioeconomic status and post-diagnosis factors. The model outlines outcomes affected by financial burden, including depression and mortality. Theoretically derived measures of financial burden, interventions and policy changes to address the causes of financial burden in cancer are needed.

Driving Distance and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors

Long driving distances to transplantation centers may impede access to care for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. As a secondary analysis from the multicenter INSPIRE study (NCT01602211), we examined baseline data from relapse-free HCT adult survivors (2 to 10 years after allogeneic or autologous HCT) to investigate the association between driving distances and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures of distress and physical function. We analyzed predictors of elevated distress and impaired physical function using logistic regression models that operationalized driving distance first as a continuous variable and separately as a dichotomous variable (<100 versus 100+ miles). Of 1136 patients available for analysis from 6 US centers, median driving distance was 82 miles and 44% resided 100+ miles away from their HCT centers. Elevated distress was reported by 32% of patients, impaired physical function by 19%, and both by 12%. Driving distance, whether operationalized as a continuous or dichotomous variable, had no impact on distress or physical function in linear regression modeling (95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.00, for both PROs with driving distance as a continuous variable). In contrast, chronic graft-versus-host-disease, lower income, and lack of Internet access independently predicted both elevated distress and impaired physical function. In summary, we found no impact of driving distance on distress and physical function among HCT survivors. Our results have implications for how long-term follow-up care is delivered after HCT, with regard to the negligible impact of driving distances on PROs and also the risk of a "digital divide" worsening outcomes among HCT survivors without Internet access.

Developing an Educational Intervention to Address Financial Hardship in Cancer Patients

Objective

To develop an educational intervention to empower patients to manage their financial health better.

Participants and Methods

This study was conducted from September 1, 2017, to January 31, 2019. Focus groups were held with social workers, case managers, and patient financial service staff and interviews were conducted with patients and caregivers to inform the content, delivery format, and timing of an intervention for mitigating financial hardship from treatment (phase 1). Based on qualitative data, theories of adult learning, and a review of the literature, we created an educational presentation to be delivered in a classroom setting. Two patient focus groups were then held for feedback on the presentation (phase 2).

Results

In phase 1, both patients and allied health care staff providers believed that an educational intervention about financial aspects of care early during treatment would help them cope and plan better. Participants' suggestions for the intervention's content included billing information, insurance, authorization processes, employment policies related to health care and disability benefits, and alternative financial resources. Based on these suggestions, a preliminary educational presentation was developed with 3 main themes: insurance issues, employment issues, and financial health. Phase 2 focus group participants suggested refinement of the presentation, including targeting specific groups, adding graphics, and more information about resources.

Conclusion

Our study provides the basis for a patient-centered education module for emotional, instrumental, and informational support for financial distress for use in a clinical setting.

Caregivers' Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Time Commitment Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at a Rural Cancer Center

The emotional and physical toll on caregivers of cancer patients is well documented, but research evaluating the financial burdens and time commitments of caregivers is limited. We suspected that the rural location of our cancer center would intensify these burdens for caregivers. We conducted a prospective trial to assess the out-of-pocket expenses and time commitment of caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients within the first 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital from a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. These results show that caregivers of autologous recipients paid out-of-pocket expenses of $196 over 4 weeks. If lost wages were included, the expenses increased to $736 during this period. Caregivers of allogeneic recipients had out-of-pocket expenses of $110 in 4 weeks, or a total of $610 when lost wages were included. In the month after discharge from the hospital, caregivers traveled a median distance of 450 miles or 560 miles, depending on whether the patient received an autologous transplant or an allogeneic transplant, respectively. These results demonstrate a compelling need to address caregiver support, given the significant financial out-of-pocket expenses and time commitment.

Primary Care Physician Perspectives on Caring for Adult Survivors of Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Primary care physicians (PCPs) may face barriers to caring for hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors.

METHODS

A Web-based survey consisting of 40 questions and 2 case scenarios was administered to 302 PCPs at 2 large integrated health care systems. The questionnaire assessed perceived barriers to delivery of care to hematologic malignancy/HCT survivors, resources available to care for cancer survivors, practices for care coordination with hematologist-oncologists, and preferred models of care delivery.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 30% (n = 86). PCPs reported several barriers such as lack of resources to facilitate care (69%), lack of awareness of screening/prevention guidelines (55%) and psychosocial needs of survivors (65%), inadequate time (65%), and patient preference to follow up with their oncologists (66%). They expressed confidence in caring for general medical issues (84%) and general cancer screening (73%), but they preferred that oncologists manage cancer-related medical issues (42%) as well as screen for cancer recurrence (52%) and secondary cancers (55%). In multivariable analysis, PCPs who had previously cared for a large number of hematologic malignancy/HCT survivors and those with a longer time since graduation from medical school had greater confidence in managing cancer-related medical issues.

CONCLUSION

PCPs report several barriers in providing care to hematologic malignancy/HCT survivors. Clinical experience with this patient population is associated with greater confidence in providing survivorship care. Several barriers identified by PCPs in providing survivorship care to hematologic malignancy/HCT survivors are potentially addressable by education and clinical decision support tools and guidelines, thereby enhancing the patients' clinical experience and care coordination with hematologist-oncologists.

Relationship between paid leave, financial burden, and patient-reported outcomes among employed patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation

PURPOSE

The US does not have universal paid family and medical leave. We examine the direct effects of access to paid leave on patient-reported health, quality of life (QOL), and perceived stress of employed patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to treat advanced blood cancer as well as the indirect effects through reductions in the financial burden (FB) that patients face.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional observational study took place at three US transplantation centers in 2014 and 2015. All English-speaking cancer patients 6-month post-BMT were mailed a 43-item survey assessing financial situation, employer benefits, and patient-reported health outcomes. The sample includes the 171 respondents who were employed at the time of BMT.

RESULTS

Seemingly unrelated regression analysis confirms that patient access to paid leave was associated with reductions in all three measures of FB, and lower levels of financial hardship were related with improved health, QOL, and perceived stress outcomes. For self-reported health and perceived stress outcomes, all of the effects of patient paid leave operate indirectly through reductions in FB. For QOL outcomes, there is both a direct effect (over 80%) of paid leave and an indirect effect through reduction of FB.

CONCLUSION

We found that paid leave affected health outcomes for BMT patients mostly through alleviating FB. These findings suggest universal paid leave policies in the US might alleviate financial hardship and have positive effects on the self-reported QOL of employed patients facing intensive medical treatments.

Comparison of Graft Acquisition and Early Direct Charges of Haploidentical Related Donor Transplantation versus Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Alternative donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (HCTs), such as double umbilical cord blood transplants (dUCBT) and haploidentical related donor transplants (haplo-HCT), have been shown to be safe and effective in adult patients who do not have an HLA-identical sibling or unrelated donor available. Most transplant centers have committed to 1 of the 2 alternative donor sources, even with a lack of published randomized data directly comparing outcomes and comparative data on the cost-effectiveness of dUCBT versus haplo-HCT. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate and compare the early costs and charges of haplo-HCT and dUCBT in the first 100 days at 2 US transplant centers. Forty-nine recipients of haplo-HCT (at 1 center) and 37 with dUCBT (at another center) were included in the analysis. We compared graft acquisition, inpatient/outpatient, and total charges in the first 100 days. The results of the analysis showed a significantly lower cost of graft acquisition and lower total charges (for 100-day HCT survivors) in favor of haplo-HCT. Importantly, to control for the obvious shortcomings of comparing costs at 2 different transplant centers, adjustments were made based on the current (2018) local wage index and inflation rate. In the absence of further guidance from a prospective study, the cost analysis in this study suggests that haplo-HCT may result in early cost savings over dUCBT and may be preferred by transplant centers and for patients with more limited resources.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Mucopolysaccharidoses: Past, Present, and Future

Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has proven to be a viable treatment option for a selected group of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), including those with MPS types I, II, IVA, VI, and VII. Early diagnosis and timely referral to an expert in MPS are critical, followed by a complete examination and evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a transplantation physician. Treatment recommendations for MPS are based on multiple biological, sociological, and financial factors, including type of MPS, clinical severity, prognosis, present clinical signs and symptoms (disease stage), age at onset, rate of progression, family factors and expectations, financial burden, feasibility, availability, risks and benefits of available therapies such as HSCT, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), surgical interventions, and other supportive care. International collaboration and data review are critical to evaluating the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of HSCT for MPS. Collaborative efforts to assess HSCT for MPS have been ongoing since the first attempt at HSCT in a patient with MPS reported in 1981. The accumulation of data since then has made it possible to identify early outcomes (ie, transplantation outcomes) and long-term disease-specific outcomes resulting from HSCT. The recent identification of predictive factors and the development of innovative regimens have significantly improved the outcomes of both engraftment failure and transplantation-related mortality. Assessment of long-term outcomes has considered a variety of factors, including type of MPS, type of graft, age at transplantation, and stage of disease progression, among others. Studies on long-term outcomes are considered a key factor in the use of HSCT in patients with MPS. These studies have shown the effects and limitations of HSCT on improving disease manifestations and quality of life. In this review, we summarize the efficacy, side effects, risks, and cost of HSCT for each type of MPS.

Employment, Insurance, and Financial Experiences of Patients with Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease in North America

Understanding the socioeconomic impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on affected patients is essential to help improve their overall well-being. Using data from the Chronic GVHD Consortium, we describe the insurance, employment, and financial challenges faced by these patients and the factors associated with the ability to work/attend school and associated financial burdens. A 15-item cross-sectional questionnaire designed to measure financial concerns, income, employment, and insurance was completed by 190 patients (response rate, 68%; 10 centers) enrolled on a multicenter Chronic GVHD Consortium Response Measures Validation Study. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the factors associated with financial burden and ability to work/attend school. The median age of respondents was 56years, and 87% of the patients were white. A higher proportion of nonrespondents had lower income before hematopoietic cell transplantation and less than a college degree. All but 1 patient had insurance, 34% had faced delayed/denied insurance coverage for chronic GVHD treatments, and 66% reported a financial burden. Patients with a financial burden had greater depression/anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Nonwhite race, lower mental functioning, and lower activity score were associated with a greater likelihood of financial burden. Younger age, early risk disease, and higher mental functioning were associated with a greater likelihood of being able to work/attend school. In this multicenter cohort of patients with chronic GVHD, significant negative effects on finances were observed even with health insurance coverage. Future research should investigate potential interventions to provide optimal and affordable care to at-risk patients and prevent long-term adverse financial outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Factors associated with clinical trials that fail and opportunities for improving the likelihood of success: A review

Clinical trials are time consuming, expensive, and often burdensome on patients. Clinical trials can fail for many reasons. This survey reviews many of these reasons and offers insights on opportunities for improving the likelihood of creating and executing successful clinical trials. Literature from the past 30 years was reviewed for relevant data. Common patterns in reported successful trials are identified, including factors regarding the study site, study coordinator/investigator, and the effects on participating patients. Specific instances where artificial intelligence can help improve clinical trials are identified.

Patient-centered care coordination in hematopoietic cell transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an expensive, resource-intensive, and medically complicated modality for treatment of many hematologic disorders. A well-defined care coordination model through the continuum can help improve health care delivery for this high-cost, high-risk medical technology. In addition to the patients and their families, key stakeholders include not only the transplantation physicians and care teams (including subspecialists), but also hematologists/oncologists in private and academic-affiliated practices. Initial diagnosis and care, education regarding treatment options including HCT, timely referral to the transplantation center, and management of relapse and late medical or psychosocial complications after HCT are areas where the referring hematologists/oncologists play a significant role. Payers and advocacy and community organizations are additional stakeholders in this complex care continuum. In this article, we describe a care coordination framework for patients treated with HCT within the context of coordination issues in care delivery and stakeholders involved. We outline the challenges in implementing such a model and describe a simplified approach at the level of the individual practice or center. This article also highlights ongoing efforts from physicians, medical directors, payer representatives, and patient advocates to help raise awareness of and develop access to adequate tools and resources for the oncology community to deliver well-coordinated care to patients treated with HCT. Lastly, we set the stage for policy changes around appropriate reimbursement to cover all aspects of care coordination and generate successful buy-in from all stakeholders.

National Institutes of Health Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Late Effects Initiative: The Patient-Centered Outcomes Working Group Report

In 2015, the National Institutes of Health convened six working groups to address the research needs and best practices for late effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Working Group, charged with summarizing the HRQOL evidence base, used a scoping review approach to efficiently survey the large body of literature in adult and pediatric HCT survivors over 1 year after transplantation. The goals of this paper are to (1) summarize the current literature describing patient-centered outcomes in survivors, including the various dimensions of health-related quality of life affected by HCT, and describe interventions tested to improve these outcomes; (2) highlight areas with sufficient evidence allowing for integration into standard practice; (3) address methodological issues that restrict progress in this field; (4) identify major gaps to guide future research; and (5) specify priority research recommendations. Patient-centered outcomes were summarized within physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, as well as for adherence to treatment, and health behaviors. Interventions to improve outcomes were evaluated for evidence of efficacy, although few interventions have been tested in long-term HCT survivors. Methodologic issues defined included lack of consistency in the selection of patient-centered outcome measures, along with the absence of a standard for timing, frequency, and mode of administration. Recommendations for HCT survivorship care included integration of annual screening of patient-centered outcomes, use of evidence-based practice guidelines, and provision of treatment summaries and survivorship care plans after HCT. Three priority research recommendations included the following: (1) design and test risk-targeted interventions with dose-intensity modulation matching the needs of HCT survivors with priority domains, including sexual dysfunction, fatigue, sleep disruption, nonadherence to medications and recommended health care, health behaviors including physical inactivity and healthy eating, and psychological dysfunction, with particular consideration of novel technologies to reach HCT survivors distant from their transplantation centers; (2) design a consensus-based methodologic framework for outcomes evaluation; and (3) evaluate and compare existing practices for integrating patient-centered outcome screening and interventions across HCT survivorship programs.

Healthcare Costs and Utilization for Patients Age 50 to 64 Years with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Chemotherapy or with Chemotherapy and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

The primary aim of this study was to describe healthcare costs and utilization during the first year after a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for privately insured non-Medicare patients in the United States aged 50 to 64 years who were treated with either chemotherapy or chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). MarketScan (Truven Health Analytics) adjudicated total payments for inpatient, outpatient, and prescription drug claims from 2007 to 2011 were used to estimate costs from the health system perspective. Stabilized inverse propensity score weights were constructed using logistic regression to account for differential selection of alloHCT over chemotherapy. Weighted generalized linear models adjusted costs and utilization (hospitalizations, inpatient days, and outpatient visit-days) for differences in age, sex, diagnosis year, region, insurance plan type, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index), and 60-day prediagnosis costs. Because mortality data were not available, models could not be adjusted for survival times. Among 29,915 patients with a primary diagnosis of AML, 985 patients met inclusion criteria (774 [79%] receiving chemotherapy alone and 211 [21%] alloHCT). Adjusted mean 1-year costs were $280,788 for chemotherapy and $544,178 for alloHCT. Patients receiving chemotherapy alone had a mean of 4 hospitalizations, 52.9 inpatient days, and 52.4 outpatient visits in the year after AML diagnosis; patients receiving alloHCT had 5 hospitalizations, 92.5 inpatient days, and 74.5 outpatient visits. Treating AML in the first year after diagnosis incurs substantial healthcare costs and utilization with chemotherapy alone and with alloHCT. Our analysis informs healthcare providers, policymakers, and payers so they can better understand treatment costs and utilization for privately insured patients aged 50 to 64 with AML.

National Institutes of Health Blood and Marrow Transplant Late Effects Initiative: The Healthcare Delivery Working Group Report

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors are at risk for development of late complications and require lifelong monitoring for screening and prevention of late effects. There is an increasing appreciation of the issues related to healthcare delivery and coverage faced by HCT survivors. The 2016 National Institutes of Health Blood and Marrow Transplant Late Effects Initiative included an international and broadly representative Healthcare Delivery Working Group that was tasked with identifying research gaps pertaining to healthcare delivery and to identify initiatives that may yield a better understanding of the long-term value and costs of care for HCT survivors. There is a paucity of literature in this area. Critical areas in need of research include pilot studies of novel and information technology supported models of care delivery and coverage for HCT survivors along with development and validation of instruments that capture patient-reported outcomes. Investment in infrastructure to support this research, such as linkage of databases including electronic health records and routine inclusion of endpoints that will inform analyses focused around care delivery and coverage, is required.

Administrative Claims Data for Economic Analyses in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Challenges and Opportunities

There is an increasing need for the development of approaches to measure quality, costs, and resource utilization patterns among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients. Administrative claims data provide an opportunity to examine service utilization and costs, particularly from the payer's perspective. However, because administrative claims data are primarily designed for reimbursement purposes, challenges arise when using it for research. We use a case study with data derived from the 2007 to 2011 Truven Health MarketScan Research database to discuss opportunities and challenges for the use of administrative claims data to examine the costs and service utilization of allogeneic HCT and chemotherapy alone for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Starting with a cohort of 29,915 potentially eligible patients with a diagnosis of AML, we were able to identify 211 patients treated with HCT and 774 treated with chemotherapy alone where we were sufficiently confident of the diagnosis and treatment path to allow analysis. Administrative claims data provide an avenue to meet the need for health care costs, resource utilization, and outcome information. However, when using these data, a balance between clinical knowledge and applied methods is critical to identifying a valid study cohort and accurate measures of costs and resource utilization.

Estimating the Burden of Cost in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: A Human Capital Approach

With advances in organ matching and preventing acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGvHD), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become a focus of transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Given that cGvHD often presents years following a transplant, our objective was to estimate its burden of cost resulting from allogeneic HSCT based on published estimates of incidence, morbidity, the value of lost work time and survivorship. Our choice of a ten-year time horizon is novel to the field of rare disease and was determined to be meaningful after consultations with present co-authors, including five physicians, one of whom is a transplant surgeon. A total of 44 450 cGvHD patients in the United States were estimated to require treatment over the next decade (from 2015 to 2025). This estimate is based on the last 5 years of trends reported in the transplant registries. What is not reported in any registry is that these patients will accrue a total of 605 631 years of lost wages, a collective lost productivity that will cost society over $27 Billion in the decade ahead: more than five times ($27B vs. $5.2B) the estimated ten-year cost of treating the condition.

Financial Hardship--an Unwanted Consequence of Cancer Treatment

The substantial economic burden of cancer is increasingly being shifted to patients. Financial burden experienced by patients as a result of medical treatment has an impact on their lifestyle choices, health behaviors, and quality of life. Variation in treatment recommendations based on the patients' economic status or affordability may be against the basic tenet of social justice and is a growing challenge for policy makers. This review summarizes the multifaceted constructs and current trends associated with financial hardship within the context of cancer care and healthcare economics focusing mainly on hematological malignancies but supplemented by nonhematological cancer and general medical literature. We also highlight the patient and physician perspectives about this issue and identify important areas for future research. We discuss the need for more proactive solutions so that patients can achieve good clinical outcomes, without catastrophic financial consequences for themselves and their families.

Financial Hardship and Patient-Reported Outcomes after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Although hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy for many advanced hematologic cancers, little is known about the financial hardship experienced by HCT patients nor the association of hardship with patient-reported outcomes. We mailed a 43-item survey to adult patients approximately 180 days after their first autologous or allogeneic HCT at 3 high-volume centers. We assessed decreases in household income; difficulty with HCT-related costs, such as need to relocate or travel; and 2 types of hardship: hardship_1 (reporting 1 or 2 of the following: dissatisfaction with present finances, difficulty meeting monthly bill payments, or not having enough money at the end of the month) and "hardship_2" (reporting all 3). Patient-reported stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale-4, and 7-point scales were provided for perceptions of overall quality of life (QOL) and health. In total, 325 of 499 surveys (65.1%) were received. The median days since HCT was 173; 47% underwent an allogeneic HCT, 60% were male, 51% were > 60 years old, and 92% were white. Overall, 46% reported income decline after HCT, 56% reported hardship_1, and 15% reported hardship_2. In multivariable models controlling for income, those reporting difficulty paying for HCT-related costs were more likely to report financial hardship (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.8 to 12.3). Hardship_1 was associated with QOL below the median (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 4.9), health status below the median (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.6), and stress above the median (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.5). In this sizable cohort of HCT patients, financial hardship was prevalent and associated with worse QOL and higher levels of perceived stress. Interventions to address patient financial hardship-especially those that ameliorate HCT-specific costs-are likely to improve patient-reported outcomes.

Financial impact of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation on patients and families over 2 years: results from a multicenter pilot study

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a procedure that can significantly influence the socioeconomic wellbeing of patients, caregivers and their families. Among 30 allogeneic HCT recipients and their caregivers enrolled on a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of studying financial impact of HCT, 16 agreed to participate in the long-term phase, completed a baseline questionnaire and received phone interviews at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-HCT. Analyses showed that by 2-years post-HCT, 54% of patients who previously contributed to household earnings had not returned to work and 80% of patients/caregivers reported transplant as having moderate to great impact on household income. However, patients’ level of confidence in their ability to meet household financial obligations increased from baseline to 2-years. A relatively large proportion of patients reported inability to pay for medical care through this time period. Case studies demonstrated patient individual perception of financial impact of HCT varies considerably, regardless of actual income. We demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a study to evaluate financial impact of allogeneic HCT through 2-years post-transplantation. Some patients/caregivers continue to experience significant long-term financial burden after this procedure. Our study lays the foundation for a larger evaluation of patient/caregiver financial burden associated with HCT.

Patient housing barriers to hematopoietic cell transplantation: results from a mixed-methods study of transplant center social workers

PURPOSE

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is performed in select centers in the United States (U.S.), and patients are often required to temporarily relocate to receive care. The purpose of this study was to identify housing barriers impacting access to HCT and potential solutions.

METHODS

A mixed-methods primary study of HCT social workers was conducted to learn about patient housing challenges and solutions in place that help address those barriers. Three telephone focus groups were conducted with adult and pediatric transplant social workers (n = 15). Focus group results informed the design of a national survey. The online survey was e-mailed to a primary social worker contact at 133 adult and pediatric transplant centers in the U.S. Transplant centers were classified based on the patient population cared for by the social worker.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 49%. Among adult programs (n = 45), 93% of centers had patients that had to relocate closer to the transplant center to proceed with HCT. The most common type of housing option offered was discounted hotel rates. Among pediatric programs (n = 20), 90% of centers had patients that had to relocate closer to the transplant center to proceed with HCT. Ronald McDonald House was the most common option available.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to explore housing challenges faced by patients undergoing HCT in the U.S. from the perspective of social workers and to highlight solutions that centers use. Transplant centers will benefit from this knowledge by learning about options for addressing housing barriers for their patients.

Financial burden in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Although allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an expensive treatment for hematological disorders, little is known about the financial consequences for the patients who undergo this procedure. We analyzed factors associated with its financial burden and its impact on health behaviors of allogeneic HCT recipients. A questionnaire was retrospectively mailed to 482 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT from January 2006 to June 2012 at the Mayo Clinic, to collect information regarding current financial concerns, household income, employment, insurance, out-of-pocket expenses, and health and functional status. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with financial burden and treatment nonadherence. Of the 268 respondents (56% response rate), 73% reported that their sickness had hurt them financially. All patients for whom the insurance information was available (missing, n = 13) were insured. Forty-seven percent of respondents experienced financial burden, such as household income decreased by >50%, selling/mortgaging home, or withdrawing money from retirement accounts. Three percent declared bankruptcy. Younger age and poor current mental and physical functioning increased the likelihood of financial burden. Thirty-five percent of patients reported deleterious health behaviors because of financial constraints. These patients were likely to be younger, have lower education, and with a longer time since HCT. Being employed decreased the likelihood of experiencing financial burden and treatment nonadherence due to concern about costs. A significant proportion of allogeneic HCT survivors experience financial hardship despite insurance coverage. Future research should investigate potential interventions to help at-risk patients and prevent adverse financial outcomes after this life-saving procedure.

Design of a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a randomized trial of transplantation using umbilical cord blood versus HLA-haploidentical related bone marrow in advanced hematologic cancer

BACKGROUND

BMT CTN 1101 is a Phase III randomized controlled trial evaluating the comparative effectiveness of double unrelated umbilical cord blood (dUCB) versus HLA-haploidentical related donor bone marrow (haplo-BM) donor cell sources for blood or bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in patients with hematologic malignancies. Herein, we present the rationale, design and methods of the first cost-effectiveness analysis to be conducted alongside a BMT trial.

METHODS

Consenting patients will provide health insurance information to allow calculation of direct medical costs from reimbursement records, and will provide out-of-pocket costs, time costs and health-related quality of life measures through an online survey. These outcomes will inform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing dUCB and haplo-BM donor cell sources from patient, payer and societal perspectives.

CONCLUSION

Novel approaches may significantly change the cost, outcomes or availability of BMT. The results of this analysis will be the first to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the comparative effectiveness of these approaches from multiple perspectives.