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Fujita M, Fujisawa T, Suzuki K, Nagashima K, Kasai T, Hashimoto H, Yamaguchi K, Onouchi Y, Sato D, Hata A. Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on primary and metastatic lung cancer treatments in Japan: A nationwide study using an interrupted time series analysis. Cancer Epidemiol 2024; 90:102549. [PMID: 38447249 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2024.102549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic prompted healthcare providers to use different approaches from the current standards of care. We aimed to identify the changes in the number of treatments for primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and metastatic lung cancer during the pandemic. METHODS We used nationwide insurance claims data from January 2015 to January 2021, and estimated changes in the number of treatments using an interrupted time series analysis. RESULTS The number of surgical resections for primary NSCLC significantly decreased in April 2020 (-888; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1530 to -246) and July 2020 (-1314; 95% CI: -1935 to -694), while the number of stereotactic body radiotherapies (SBRTs) increased in April 2020 (95; 95% CI: 8-182) and July 2020 (111; 95% CI: 24-198). The total number of treatments for primary NSCLC remained unchanged; however, non-significant decreases were observed in 2020. The number of surgical resections for metastatic lung cancer significantly decreased in April 2020 (-201; 95% CI: -337 to -65), but it eventually increased in July 2020 (170; 95% CI: 32-308). Additionally, the number of SBRTs significantly increased in April 2020 (37; 95% CI: 3-71) and October 2020 (57; 95% CI: 23-91). The total number of treatments for metastatic lung cancer was maintained, with an initial decrease in April 2020 followed by a subsequent increase in July and October 2020. CONCLUSION In Japan, surgical triage for primary and metastatic lung cancer are likely to have been implemented during the pandemic. Despite these proactive measures, patients with primary NSCLC may have been untreated, likely owing to their undiagnosed disease, potentially leading to a deterioration in prognosis. By contrast, patients diagnosed with cancer prior to the pandemic are presumed to have received standard management throughout the course of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misuzu Fujita
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan; Department of Public Health, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Takehiko Fujisawa
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan
| | - Kiminori Suzuki
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan
| | - Kengo Nagashima
- Biostatistics Unit, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tokuzo Kasai
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Hashimoto
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yamaguchi
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Onouchi
- Department of Public Health, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Hospital and Health Administration, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akira Hata
- Department of Health Research, Chiba Foundation for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, 32-14 Shin-Minato, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0002, Japan
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Leung YW, Kwong EWY, Wong KLY, So J, Poon F, Cheng T, Chen E, Molasiotis A, Howell D. Understanding Elderly Chinese Cancer Patients in a Multicultural Clinical Setting: Embracing Mortality and Addressing Misperceptions of Vulnerability. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2620-2635. [PMID: 38785478 PMCID: PMC11119118 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31050197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chinese patients face higher risks of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and greater cancer-related deaths than Canadian-born patients. The older population encounters barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their well-being and survival. Previous studies highlighted Chinese immigrant perceptions of not requiring healthcare support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their underutilization of healthcare services garnered attention. The present study explores the experiences of older Chinese cancer patients to improve culturally sensitive cancer care. A total of twenty interviews carried out in Cantonese and Mandarin were conducted with Chinese immigrants, aged 60 or above, diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 GI cancer. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated, and subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis. Among older Chinese immigrant patients, a phenomenon termed "Premature Acceptance: Normalizing Death and Dying" was observed. This involved four key themes: 1. acceptance and letting go, 2. family first, 3. self-sufficiency, and 4. barriers to supportive care. Participants displayed an early acceptance of their own mortality, prioritizing family prosperity over their own quality of life. Older Chinese patients normalize the reality of facing death amidst cancer. They adopt a pragmatic outlook, acknowledging life-saving treatments while willingly sacrificing their own support needs to ease family burdens. Efforts to enhance health literacy require culturally sensitive programs tailored to address language barriers and differing values among this population. A strengths-based approach emphasizing family support and practical aspects of care may help build resilience and improve symptom management, thereby enhancing their engagement with healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne W. Leung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Enid W. Y. Kwong
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Lok Yi Wong
- School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jeremiah So
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Frankie Poon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Terry Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Eric Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Alex Molasiotis
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Doris Howell
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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Ladbury C, Eustace N, Kassardjian A, Amini A, Chen YJ, Wang E, Kohut A, Tergas A, Han E, Song M, Glaser S. Explainable artificial intelligence analysis of brachytherapy boost receipt in cervical cancer during the COVID-19 era. Brachytherapy 2024; 23:237-247. [PMID: 38553406 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brachytherapy is a critical component of the standard-of-care curative radiotherapy regimen for women with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). However, existing literature suggests that many patients will not receive the brachytherapy boost. We used machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence to characterize this disparity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with LACC diagnosed from 2004 to 2020 who received definitive radiation were identified in the National Cancer Database. Five ML models were trained to predict if a patient received a brachytherapy boost. The best-performing model was explained using SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) values. To identify trends that may be attributable to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the previous analysis was repeated and limited to 2019 to 2020. RESULTS A total of 37,564 patients with LACC were identified; 5799 were diagnosed from 2019 to 2020 (COVID cohort). Of these patients, 59.3% received a brachytherapy boost, with 76.4% of patients diagnosed in 2019 to 2020 receiving a boost. The random forest model achieved the best performance for both the overall and COVID cohorts. In the overall cohort, the most important predictive features were the year of diagnosis, stage, age, and insurance status. In the COVID cohort, the most important predictive features were FIGO stage, age, insurance status, and hospital type. Of the 26 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 during their course of radiotherapy, 19 (73.1%) received a brachytherapy boost. CONCLUSIONS A gradual increase in brachytherapy boost utilization has been noted, which did not seem to be significantly impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. ML could be considered to identify patient populations where brachytherapy is underutilized, which can provide actionable feedback for improving access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton Ladbury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Nicholas Eustace
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Ari Kassardjian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Arya Amini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Edward Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Adrian Kohut
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Ana Tergas
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Ernest Han
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Mihae Song
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Scott Glaser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA.
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Islam JY, Hathaway CA, Hume E, Turner K, Hallanger-Johnson J, Tworoger SS, Camacho-Rivera M. Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Cancer Care Continuity During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Those With SARS-CoV-2. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2412050. [PMID: 38767916 PMCID: PMC11107297 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Racially and ethnically minoritized US adults were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and experience poorer cancer outcomes, including inequities in cancer treatment delivery. Objective To evaluate racial and ethnic disparities in cancer treatment delays and discontinuations (TDDs) among patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 during different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Survey on COVID-19 in Oncology Registry (data collected from April 2020 to September 2022), including patients with cancer also diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during their care at 69 US practices. Racial and ethnic differences were examined during 5 different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States based on case surge (before July 2020, July to November 2020, December 2020 to March 2021, April 2021 to February 2022, and March to September 2022). Exposures Race and ethnicity. Main Outcomes and Measures TDD was defined as any cancer treatment postponed more than 2 weeks or cancelled with no plans to reschedule. To evaluate TDD associations with race and ethnicity, adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression, accounting for nonindependence of patients within clinics, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, cancer type, cancer extent, and SARS-CoV-2 severity (severe defined as death, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or mechanical ventilation). Results A total of 4054 patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 were included (143 [3.5%] American Indian or Alaska Native, 176 [4.3%] Asian, 517 [12.8%] Black or African American, 469 [11.6%] Hispanic or Latinx, and 2747 [67.8%] White; 2403 [59.3%] female; 1419 [35.1%] aged 50-64 years; 1928 [47.7%] aged ≥65 years). The analysis focused on patients scheduled (at SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis) to receive drug-based therapy (3682 [90.8%]), radiation therapy (382 [9.4%]), surgery (218 [5.4%]), or transplant (30 [0.7%]), of whom 1853 (45.7%) experienced TDD. Throughout the pandemic, differences in racial and ethnic inequities based on case surge with overall TDD decreased over time. In multivariable analyses, non-Hispanic Black (third wave: aPR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.31-1.85) and Hispanic or Latinx (third wave: aPR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13-1.62) patients with cancer were more likely to experience TDD compared with non-Hispanic White patients during the first year of the pandemic. By 2022, non-Hispanic Asian patients (aPR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.08-2.12) were more likely to experience TDD compared with non-Hispanic White patients, and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native patients were less likely (aPR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.89). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2, racial and ethnic inequities existed in TDD throughout the pandemic; however, the disproportionate burden among racially and ethnically minoritized patients with cancer varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves. These inequities may lead to downstream adverse impacts on cancer mortality among minoritized adults in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Islam
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Cassandra A. Hathaway
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Emma Hume
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kea Turner
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Shelley S. Tworoger
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Division of Oncological Sciences, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Marlene Camacho-Rivera
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, New York
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Hoover A, Watson D, Reimche P, Tanner L, Gilchrist L, Finch M, Messinger YH, Turcotte LM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost for care of pediatric and young adult ALL. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:112. [PMID: 38644484 PMCID: PMC11034092 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06768-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and among the most common malignancies in young adults and requires a unique pattern of healthcare utilization including an acute/emergent presentation and an intensive initial 8 months of therapy followed by two years of outpatient treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive global disruptions in healthcare use and delivery. This report aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, diagnosis and continued management of childhood and young adult ALL in regard to utilization and cost of care among commercially insured individuals in the United States. RESULTS Utilizing a commercial insurance claims database, 529 pediatric and young adult patients were identified who were diagnosed with ALL between January 2016 and March 2021. New diagnoses were evaluated by era and demographics. Utilization was measured by COVID-related era as number of inpatient and outpatient encounters, inpatient days, and cumulative cost during the initial 8 months of therapy. None of these cost or utilization factors changed significantly during or shortly after the pandemic. These findings reinforce that the necessary care for pediatric and young adult ALL was unwavering despite the massive shifts in the healthcare system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This provides a valuable benchmark as we further examine the factors that influence the pandemic's impact on health equity and access to care, especially in vulnerable pediatric and young adult populations. This is the first investigation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost of care in pediatric and young adult cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hoover
- Optum Labs Visiting Fellow, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Mayo Mail Code 366, 420 Delaware St SE, 55455, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Laura Gilchrist
- Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Mike Finch
- Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Lucie M Turcotte
- Optum Labs Visiting Fellow, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Mayo Mail Code 366, 420 Delaware St SE, 55455, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Powis M, Sutradhar R, Singh S, Alibhai S, Hack S, Baiad A, Chen K, Li H, Mohmand Z, Krzyzanowska MK. The Impact of the Pandemic on the Quality of Colorectal and Anal Cancer Care, and 2-Year Clinical Outcomes. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2328-2340. [PMID: 38668076 PMCID: PMC11048770 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We undertook a retrospective study to compare the quality of care delivered to a cohort of newly diagnosed adults with colon, rectal or anal cancer during the early phase of COVID-19 (02/20-12/20) relative to the same period in the year prior (the comparator cohort), and examine the impact of the pandemic on 2-year disease progression and all-cause mortality. We observed poorer performance on a number of quality measures, such as approximately three times as many patients in the COVID-19 cohort experienced 30-day post-surgical readmission (10.5% vs. 3.6%; SD:0.27). Despite these differences, we observed no statistically significant adjusted associations between COVID-19 and time to either all-cause mortality (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.61-1.27, p = 0.50) or disease progression (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.82-1.64, p = 0.41). However, there was a substantial reduction in new patient consults during the early phase of COVID-19 (12.2% decrease), which appeared to disproportionally impact patients who traditionally experience sociodemographic disparities in access to care, given that the COVID-19 cohort skewed younger and there were fewer patients from neighborhoods with the highest Housing and Dwelling, ands Age and Labour Force marginalization quintiles. Future work is needed to understand the more downstream effects of COVID-19 related changes on cancer care to inform planning for future disruptions in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Powis
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (R.S.); (S.S.); (M.K.K.)
- Cancer Quality Laboratory (CQuaL), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (R.S.); (S.S.); (M.K.K.)
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Simron Singh
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (R.S.); (S.S.); (M.K.K.)
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (K.C.); (Z.M.)
| | - Shabbir Alibhai
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (R.S.); (S.S.); (M.K.K.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (K.C.); (Z.M.)
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Saidah Hack
- Cancer Quality Laboratory (CQuaL), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6, Canada
| | - Abed Baiad
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (K.C.); (Z.M.)
| | - Huaqi Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (K.C.); (Z.M.)
| | - Zuhal Mohmand
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (K.C.); (Z.M.)
| | - Monika K. Krzyzanowska
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (R.S.); (S.S.); (M.K.K.)
- Cancer Quality Laboratory (CQuaL), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 1X6, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; (K.C.); (Z.M.)
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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Ailhaud L, Gravier-Dumonceau R, Arregle F, Hubert S, Casalta JP, Riberi A, Tessonnier L, Giorgi R, Habib G, Gouriet F. Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Management and Prognosis of Infective Endocarditis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:86. [PMID: 38668547 PMCID: PMC11054848 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9040086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition which is difficult to diagnose and to treat, both medically and surgically. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the management of patients with IE. METHODS We conducted a single-centre retrospective study including patients hospitalized for IE during the pandemic (Group 2) compared with the same period the year before (Group 1). We compared clinical, laboratory, imagery, therapeutic, and patient outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 283 patients were managed for possible or definite IE (164 in Group 1 and 119 in Group 2). There were more intravenous drug-related IE patients in Group 2 (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in surgery including intra-cardiac device extraction (p = 0.412) or time to surgery (p = 0.894). The one-year mortality was similar in both groups (16% versus 17.7%, p = 0.704). The recurrence rate was not significantly different between the two groups (5.9% in Group 2 versus 9.1% in Group 1, p = 0.311). CONCLUSIONS The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic did not appear to have had a negative impact on the management of patients with IE. Maintenance of the activities of the endocarditis team within the referral centre probably contributed to this result. Nevertheless, the high proportion of intravenous drug-addicted patients in the pandemic cohort suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a major psychosocial impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Ailhaud
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (L.A.); (J.-P.C.); (G.H.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Robinson Gravier-Dumonceau
- BioSTIC, Department of Biostatistics and Information and Communication Technologies, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France; (R.G.-D.); (R.G.)
| | - Florent Arregle
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Sandrine Hubert
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Jean-Paul Casalta
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (L.A.); (J.-P.C.); (G.H.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Alberto Riberi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Laetitia Tessonnier
- Department of Nuclear Imagery, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Roch Giorgi
- BioSTIC, Department of Biostatistics and Information and Communication Technologies, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France; (R.G.-D.); (R.G.)
- Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale (SESSTIM), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche médicale (INSERM), Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Gilbert Habib
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (L.A.); (J.-P.C.); (G.H.)
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), La Timone Hospital, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Frédérique Gouriet
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Assistance Publique–Hopitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France; (L.A.); (J.-P.C.); (G.H.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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8
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Choi NG, Marti CN, Choi BY, Kunik MM. Healthcare Cost Burden and Self-Reported Frequency of Depressive/Anxious Feelings in Older Adults. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:349-368. [PMID: 38451780 PMCID: PMC10978223 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2326683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Using the 2018-2021 National Health Interview Survey data, we examined the associations between healthcare cost burden and depressive/anxious feelings in older adults. Nearly12% reported healthcare cost burden and 18% daily/weekly depressive/anxious feelings. Healthcare cost burden was higher among women, racial/ethnic minorities, those with chronic illnesses, mobility impairment, and those with Medicare Part D, but lower among individuals with Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility, Medicare Advantage, VA/military insurance, and private insurance. Daily/weekly depressive/anxious feelings was higher among healthcare cost burden reporters. The COVID-19 pandemic-related medical care access problems were also associated with a higher risk of reporting healthcare cost burden and depression/anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G. Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin
| | - C. Nathan Marti
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Bryan Y. Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and BayHealth
| | - Mark M. Kunik
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety; Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center; Director, VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; and Baylor College of Medicine
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9
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Burus T, Lei F, Huang B, Christian WJ, Hull PC, Ellis AR, Slavova S, Tucker TC, Lang Kuhs KA. Undiagnosed Cancer Cases in the US During the First 10 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:500-507. [PMID: 38386344 PMCID: PMC10884945 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Importance The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal course of cancer screening and detection in the US. A nationwide analysis of the extent of this disruption using cancer registry data has not been conducted. Objective To assess the observed and expected cancer rate trends for March through December 2020 using data from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Design, Settings, and Participants This was a population-based cross-sectional analysis of cancer incidence trends using data on cases of invasive cancer diagnosis reported to the US Cancer Statistics from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2020. Data analyses were performed from July 6 to 28, 2023. Exposure(s) Age, sex, race, urbanicity, and state-level response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of cancer diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Used time-series forecasting methods to calculate expected cancer incidence rates for March 1 through December 31, 2020, from prepandemic trends (January 2018-February 2020). Measured relative difference between observed and expected cancer incidence rates and numbers of potentially missed cancer cases. Results This study included 1 297 874 cancer cases reported in the US from March 1 through December 31, 2020, with an age-adjusted incidence rate of 326.5 cases per 100 000 population. Of the observed cases, 657 743 (50.7%) occurred in male patients, 757 106 (58.3%) in persons 65 years or older, and 1 066 566 (82.2%) in White individuals. Observed rates of all-sites cancer incidence in the US were 28.6% (95% prediction interval [PI], 25.4%-31.7%) lower than expected during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response (March-May 2020); 6.3% (95% PI, 3.8%-8.8%) lower in June to December 2020; and overall, 13.0% (95% PI, 11.2%-14.9%) lower during the first 10 months of the pandemic. These differences indicate that there were potentially 134 395 (95% PI, 112 544-156 680) undiagnosed cancers during that time frame. Prostate cancer accounted for the largest number of potentially missed cases (22 950), followed by female breast (16 870) and lung (16 333) cancers. Screenable cancers saw a total rate reduction of 13.9% (95% PI, 12.2%-15.6%) compared with the expected rate. The rate of female breast cancer showed evidence of recovery to previous trends after the first 3 months of the pandemic, but levels remained low for colorectal, cervical, and lung cancers. From March to May 2020, states with more restrictive COVID-19 responses had significantly greater disruptions, yet by December 2020, these differences were nonsignificant for all sites except lung, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional analysis of cancer incidence trends found a substantial disruption to cancer diagnoses in the US during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall and differential findings can be used to inform where the US health care system should be looking to make up ground in cancer screening and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Burus
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Feitong Lei
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Division of Cancer Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Bin Huang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Division of Cancer Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - W. Jay Christian
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Pamela C. Hull
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Amanda R. Ellis
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Svetla Slavova
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Kentucky Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Thomas C. Tucker
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Krystle A. Lang Kuhs
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
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10
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Ghosh AK, Bhushan S, Abidoye O, Robinson SS, Rynarzewska AI, Sampat D. Evaluating implementation of NCCN guideline-directed genetic screening recommendations for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:679-684. [PMID: 38015388 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01825-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In 2019, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommended genetic testing for all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To evaluate the status of implementation of these guidelines in a loco-regional setting, we performed a retrospective, observational study among patients with newly diagnosed PDAC who received oncologic care at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Georgia. METHODS Chart abstraction of patients with newly diagnosed PDAC from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 was performed to include information on genetic testing recommendation and completion, and time from diagnosis to testing. The deidentified dataset was then analyzed using appropriate descriptive and associative statistical testing. RESULTS Of the cohort of 109 patients, 32 (29.4%) completed genetic screening; 16 (14.7%) were screened within 10 days of diagnosis. Among the 77 (70.6%) patients who did not receive genetic screening, 45 (41.3%) were not recommended genetic screening despite treatment intent with standard of care therapy. However, 32 (29.4%) were not recommended genetic screening in conjunction with a desire to pursue palliative care/hospice/or due to terminal illness. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted the gap in implementation of NCCN guideline-directed genetic testing in PDAC patients as only a third underwent testing suggesting the need for systematic processes to facilitate testing. The test was more likely to be completed if done early in the course, especially soon after the diagnosis. Research is needed to explore discussing genetic testing for the large proportion of patients who are terminally ill at diagnosis where genetic screening would potentially benefit the family members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Devi Sampat
- Longstreet Clinic Cancer Center, Gainesville, GA, USA
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11
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Decker SL, Zuvekas SH. A Nationally Representative Summary of 2020 Changes in the Use of Health Care in the United States. J Ambul Care Manage 2024; 47:64-83. [PMID: 38345888 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic produced an unprecedented shock to the U.S. health care system. Prior literature documenting 2020 changes has been limited to certain types of care or subsets of patients. We use the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to summarize changes in all types of health care from 2018 through 2020. Outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient admissions each fell about 35% in April 2020. Dental visits fell over 80%. Ophthalmology visits declined 71% and mammograms 82%. Psychiatric visits rose slightly (1.6%). By the end of 2020, specialist physician visits recovered, though primary care and dental visits remained 12% lower than 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Decker
- Author Affiliations: U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD (Drs Decker and Zuvekas)
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12
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Yeoh YKJ, Dore GJ, Lockart I, Danta M, Flynn C, Blackmore C, Levy MT, George J, Alavi M, Hajarizadeh B. Temporal change in aetiology and clinical characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in a large cohort of patients in New South Wales, Australia. Intern Med J 2024; 54:602-612. [PMID: 37819787 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the main risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many countries. In Australia, given the access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy since 2016, a temporal change in HCC aetiology was hypothesized. This study evaluated the temporal change in the aetiology and characteristics of HCC in New South Wales (NSW). METHODS Patients diagnosed with HCC, admitted to three public hospitals in NSW between 2008 and 2021, were included in the analyses. We assessed the annual frequency of each HCC aetiology and the distribution of HCC characteristics in participants. RESULTS Among 1370 patients, the most common HCC etiologies were HCV (n = 483, 35%), ARLD (n = 452, 33%), NAFLD (n = 347, 25%) and hepatitis B virus (n = 301, 22%). The proportion of HCV-related HCC was the highest in 2011-2016 (41%) and significantly declined to 30% in 2017-2021 (odds ratio [OR], 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35-0.79]; P = 0.002). The proportion of HCC diagnosed at an early stage (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage O/A) increased from 41% in 2008-2009 to 56% in 2020-2021 (OR per annum, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.08]; P = 0.002), and the proportion of patients receiving potentially curative HCC management increased from 29% in 2008-2009 to 41% in 2020-2021 (OR per annum, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The contribution of HCV to HCC burden has been decreasing in the DAA era, suggesting the role of HCV elimination in decreasing HCC risk. Increasing frequency of less advanced HCC at diagnosis over time suggests improved HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian Lockart
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Danta
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ciara Flynn
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Conner Blackmore
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Clinical School, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Miriam T Levy
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Clinical School, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Powell AC, Long JW, Bhatnagar AK, Loy BA, Mirhadi AJ. Use of Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer in 2019 Versus 2020. Adv Radiat Oncol 2024; 9:101435. [PMID: 38778830 PMCID: PMC11110029 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical care. Little is known about how radiation therapy (RT) ordering behavior changed during the pandemic. This study examined (1) whether there was a change in the rate at which orders for lumpectomy were followed by orders for RT and (2) whether there was a change in the percentage of RT orders for hypofractionated (HF) RT rather than conventionally fractionated (CF) RT. Methods and Materials Prior authorization order data from 2019 and 2020, pertaining to patients with commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans, were reviewed to determine whether patients had an order for RT in the 90 days after lumpectomy and if it was for CF or HF RT. Univariate analyses were conducted using χ2 tests, and adjusted analyses were conducted using multivariate logistic regression, controlling for patient age, urbanicity, local median income, region, if the lumpectomy facility was academic, and if the lumpectomy facility was a hospital. Results In 2019, 47.7% of included lumpectomy orders (2200/4610) were followed by an RT order within 90 days, in contrast to 45.6% (1944/4263) in 2020 (P = .048). Of the RT orders meeting this study's definition of CF or HF, 75.3% of orders placed in 2019 (1387/1843) and 79.0% of orders placed in 2020 (1261/1597) were for HF (P = .011). Adjusted analysis found patients receiving a lumpectomy order in the first quarter of 2020 had significantly reduced odds (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.99) of receiving an order for RT after lumpectomy, relative to those with orders placed in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted analysis likewise found significant evidence of increased use of HF RT during the pandemic. Conclusions In the population examined, physicians were less likely to order RT after lumpectomy in 2020 than in 2019, and if they did, were more likely to order HF RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Powell
- HealthHelp, Houston, Texas
- Payer+Provider Syndicate, Newton, Massachusetts
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14
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Greteman BB, Del Vecchio NJ, Garcia‐Auguste CJ, Kahl AR, Gryzlak BM, Chrischilles EA, Charlton ME, Nash SH. Identifying predictors of COVID-related delays in cancer-specific medical care. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7183. [PMID: 38629238 PMCID: PMC11022144 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer prevention and control is growing, but little is known about patient-level factors associated with delayed care. We analyzed data from a survey focused on Iowan cancer patients' COVID-19 experiences in the early part of the pandemic. METHODS Participants were recruited from the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center's Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH) program. We surveyed respondents on demographic characteristics, COVID-19 experiences and reactions, and delays in any cancer-related health care appointment, or cancer-related treatment appointments. Two-sided significance tests assessed differences in COVID-19 experiences and reactions between those who experienced delays and those who did not. RESULTS There were 780 respondents (26% response), with breast, prostate, kidney, skin, and colorectal cancers representing the majority of respondents. Delays in cancer care were reported by 29% of respondents. In multivariable-adjusted models, rural residents (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.03, 2.11) and those experiencing feelings of isolation (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.37, 3.47) were more likely to report any delay, where experiencing financial difficulties predicted delays in treatment appointments (OR 5.72; 95% CI 1.96, 16.67). Health insurance coverage and concern about the pandemic were not statistically significantly associated with delays. CONCLUSION These findings may inform cancer care delivery during periods of instability when treatment may be disrupted by informing clinicians about concerns that patients have during the treatment process. Future research should assess whether delays in cancer care impact long-term cancer outcomes and whether delays exacerbate existing disparities in cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna B. Greteman
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Iowa College of Public HealthIowa CityIowaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Brian M. Gryzlak
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Iowa College of Public HealthIowa CityIowaUSA
| | | | - Mary E. Charlton
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Iowa College of Public HealthIowa CityIowaUSA
- Iowa Cancer RegistryUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Sarah H. Nash
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Iowa College of Public HealthIowa CityIowaUSA
- Iowa Cancer RegistryUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
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15
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Stuart CM, Meguid RA, Bronsert MR, Rodriguez Franco S, Mungo B, Schulick RD, Gleisner AL, McCarter MD, Mitchell JD, Dyas AR. The United States experience with diagnosing and treating esophageal cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1204-1220. [PMID: 38018276 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The downstream effects on healthcare delivery during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine how the healthcare environment surrounding the pandemic affected the oncologic care of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer. This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients in the National Cancer Database (2019-2020). Patients with esophageal cancer diagnoses were divided into pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic (2020) groups. Patient demographics, cancer-related variables, and treatment modalities were compared. Among 26,231 esophageal cancer patients, 14,024 patients (53.5%) were in the pre-pandemic cohort and 12,207 (46.5%) were in the pandemic cohort. After controlling for demographics, patients diagnosed during the pandemic were more likely to have poorly differentiated tumors (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.42), pathologic T3 disease compared to T1 (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.53), positive lymph nodes on pathology (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14-1.64), and to be pathologic stage IV (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29-1.76). After controlling for oncologic characteristics, patients diagnosed during the pandemic were more likely to require at least two courses of systemic therapy (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.48-2.14) and to be offered palliative care (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.22). While these patients were offered curative therapy at lower rates, this became non-significant after risk-adjustment (p = .15). The pandemic healthcare environment was associated with significantly increased risk-adjusted rates of patients presenting with advanced esophageal cancer. While this led to significant differences in treatment, most of these differences became non-significant after controlling for oncologic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Stuart
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert A Meguid
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael R Bronsert
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Salvador Rodriguez Franco
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benedetto Mungo
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Richard D Schulick
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ana L Gleisner
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Martin D McCarter
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John D Mitchell
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Adam R Dyas
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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16
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Chung SH, Rasic G, Romatoski KS, Kenzik K, Tseng JF, Sachs TE. Disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delays in colorectal cancer treatment: A National Cancer Database study. Surgery 2024; 175:1013-1020. [PMID: 38245445 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely treatment for patients with colorectal cancer may have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the impact of the pandemic on delays to treatment with surgery or systemic therapy for patients with colorectal cancer and delineated factors predictive of delayed treatment. METHODS Using the National Cancer Database, patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were categorized by year of diagnosis as COVID-19 era (2020) versus pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019). Categorical variables were compared by χ2 analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess odds ratios for delayed time to surgery or chemoimmunotherapy, defined as >60 days. RESULTS In total, 50,689 patients colorectal cancer were diagnosed patients who were pre-COVID-19 vs 21,331 within the COVID-19-era. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 had a higher stage at diagnosis. There were no differences in the proportion of delayed time to surgery for patients diagnosed in 2020, but patients who were tested for COVID-19 had increased proportions of delayed time to surgery (P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, Black race (P = .0026) and uninsured/underinsured status (P = .0017) were associated with delayed time to surgery. Diagnosis during COVID-19 did not increase delayed time to chemoimmunotherapy, regardless of COVID-19 testing or positivity; however, delays were seen for Black (P < .0001), Hispanic (P < .0001), and uninsured/underinsured patients (P < .0001). CONCLUSION Although the pandemic did not delay treatment for colorectal cancer overall, vulnerable and underserved populations were disproportionately affected by delays to all forms of therapy. The difference in colorectal cancer outcomes in the coming years as a result of delays in treatment may be significant for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie H Chung
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, MA. https://twitter.com/SophieChung91
| | - Gordana Rasic
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, MA. https://twitter.com/GordanaRasic
| | - Kelsey S Romatoski
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, MA. https://twitter.com/KelseyRomatoski
| | - Kelly Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, MA
| | - Jennifer F Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, MA. https://twitter.com/TsengJennifer
| | - Teviah E Sachs
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, MA.
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Challa SR, Oskrochi G, Singh GP, Chirumamilla LG, Shayegh N, Nair VK, Littleton M, Byer DT, Morrison NA, Grossi BL, Ashanna B, Dusmatova S, Thompson T, Dawodu DO, Brim H, Ashktorab H. Predictors of mortality in hospitalized African American COVID-19 patients with cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1314-1322. [PMID: 38617523 PMCID: PMC11009794 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifest differently depending on patients' background and pre-existing conditions. It remains unclear how African Americans with cancer have been affected in comparison to those without. In this study, we aim to identify demographic, clinical, and laboratory markers associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with cancer. Methods We reviewed all COVID-19 hospitalized patients' records from Dec. 2019 to Oct. 2021 at Howard University Hospital. Patients having a history of, or active, cancer were reviewed. Clinical, treatment, lab test values, and pathological data were extracted. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted on the entire cohort as well as on cases and controls separately, using SPSS software. Results Out of 512 COVID-19 infected patients, 49 had cancer, either active or history of cancer (cases) and 463 COVID-19 were cancer-free (controls), allowing for comparison. African American race was predominant in both cases and controls, 83.7% and 66.7% respectively. Cancer patients were older than non-cancer patients (mean age: 70.6 vs. 56.3 years) and had an increased length of hospital stay (mean 13.9 vs. 9.4 days). Mortality is significantly higher among cancer patients (n=10, 20.4%, P=0.03) compared to non-cancer COVID-19 patients (n=41, 8.9%). Among cancer patients, breast cancer was more prevalent in females and prostate cancer in males (54% and 52%, respectively). A comparison of patients with active vs. previous cancer showed no significant difference in the clinical outcome, death vs. discharge (P=0.34). A higher reduction in albumin level in cancer cases, from the time of admission to day 5, was significantly associated with death during the hospital stay compared to those discharged (n=24, 49.0%, P<0.001). In controls, lymphopenia (n=436, 94.2%, P=0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (n=59, 12.7%, P=0.008) and albumin (n=40, 8.6%, P=0.02) have shown an association with increased mortality. Conclusions Albumin level has an inverse relationship with clinical outcomes among all COVID-19 infected cancer patients. Reduction in albumin level during the hospital stay, particularly in COVID-19 cancer patients should be considered as a predictor of mortality. Further research with a large cohort size is needed to verify and identify other predictors of outcomes in COVID-19 patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gholamreza Oskrochi
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egalia, Kuwait
| | - Gagan Paul Singh
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lakshmi G. Chirumamilla
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nader Shayegh
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vaisakh K. Nair
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Megan Littleton
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Danae T. Byer
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicole A. Morrison
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brittany L. Grossi
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Barclay Ashanna
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shahnoza Dusmatova
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Trae Thompson
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dideolu O. Dawodu
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hassan Brim
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
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18
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Cinza-Sanjurjo S, Mazón-Ramos P, Rey-Aldana D, Garcia-Vega D, Portela-Romero M, Rodríguez-Mañero M, Sestayo-Fernández M, Lage-Fernández R, López-López R, González-Juanatey JR. Enhancing patient outcomes: Integrating electronic cardiology consultation in primary care for cancer patients. Eur J Clin Invest 2024:e14197. [PMID: 38519859 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of cancer patients with concomitant cardiovascular (CV) disease is on the rise due to improved cancer prognoses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of cancer patients referred to a cardiology department (CD) via primary care using e-consultation. METHODS We analysed data from cancer patients with prior referrals to a CD between 2010 and 2021 (n = 6889) and compared two care models: traditional in-person consultations and e-consultations. In e-consultation model, cardiologists reviewed electronic health records (e-consultation) to determine whether the demand could be addressed remotely or necessitated an in-person consultation. We used an interrupted time series regression model to assess outcomes during the two periods: (1) time to cardiology consultation, (2) rates of all-cause and CV related hospital admissions and (3) rates of all-cause and CV-related mortality within the first year after the initial consultation or e-consultation at the CD. RESULTS Introduction of e-consultation for cancer patients referred to cardiology care led to a 51.8% reduction (95%CI: 51.7%-51.9%) in waiting times. Furthermore, we observed decreased 1-year incidence rates, with incidence rate ratios (iRRs) [IC95%] of .75 [.73-.77] for CV-related hospitalizations, .43 [.42-.44] for all-cause hospitalizations, and .87 [.86-.88] for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS Compared to traditional in-person consultations, an outpatient care program incorporating e-consultation for cancer patients significantly reduced waiting times for cardiology care and demonstrated safety, associated with lower rates of hospital admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Cinza-Sanjurjo
- CS Milladoiro, Área Sanitaria Integrada Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Pilar Mazón-Ramos
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Daniel Rey-Aldana
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- CS A Estrada, Área Sanitaria Integrada Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - David Garcia-Vega
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Manuel Portela-Romero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- CS Concepción Arenal, Área Sanitaria Integrada Santiago de Compostela, Rúa de Santiago León de Caracas, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Moisés Rodríguez-Mañero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Manuela Sestayo-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Ricardo Lage-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - José R González-Juanatey
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
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19
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Janczewski LM, Browner AE, Cotler JH, Palis BE, Chan K, Joung RH, Bentrem DJ, Merkow RP, Boffa DJ, Nelson H. Survival Among Patients With High-Risk Gastrointestinal Cancers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240160. [PMID: 38441896 PMCID: PMC10915687 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Prior reports demonstrated that patients with cancer experienced worse outcomes from pandemic-related stressors and COVID-19 infection. Patients with certain malignant neoplasms, such as high-risk gastrointestinal (HRGI) cancers, may have been particularly affected. Objective To evaluate disruptions in care and outcomes among patients with HRGI cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing for signs of long-term changes in populations and survival. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Cancer Database to identify patients with HRGI cancer (esophageal, gastric, primary liver, or pancreatic) diagnosed between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed between August 23 and September 4, 2023. Main Outcome and Measures Trends in monthly new cases and proportions by stage in 2020 were compared with the prior 2 years. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess 1-year mortality in 2020 compared with 2018 to 2019. Proportional monthly trends and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate 30-day and 90-day mortality in 2020 compared with prior years. Results Of the 156 937 patients included in this study, 54 994 (35.0%) were aged 60 to 69 years and 100 050 (63.8%) were men. There was a substantial decrease in newly diagnosed HRGI cancers in March to May 2020, which returned to prepandemic levels by July 2020. For stage, there was a proportional decrease in the diagnosis of stage I (-3.9%) and stage II (-2.3%) disease, with an increase in stage IV disease (7.1%) during the early months of the pandemic. Despite a slight decrease in 1-year survival rates in 2020 (50.7% in 2018 and 2019 vs 47.4% in 2020), survival curves remained unchanged between years (all P > .05). After adjusting for confounders, diagnosis in 2020 was not associated with increased 1-year mortality compared with 2018 to 2019 (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-1.01). The rates of 30-day (2.1% in 2018, 2.0% in 2019, and 2.1% in 2020) and 90-day (4.3% in 2018, 4.4% in 2019, and 4.6% in 2020) operative mortality also remained similar. Conclusions and Relevance In this retrospective cohort study, a period of underdiagnosis and increase in stage IV disease was observed for HRGI cancers during the pandemic; however, there was no change in 1-year survival or operative mortality. These results demonstrate the risks associated with gaps in care and the tremendous efforts of the cancer community to ensure quality care delivery during the pandemic. Future research should investigate long-term survival changes among all cancer types as additional follow-up data are accrued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Janczewski
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Bryan E. Palis
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kelley Chan
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rachel H. Joung
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David J. Bentrem
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ryan P. Merkow
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel J. Boffa
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Heidi Nelson
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, Illinois
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20
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Bradley E, Deepa M. The global pandemic's second deadly hit: cancer care. Am J Surg 2024; 229:34-35. [PMID: 38044252 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bradley
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Magge Deepa
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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21
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Youn HM, Zhang Y, Liu A, Ng CS, Liang J, Lau GKK, Lee SF, Lok J, Lam CLK, Wan EYF, Quan J. Decline in Cancer Diagnoses during the 'Zero COVID' Policy in Hong Kong: Indirect Spillover Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2024; 36:157-164. [PMID: 38262779 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Despite a largely successful 'zero COVID' policy in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine cancer services in the city of Hong Kong. The aims of this study were to examine the trends in cancer incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and estimate missed cancer diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used population-based data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry 1983-2020 to examine the trends of age- and sex-standardised cancer incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied: (i) the annual average percentage change (AAPC) calculated using the Joinpoint regression model and (ii) the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to forecast cancer incidence rates in 2020. Missed cancer diagnoses in 2020 were estimated by comparing forecasted incidence rates to reported rates. A subgroup analysis was conducted by sex, age and cancer site. RESULTS The cancer incidence in Hong Kong declined by 4.4% from 2019 to 2020 (male 8.1%; female 1.1%) compared with the long-term AAPC of 0.5% from 2005 to 2019 (95% confidence interval 0.3, 0.7). The gap between the reported and forecasted incidence for 2020 ranged from 5.1 to 5.7% (male 8.5%, 9.8%; female 2.3%, 3.5%). We estimated 1525-1596 missed cancer diagnoses (ARIMA estimate -98, 3148; AAPC 514, 1729) in 2020. Most missed diagnoses were in males (ARIMA 1361 [327, 2394]; AAPC 1401 [1353, 1460]), with an estimated 479-557 missed cases of colorectal cancer (ARIMA 112, 837; AAPC 518, 597) and 256-352 missed cases of prostate cancer (AAPC 231, 280; ARIMA 110, 594). CONCLUSION The incidence of new cancer diagnoses declined in 2020 contrary to the long-term increase over the previous decades. Significantly lower diagnoses than expected were observed in males, particularly for colorectal and prostate cancers. Fewer reported cancer cases indicate missed diagnoses and could lead to delayed treatment that could impact future health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Youn
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y Zhang
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A Liu
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C S Ng
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J Liang
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - G K K Lau
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S F Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - J Lok
- Department of Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C L K Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - E Y F Wan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J Quan
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; HKU Business School, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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22
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Semprini J, Pagedar NA, Boakye EA, Osazuwa-Peters N. Head and Neck Cancer Incidence in the United States Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 150:193-200. [PMID: 38206603 PMCID: PMC10784997 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.4322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Importance Research about population-level changes in the incidence and stage of head and neck cancer (HNC) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is sparse. Objective To examine the change in localized vs advanced HNC incidence rates before and during the first year of the pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study of patients in the US diagnosed with HNC from 2017 to 2020, the estimated number with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (floor of mouth; gum and other mouth; lip; oropharynx and tonsil; and tongue) and larynx were identified from the SEER cancer registry. Subgroup analyses were stratified by race and ethnicity, age, and sex. Data were analyzed after the latest update in April 2023. Exposure The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were the annual incidence rates per 100 000 people for localized HNC (includes both localized and regional stages) and advanced HNC (distant stage) and weighted average annual percentage change from 2019 to 2020. Secondary outcomes included annual percentage change for 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019, which provided context for comparison. Results An estimated 21 664 patients (15 341 [71%] male; 10 726 [50%] ≥65 years) were diagnosed with oral cavity and pharynx cancer in 2019 in the US, compared with 20 390 (4355 [70%] male; 10 393 [51%] ≥65 years) in 2020. Overall, the HNC incidence rate per 100 000 people declined from 11.6 cases in 2019 to 10.8 in 2020. The incidence rate of localized cancer declined to 8.8 cases (-7.9% [95% CI, -7.5 to -8.2]) from 2019 to 2020. The localized cancer incidence during the first year of the pandemic decreased the most among male patients (-9.3% [95% CI, -9.2 to -9.5]), Hispanic patients (-12.9% [95% CI, -12.9 to -13.0]), and individuals with larynx cancer (-14.3% [95% CI, -13.6 to -15.0]). No change in the overall incidence rate was found for advanced HNC. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, the incidence of localized HNC declined during the first year of the pandemic. A subsequent increase in advanced-stage diagnoses may be observed in later years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Semprini
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
| | - Nitin A Pagedar
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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23
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Marshall DA, Tagimacruz T, Barber CEH, Cepoiu-Martin M, Lopatina E, Robert J, Lupton T, Patel J, Mosher DP. Intended and unintended consequences of strategies to meet performance benchmarks for rheumatologist referrals in a centralized intake system. J Eval Clin Pract 2024; 30:199-208. [PMID: 37723891 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Timely assessment of a chronic condition is critical to prevent long-term irreversible consequences. Patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) symptoms require diagnosis by a rheumatologist and intervention initiation to minimize potential joint damage. With limited rheumatologist capacity, meeting urgency wait time benchmarks can be challenging. We investigate the impact of the maximum wait time guarantee (MWTG) policy and referral volume changes in a rheumatology central intake (CI) system on meeting this challenge. METHODS We applied a system simulation approach to model a high-volume CI rheumatology clinic. Model parameters were based on the referral and triage data from the CI and clinic appointment data. We compare the wait time performance of the current distribution policy MWTG and when referral volumes change. RESULTS The MWTG policy ensures 100% of new patients see a rheumatologist within their urgency wait time benchmark. However, the average wait time for new patients increased by 51% (178-269 days). A 10% decrease in referrals resulted in a 76% decrease on average wait times (178-43 days) for new patients and an increase in the number of patients seen by a rheumatologist within 1 year of the initial visit. CONCLUSION An MWTG policy can result in intended and unintended consequences-ensuring that all patients meet the wait time benchmarks but increasing wait times overall. Relatively small changes in referral volume significantly impact wait times. These relationships can assist clinic managers and policymakers decide on the best approach to manage referrals for better system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Marshall
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toni Tagimacruz
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claire E H Barber
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Canada Strategic Clinical Networks, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Monica Cepoiu-Martin
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Elena Lopatina
- McCaig Bone and Joint Health Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jill Robert
- Surgery and Bone & Joint Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Terri Lupton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jatin Patel
- Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Diane P Mosher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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24
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Cao C, Fang Y, Yu B, Xu Y, Qiang M, Tao C, Huang S, Chen X. Use of 18F-FDG PET/MRI as an Initial Staging Procedure for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:922-928. [PMID: 37256732 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with the conventional work-up (CWU) including computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen, MRI of the head and neck, and skeletal scintigraphy, positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI might improve diagnostic accuracy, shorten the work-up time, and reduce false-positive (FP) findings in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, evidence of cost-effectiveness is needed for the adoption of PET/MRI for the initial staging in NPC. PURPOSE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and clinical value of PET/MRI as an initial staging procedure for NPC. STUDY TYPE Retrospective cohort cost effectiveness study. SUBJECTS Three hundred forty-three patients with a median age of 51 (13-81) years underwent PET/MRI before treatment (the PET/MRI group) and the remaining 677 patients with a median age of 55 (15-95) years only underwent CWU (the CWU group). There were 80 (23.3%) females and 193 (28.5%) females in the PET/MRI and CWU groups, respectively. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3-T integrated PET/MRI system, diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging (b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2 ) and [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose PET. ASSESSMENT The primary end point was the FP rate. Costs were determined as issued in 2021 by the Medical Insurance Administration Bureau of Zhejiang, China. STATISTICAL TESTS Incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) measured cost of using PET/MRI per percent of patients who avoided a FP. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS For the whole group, the de novo metastatic disease rate was 5.2% (53/1020). A total of 187 patients with FP results were observed. Significantly more patients with FP results were observed in the CWU group compared to the PET/MRI group (25.6% vs. 4.1%). The ICER was $54 for each percent of patients avoiding a FP finding. DATA CONCLUSION Compared with CWU, PET/MRI may reduce the FP risk. Furthermore, PET/MRI may be cost-effective as an initial staging procedure for NPC. EVIDENCE LEVEL 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caineng Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuting Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bocheng Yu
- School of Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanfan Xu
- Hangzhou Universal Medical Imagine Diagnostion Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengyun Qiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Changjuan Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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25
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Yang NN, Zhao J, Zheng Z, Yabroff KR, Han X. COVID-19 vaccination, infection, and symptoms among cancer survivors in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024:djae029. [PMID: 38400782 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The experiences of cancer survivors with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States during 2021 and 2022, when vaccinations became widely available, are largely undocumented. Using nationally representative survey data in 2021 and 2022, we found that compared with adults without a cancer history, cancer survivors were more likely to have at least 2 COVID-19 vaccines (2021: 66.6% vs 62.3%, P = .003; 2022: 77.0% vs 72.4%, P < .001) and as likely to have a COVID-19 infection history (2021: 14.1% vs 14.2%, P = .93; 2022: 39.9% vs 39.3%, P = .55) but, once infected, were more likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms (2021: 62.5% vs 54.2%, P = .02; 54.5% vs 61.3%; P = .13). Among cancer survivors, younger age, lower educational attainment, lack of health insurance, and more comorbidities were statistically significantly associated with lower vaccination rates (P < .001). Among infected cancer survivors, being female and younger were associated with higher likelihood of developing moderate to severe symptoms (P < .001). Our findings suggest tailored efforts to prevent and control COVID-19 infections for cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Nova Yang
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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26
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Sim J, Shin J, Lee HJ, Lee Y, Kim YA. Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on cancer care: How the pandemic has changed cancer utilization and expenditures. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296808. [PMID: 38329987 PMCID: PMC10852310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Since identified in December 2019, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a global impact on medical resource use and costs for patients with cancer in South Korea. This study aimed to identify the medical use and costs among patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, to predict these patterns in South Korea in the future. METHODS We conducted a secondary claims data analysis using the National Health Insurance Service database for the calendar period of 2019-2020. Monthly relative percent changes in cancer incidence, medical use, and billing costs for medical care utilization by cancer type were calculated. Then, the medical use and costs after January 2020 were predicted using a time series model with data before the COVID-19 outbreak (2014-2019). RESULTS The incidence of cancer diagnoses has seen a notable decline since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in 2020 as compared to 2019. Despite the impact of COVID-19, there hasn't been a distinct decline in outpatient utilization when compared to inpatient utilization. While medical expenses for both inpatient and outpatient visits have slightly increased, the number of patients treated for cancer has decreased significantly compared to the previous year. In June 2020, overall outpatient costs experienced the highest increase (21.1%), while individual costs showed the most significant decrease (-4.9%) in June 2020. Finally, the number of hospitalisations and outpatient visits increased slightly from June-July in 2020, reducing the difference between the actual and predicted values. The decrease in the number of inpatient hospitalisations (-22~-6%) in 2020 was also high. CONCLUSIONS The overall use of medical services by patients with cancer decreased in 2020 compared with that in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. In the future, the government should consider how to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and establish permanent health policies for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinah Sim
- School of AI Convergence, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Shin
- Department of Research, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Lee
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonseung Lee
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ae Kim
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
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Hacker K. The Burden of Chronic Disease. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2024; 8:112-119. [PMID: 38304166 PMCID: PMC10830426 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer have been and continue to be some of the major causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality. A transition between infectious and noncommunicable diseases occurred in the early 1900s as a result of improved public health and has persisted ever since. Now, as individuals live longer, the prevalence and cost of chronic disease continue to grow. The estimated cost of chronic disease is expected to reach $47 trillion worldwide by 2030. Individual lifestyle and behaviors and community factors play important roles in the development and management of chronic diseases. Many of these conditions (diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases) are preventable, and their leading risk factors are physical inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol. Unfortunately, the investment in prevention remains small compared with treatment, both from a lifestyle perspective and a social determinants of health perspective. Given the future trajectory of chronic disease, innovation in technology and pharmaceuticals with a concomitant investment in prevention will be required. Our future depends on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hacker
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Dolan DP, Visa M, Lee D, Lung KC, Patino DA, Kurihara C, Garza-Castillon R, Odell DD, Bharat A, Kim S. Rapid Discharge After Anatomic Lung Resection: Is Ambulatory Surgery for Early Lung Cancer Possible? Ann Thorac Surg 2024; 117:297-303. [PMID: 37586584 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given resource constraints during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we explored whether minimally invasive anatomic lung resections for early-stage lung cancer could undergo rapid discharge. METHODS All patients with clinical stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer from September 2019 to June 2022 who underwent minimally invasive anatomic lung resection at a single institution were included. Patients discharged without a chest tube <18 hours after operation, meeting preset criteria, were considered rapid discharge. Demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and 30-day outcomes were compared between rapid discharge patients and nonrapid discharge "control" patients. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for predictors of nonrapid discharge. RESULTS Overall, 430 patients underwent resection (200 lobectomies and 230 segmentectomies); 162 patients (37%) underwent rapid discharge and 268 patients (63%) were controls. The rapid discharge group was younger (66.5 vs 70.0 years; P < .001), was assigned to lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P = .02), had more segmentectomies than lobectomies (P = .003), and had smaller tumors (P < .001). There were no differences between groups in distance from home to hospital (P = .335) or readmission rates (P = .39). Increasing age had higher odds for nonrapid discharge (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), whereas segmentectomy had decreased odds (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.28-0.75). CONCLUSIONS Approximately 37% of the patients underwent rapid discharge after operation with similar readmission rate to controls. Increasing age had higher odds for nonrapid discharge; segmentectomy was likely to lead to rapid discharge. Consideration of rapid discharge minimally invasive lung resection for early-stage lung cancer can result in significant reduction in inpatient resources without adverse patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Dolan
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maxime Visa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dan Lee
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kalvin C Lung
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diego Avella Patino
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Chitaru Kurihara
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rafael Garza-Castillon
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David D Odell
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ankit Bharat
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Samuel Kim
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Canning Thoracic Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
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Qian Z, Chen X, Cole AP, Abdollah F, Choueiri TK, Kibel AS, Lipsitz SR, Iyer HS, Trinh QD. Changes in Prostate-specific Antigen Screening after the 2018 United States Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations and Through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Eur Urol Oncol 2024; 7:151-154. [PMID: 37487814 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed trends in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer, with a focus on the impact of the 2018 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations and the COVID-19 outbreak. Using National Health Interview Survey data, we performed difference-in-difference (DID) analyses to examine the PSA screening trend for men aged 55-69 yr, the target population in the 2018 USPSTF update, with men aged >69 yr included as the reference and adjustment for sociodemographic factors. We found that PSA screening increased for men aged 55-69 yr (+4.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-7.5%) or >69 yr (+6.5%, 95% CI 2.7-10.4%) in 2019 (after the 2018 recommendations) in comparison to 2015. There was a decrease in PSA screening for men aged 55-69 yr in 2021 in comparison to 2019 (after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020) of -3.1% (95%CI -0.4% to -5.8%). Adjusted DID analysis revealed no significant variations in the rate of change in PSA screening between the two age groups following both events. Despite its observational nature, our design mitigates major challenges in inferring causal relationships. Our results suggest a causal relationship between the 2018 screening guidelines and an increase in screening rates for men aged 55-69 yr. Conversely, they also indicate that preventive care disruptions related to COVID-19 may have induced deceleration or potentially reversal of these advances. PATIENT SUMMARY: We used data from a large national survey to study the rate of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer in the USA in response to the 2018 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found an increase in PSA screening in 2019 among men aged 55-69 yr, the target population in the 2018 recommendations, as well as men aged >69 yr. However, this increase was reduced after the COVID-19 outbreak. It remains to be seen how PSA screening continues to change as the world recovers from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Qian
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander P Cole
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Firas Abdollah
- Vattikuti Urology Institute Center for Outcomes Research, Analytics and Evaluation, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA; Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam S Kibel
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stuart R Lipsitz
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Section of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Quoc-Dien Trinh
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Janczewski LM, Browner AE, Cotler J, Palis B, McCabe R, Boffa DJ, Nelson H. National Cancer Database Reports Ongoing Disruptions in Cancer Diagnoses in 2021. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:729-730. [PMID: 38062292 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14748-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Janczewski
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - Joseph Cotler
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bryan Palis
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan McCabe
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel J Boffa
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Heidi Nelson
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
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Pomey MP, Paquette J, Nelea MI, Vialaron C, Mourad R, Bouchard K, Normandin L, Côté MA, Desforges M, Pomey-Carpentier P, Fortin I, Ganache I, Régis C, Rosberger Z, Charpentier D, Vachon MF, Bélanger L, Dorval M, Ghadiri DP, Lavoie-Tremblay M, Boivin A, Pelletier JF, Fernandez N, Danino AM, de Guise M. Integrating accompanying patients into clinical oncology teams: limiting and facilitating factors. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:150. [PMID: 38291443 PMCID: PMC10826234 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10624-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 2018, four establishments in Quebec have been instrumental in implementing the PAROLE-Onco program, which introduced accompanying patients (APs) into healthcare teams to improve cancer patients' experience. APs are patient advisors who have acquired specific experiential knowledge related to living with cancer, using services, and interacting with healthcare professionals. They are therefore in a unique and reliable position to be able to provide emotional, informational, cognitive and navigational support to patients who are dealing with cancer. We aimed to explore APs' perspectives regarding the limiting and facilitating factors in terms of how they are integrated into the clinical oncology teams. METHODS A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups was conducted with 20 APs at the beginning of their intervention (T1) and, two years later, during a second data collection (T2). Limiting and facilitating factors of APs' integration into clinical teams were analyzed in terms of governance, culture, resources and tools. RESULTS The limited factors raised by APs to be integrated into clinical teams include the following: confusion about the specific roles played by APs, lifting the egos of certain professionals who feel they are already doing what APs typically do, lack of identification of patient needs, absence of APs in project governance organizational boundaries, and team members' availability. Various communication challenges were also raised, resulting in the program being inadequately promoted among patients. Also mentioned as limiting factors were the lack of time, space and compensation. Creating opportunities for team members to meet with APs, building trust and teaching team members how APs' activities complement theirs were enhancing factors. Other facilitators include APs being involved in decision-making committees, being leaders in promoting the PAROLE-Onco program to patients and clinical team members and creating opportunities to communicate with team members to help enhance their work and provide feedback to improve patient services. Awareness of APs' added value for the team and patients is also a key facilitator. Regarding tools, offering accompanying services by telephone allows both patients and APs to benefit from the flexibility they need. CONCLUSION Over time, APs were able to identify optimal factors for successful implementation. Recommendations include APs and professionals working in co-construction on organization, leadership, resources and status factors. This could help catalyze a change in culture within health establishments and allow people dealing with cancer to benefit from the experiential knowledge of other patients within their clinical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pascale Pomey
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Centre d'excellence Sur Le Partenariat Avec Les Patients Et Le Public, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, CA, Canada.
| | - Jesseca Paquette
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Monica Iliescu Nelea
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cécile Vialaron
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rim Mourad
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Karine Bouchard
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Louise Normandin
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Andrée Côté
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mado Desforges
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Israël Fortin
- Centre Intégré, Universitaire de Santé Et Services Sociaux de L'Est-de-L'Île-de Montréal, Hôpital de Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ganache
- Institut National d'excellence en Santé Et Services Sociaux (INESSS), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Régis
- Université de Montréal - Faculté de droit, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zeev Rosberger
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital &, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Lynda Bélanger
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Dorval
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CISSS Chaudière Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mélanie Lavoie-Tremblay
- Faculté Des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine Boivin
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'excellence Sur Le Partenariat Avec Les Patients Et Le Public, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Pelletier
- Centre Intégré de Santé Et de Services Sociaux de La Montérégie-Ouest, St-Hubert, QC, Canada
- Yale Program for Recovery & Community Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicolas Fernandez
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain M Danino
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle de Guise
- Institut National d'excellence en Santé Et Services Sociaux (INESSS), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Tsuno T, Kawaguchi T, Yanaizumi R, Kondo J, Kojima K, Igarashi T, Inoue M, Miura T, Miyasato A, Azuma K, Hamada H, Saeki T, Mawatari H, Ogura H, Kotani A, Yamaguchi T, Hakamata H. Psychological Barriers to the Use of Opioid Analgesics for Treating Pain in Patients With Advanced Recurrent Cancer: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:43-52. [PMID: 38249830 PMCID: PMC10797307 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to gain insight into psychological barriers toward initiation of strong opioid analgesic use in patients with advanced recurrent cancer. Methods This study included 46 patients who were prescribed with opioid analgesics for advanced recurrent cancer. The primary outcome was psychological barriers assessed using the Japanese version of the Barriers Questionnaire-II (JBQ-II). The secondary outcomes were psychological changes and pain relief one week after the induction of strong opioid analgesics. Results The mean age of participants was 63.6 years. Furthermore, 26.1% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≥3. The mean JBQ-II total score was 1.97 (95% confidence interval: 1.75-2.19). At the initiation of opioid therapy, there was no difference in the total scores between the baseline and one week later. Nevertheless, there was a significant difference in the subscale "disease progression" score (mean 2.97 vs. 2.59, difference in means 0.38, standard error 0.16, p = 0.026). Personalized Pain Goal (PPG) was achieved in about half of the participants, and a trend toward a higher score in the subscale "harmful effects" (concern about adverse events) was observed in those who did not achieve PPG. Conclusion This study showed that patients with advanced recurrent cancer have psychological barriers to opioid induction. The relationship between the presence of psychological barriers before and after induction of opioid analgesics and the speed of pain improvement was determined. The results may provide fundamental information for prospective intervention studies to develop individualized education programs for patients with psychological barriers to opioids.Clinical Trial Registration Number UMIN000042443.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiko Tsuno
- Department of Pharmacy, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kawaguchi
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Yanaizumi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Junichi Kondo
- Department of Pharmacy, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Keiko Kojima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Igarashi
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Masaki Inoue
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Miura
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Akime Miyasato
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako Azuma
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamada
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Saeki
- Department of Pharmacy and Yokohama Minami Kyousai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hironori Mawatari
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Yokohama Minami Kyousai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ogura
- Department of Pharmacy, Kameda Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akira Kotani
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuhiro Yamaguchi
- Division of Biostatistics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideki Hakamata
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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Grant MJ, Chiang AC. Telehealth and Outcomes in Patients With Cancer: Data and Innovation. Cancer J 2024; 30:16-21. [PMID: 38265921 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite that telehealth has been crucial to the delivery of oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of this care delivery mechanism on outcomes in cancer care has not been rigorously studied relative standard in-person care for patients with cancer. Patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life, patient satisfaction, and symptoms are important outcomes that have been the primary focus of many of the existing studies in this space, yet only a select few have evaluated overall survival and other objective efficacy endpoints. Studies have alluded to positive effects of telehealth on mitigating financial toxicity and enhancing cost-effective care delivery in oncology. Telehealth carries much potential for advancing care for patients with cancer, but future study should focus on additional efficacy endpoints, implementation, and ways to reduce disparities.
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Allen DZ, Ahmad JG, McKee SP, Suarez N, Basmaci UN, Alava I. The impact of the pandemic on the presentation and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma at a county hospital. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104103. [PMID: 37988796 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, initiating stay-at-home orders which delayed cancer care and screening. The impact on head and neck cancer care in populations at risk has yet to be elucidated. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate how the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer patients at a county hospital were affected by the pandemic. METHODS A retrospective review of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that were diagnosed at a county hospital 365 days before and after stay-at-home orders were initiated. The primary outcomes were duration between diagnosis from imaging and initiation of treatment. Secondary outcomes included mortality, stage, nodal status, and distant metastasis at presentation. RESULTS There was a total of 105 diagnoses. Sixty-five (62 %) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses were diagnosed before the stay-at-home orders were initiated, and 40 (38 %) after. Eighty percent (32/40) of diagnoses presenting after had stage IV disease compared to 58 % (38/65) in those before (p < 0.05). A higher percentage of patients who presented later had a >30-day delay to biopsy (43 % v. 20 %, OR: 3.0, p < 0.05). This difference was exacerbated by those with laryngeal, oral cavity, or oropharyngeal cancer (45 % v. 15 %, OR: 4.5, p < 0.05). There was a larger delay from diagnosis to treatment after the orders were initiated (68 v. 53, p < 0.05) however there was no difference in one-year mortality (25 % v. 23 %, p > 0.05). This investigation found a 14 % loss to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses at a county hospital, those diagnosed after the stay-at-home orders were initiated presented with more advanced disease. They also had more delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. There was no difference in one-year mortality rates between the two groups however there was a significant loss to follow-up, limiting prognostication. These findings serve to better prepare healthcare providers to implement optimized care during future shutdowns related to public health crises. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Z Allen
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States of America.
| | - Jumah G Ahmad
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States of America
| | - Sean P McKee
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States of America
| | - Natalia Suarez
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States of America
| | - Ugur Nur Basmaci
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States of America
| | - Ibrahim Alava
- The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77004, United States of America
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Triki M, Zghal M, Ayed HB, Makni S, Bouhamed M, Fendri S, Charfi S, Boudawara T, Mellouli M. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer pathological stage at diagnosis in Tunisian patients. Breast Dis 2024; 43:9-17. [PMID: 38363601 PMCID: PMC10894576 DOI: 10.3233/bd-230051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) patients' diagnosis and management was affected by a global reorganization after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on the pathological stage of newly diagnosed patients with BC compared to pre-pandemic and to identify predictive factors of tumor advanced stage. METHODS Pathological records of all consecutive newly operated BC patients between March 2020 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and pathological prognostic factors of BC were collected and compared between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Then, predictive factors of tumor advanced stage were identified. RESULTS Of the 225 cases included in the analysis, 98.7% were females and 1.3% were males. The median time from first histological diagnosis to first surgical treatment was enlarged by 42 days with a significant difference between the two periods (p = 0.002). Newly diagnosed BC patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were operated at a more advanced stage (54.1% vs 36.2%, p = 0.007), had a greater lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.015) and are more commonly of IBC NST histological type (p = 0.005). Moreover, multivariate analyses showed that the pandemic period (AOR = 2.28; p = 0.016) and the lympho-vascular invasion (p < 0.001) were independently associated with advanced stage of tumors. CONCLUSION Our findings proved an increase in alarming rates of advanced stage BC associated with the COVID-19 crisis. These findings support recommendations for a quick restoration of BC screening at full capacity, with adequate prioritization strategies to mitigate harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriam Triki
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Zghal
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Houda Ben Ayed
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Saadia Makni
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Maroua Bouhamed
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Semi Fendri
- Department of General Surgery, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Charfi
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tahya Boudawara
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Manel Mellouli
- Department of Pathology and Research Laboratory LR18SP10, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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Rago V, Bossio S, Lofaro D, Perri A, Di Agostino S. New Insights into the Link between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Renal Cancer. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:52. [PMID: 38255667 PMCID: PMC10817602 DOI: 10.3390/life14010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been described as a risk factor for greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19, mainly for patients with metastatic disease. Conversely, to that reported for most solid and hematological malignancies, the few available clinical studies reported that the infection did not increase the risk of death in renal cancer patients. The expression on proximal tubular renal cells of the key players in cellular viral uptake, ACE2, TMPRSS2, and NRP1, seems to be the mechanism for the direct kidney injury seen in patients with COVID-19. Interestingly, data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and experimental analyses on various renal cancer cell lines demonstrated that the above-reported receptors/cofactors are maintained by renal cancer cells. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 infection directly kills renal cancer cells or generates enhanced immunogenicity is a question worth investigating. In addition, some researchers have further addressed the topic by studying the expression and prognostic significance of gene signatures related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in renal cancer patients. The emerging data highlights the importance of better understanding the existence of a link between renal cancer and COVID-19 since it could lead to the identification of new prognostic factors and the development of new therapeutic targets in the management of renal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Bossio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Danilo Lofaro
- de-Health Lab, Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Anna Perri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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Fefferman M, Kuchta K, Wang C, Nicholson K, Kopkash K, Pesce C, Poli E, Smith TW, Yao K. Rates of newly diagnosed breast cancer at commission on cancer facilities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6874. [PMID: 38140789 PMCID: PMC10807625 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases at Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited facilities relative to the United States (U.S.) population. METHODS We examined the incidence of breast cancer cases at CoC sites using the U.S. Census population as the denominator. Breast cancer incidence was stratified by patient age, race and ethnicity, and geographic location. RESULTS A total of 1,499,806 patients with breast cancer were included. For females, breast cancer cases per 100,000 individuals went from 188 in 2015 to 203 in 2019 and then dropped to 176 in 2020 with a 15.7% decrease from 2019 to 2020. Breast cancer cases per 100,000 males went from 1.7 in 2015 to 1.8 in 2019 and then declined to 1.5 in 2020 with a 21.8% decrease from 2019 to 2020. For both females and males, cases per 100,000 individuals decreased from 2019 to 2020 for almost all age groups. For females, rates dropped from 2019 to 2020 for all races and ethnicities and geographic locations. The largest percent change was seen among Hispanic patients (-18.4%) and patients in the Middle Atlantic division (-18.6%). The stage distribution (0-IV) for female and male patients remained stable from 2018 to 2020. CONCLUSION The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decreased number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases at Commission on Cancer sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fefferman
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Kristine Kuchta
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Chi‐Hsiung Wang
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Kyra Nicholson
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Katherine Kopkash
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Catherine Pesce
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Elizabeth Poli
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Thomas W. Smith
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Katharine Yao
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Girardi F, Marini S, Porra F, Carpentieri S, Marchet A, Saibene T, Lo Mele M, Giarratano T, Giorgi CA, Mioranza E, Falci C, Faggioni G, Caumo F, Griguolo G, Dieci MV, Guarneri V. The Impact of COVID-19 on Treatment Practices for Patients With Early Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Large Cancer Center in Italy. Oncologist 2023; 28:e1179-e1184. [PMID: 37699107 PMCID: PMC10712907 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted health services worldwide. The evidence on the impact of the pandemic on cancer care provision, however, is conflicting. We aimed to audit the management of patients diagnosed with early breast cancer (EBC) during the pandemic in a large, tertiary-level cancer center in Italy. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study to track the route to first treatment for patients diagnosed with EBC during 2019, 2020, and 2021. We abstracted data for all consecutive patients referred to the Veneto Institute of Oncology (Padua, Italy). We defined as point of contact (POC) the date of the first consultation with a breast cancer specialist of the breast unit. First treatment was defined as either upfront surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). RESULTS We reviewed medical records for 878 patients for whom an MDT report during 2019-2021 (April through June) was available. Of these, 431 (49%) were eligible. The proportion of screen-detected tumors was larger in 2019 and 2021 than in 2020 (59%). Conversely, the proportion of screen-detected tumors was offset by the proportion of palpable tumors in 2020 (P = .004). Distribution of tumor and nodal stage was unchanged over time, but in situ tumors were slightly fewer in 2020 than in 2019 or 2021. The adjusted odds ratio for treatment delay (45 days or more) was 0.87 for 2020 versus 2019 (95% CI, 0.5-1.53) and 0.9 for 2021 versus 2019 (95% CI, 0.52-1.55). CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence for major changes in the management of patients with EBC during 2019-2021 and no treatment delays were observed. Our findings suggest that more women presented with palpable nodules at diagnosis, but the stage distribution did not change over time. Validation on a larger cohort of patients is warranted to robustly assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment practices for patients with EBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Girardi
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabrina Marini
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Porra
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sonia Carpentieri
- Division of Breast Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Marchet
- Division of Breast Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Tania Saibene
- Division of Breast Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marcello Lo Mele
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Tommaso Giarratano
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Giorgi
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mioranza
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Falci
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Faggioni
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Caumo
- Division of Breast Imaging, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gaia Griguolo
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Hoover A, Watson D, Reimche P, Tanner L, Gilchrist L, Finch M, Messinger Y, Turcotte L. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization and Cost for Care of Pediatric ALL. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3706388. [PMID: 38168364 PMCID: PMC10760222 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3706388/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and requires a unique pattern of healthcare utilization including an acute/emergent presentation and an intensive initial 8 months of therapy followed by two years of outpatient treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive global disruptions in healthcare use and delivery. This report aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, diagnosis and continued management of childhood ALL in regard to utilization and cost of care. Results Utilizing a commercial insurance claims database, 529 pediatric patients were identified who were diagnosed with ALL and completed their initial 8 months of treatment between January 2016 and December 2021. New diagnoses were evaluated by era and demographics. Utilization was measured by COVID-related era as number of inpatient and outpatient encounters, inpatient days, and cumulative cost. None of these cost or utilization factors changed significantly during or shortly after the pandemic. These findings reinforce that the necessary care for pediatric ALL is largely inflexible and was unwavering despite the massive shifts in the healthcare system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This provides a valuable benchmark as we further examine the factors that influence the pandemic's impact on health equity and access to care, especially in vulnerable pediatric populations. This is the first investigation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization and cost of care in pediatric cancer.
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Yang L, Tang S, He M, Guo J, Gabriel N, Swabe G, Gellad WF, Essien UR, Saba S, Benjamin EJ, Magnani JW, Hernandez I. COVID-19 pandemic and initiation of treatment for atrial fibrillation: a nationwide analysis of claims data. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:604. [PMID: 38066445 PMCID: PMC10704685 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03614-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the delivery of medical care. It remains unclear whether individuals diagnosed with new onset disease during the pandemic were less likely to initiate treatments after diagnosis. We sought to evaluate changes in the treatment initiation of patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we identified individuals with incident AF from 01/01/2016-09/30/2021 using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database. The primary outcome was initiation of oral anticoagulation (OAC) within 30 days of AF diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included initiation of OAC within 180 days of diagnosis, initiation of warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), rhythm control medications and electrical cardioversion within 30 days of diagnosis. We constructed interrupted time series analyses to examine changes in the outcomes following the onset of the pandemic. RESULTS A total of 573,524 patients (age 73.0 ± 10.9 years) were included in the study. There were no significant changes in the initiation of OAC, DOAC, and rhythm control medications associated with the onset of the pandemic. There was a significant decrease in initiation of electrical cardioversion associated with the onset of the pandemic. The rate of electronic cardioversion within 30 days of diagnosis decreased by 4.9% per 1,000 patients after the onset of the pandemic and decreased by about 35% in April 2020, compared to April 2019, from 5.53% to 3.58%. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the OAC initiation within 30 days of AF diagnosis but was associated with a decline in the provision of procedures for patients newly diagnosed with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanting Yang
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shangbin Tang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meiqi He
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jingchuan Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nico Gabriel
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen Swabe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walid F Gellad
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Utibe R Essien
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy, University of California, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samir Saba
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Emelia J Benjamin
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jared W Magnani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Inmaculada Hernandez
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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EL-Andari R, Fialka NM, Jogiat U, Laing B, Bédard ELR, Nagendran J. Resource allocation during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the impact on patients with lung cancer: a systematic review. INTERDISCIPLINARY CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY 2023; 37:ivad190. [PMID: 38015831 PMCID: PMC10697737 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivad190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in unprecedented tolls on both economies and human life. Healthcare resources needed to be reallocated away from the care of patients and towards supporting the pandemic response. In this systematic review, we explore the impact of resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the screening, diagnosis, management and outcomes of patients with lung cancer during the pandemic. METHODS PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for articles investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with lung cancer. Of the 1605 manuscripts originally screened, 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Patients with lung cancer during the pandemic experienced reduced rates of screening, diagnostic testing and interventions but did not experience worse outcomes. Population-based modelling studies predict significant increases in mortality for patients with lung cancer in the years to come. CONCLUSIONS Reduced access to resources during the pandemic resulted in reduced rates of screening, diagnosis and treatment for patients with lung cancer. While significant differences in outcomes were not identified in the short term, ultimately the effects of the pandemic and reductions in cancer screening will likely be better delineated in the coming years. Future consideration of the long-term implications of resource allocation away from patients with lung cancer with an attempt to provide equitable access to healthcare and limited interruptions of patient care may help to provide the best care for all patients during times of limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryaan EL-Andari
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Fialka
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Uzair Jogiat
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bryce Laing
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric L R Bédard
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jayan Nagendran
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Beatrici E, Filipas DK, Stone BV, Labban M, Qian Z, Lipsitz SR, Lughezzani G, Buffi NM, Cole AP, Trinh QD. Clinical stage and grade migration of localized prostate cancer at diagnosis during the past decade. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:483.e11-483.e19. [PMID: 37852818 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early 2010s data suggest a reverse stage and grade migration towards more aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) at diagnosis, accelerated by the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against PSA screening. Using the National Cancer Database, we investigated the impact of the 2018 USPSTF recommendation and the COVID-19 outbreak on this shift. We hypothesized that the COVID-19 outbreak would further contribute to a stage and grade migration towards more aggressive disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS We identified men with localized PCa diagnosed between 2010 and 2020. We analyzed the shift in the proportion of PCa stratified according to D'Amico risk classification. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between year of diagnosis and dichotomous variables related to clinical stage and grade of PCa. Predicted probabilities with 95% CI were computed through marginal effect analyses. RESULTS We identified 910,898 men with localized PCa. The proportion of low-risk PCa almost halved from 34.9% in 2010 to 17.7% in 2020 (P < 0.001). Compared to 2010, we found in each year increased odds of: PSA≥10 ng/dL starting from 2012 (aOR2012 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08); cT3-T4 starting from 2015 (aOR2015 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.17); ISUP GG 3-5 starting from 2011 (aOR2011 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.08); and consequently, D'Amico intermediate/high-risk class starting from 2011 (aOR2011 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05). Fluctuations in the probabilities of PSA≥10 ng/dL and cT3-T4 at diagnosis were observed over time (all P < 0.001). The probability of PSA≥10 ng/dL peaked at 29.0% (95% CI, 28.0%-29.0%) in 2018, while the probability of cT3-T4 peaked at 3.7% (95% CI, 3.6%-3.8%) in 2020. All other outcome variables demonstrated a consistent upward shift (all P < 0.001), with the highest probabilities in 2020 for ISUP GG 3-5 (42.3%, 95% CI, 41.9%-42.6%) and D'Amico intermediate/high-risk (81.3%, 95% CI, 81.0%-81.6%). CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms an enduring shift towards a higher proportion of aggressive PCa at diagnosis, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the 2018 USPSTF PCa screening recommendation on the proportion of aggressive PCa seems restricted and likely affected by the pandemic outbreak. Future investigations should evaluate the long-term effects of the 2018 USPSTF recommendations in the postpandemic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Beatrici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Urology, Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Dejan K Filipas
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin V Stone
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Muhieddine Labban
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stuart R Lipsitz
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Giovanni Lughezzani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Department of Urology, Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò M Buffi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Department of Urology, Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexander P Cole
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Quoc-Dien Trinh
- Division of Urological Surgery and Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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de Germay S, Singier A, Salvo F, Pariente A. Impact of Covid-19 Vaccination on Spontaneous Pharmacovigilance Reporting in France. Drug Saf 2023; 46:1381-1389. [PMID: 37926785 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2021, the massive Covid-19 vaccination campaign in France was accompanied by an intensified pharmacovigilance monitoring of their potential adverse drug reactions. The importance of this reporting might have led to an important selective reporting and overloading of Pharmacovigilance Centres, delaying the recording of some reports in the national pharmacovigilance database. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign in France and related reports on spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions that were not related to the Covid-19 vaccine. METHODS We performed time-series analyses considering the monthly number of adverse drug reactions reported between January 1, 2018 and April 30, 2022 using the French Pharmacovigilance database. The impact of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign on the monthly reporting not Covid-19 vaccine related was estimated using interrupted time-series. January 2021, marking the start of the campaign, was the intervention date in the models. Analyses were run globally first considering all adverse drug reaction reports, and second according to notifier type and to case seriousness. RESULTS We included 170,294 reports registered in the French Pharmacovigilance database between January 1, 2018 and April 30, 2022 that were not Covid-19 vaccine-related. Among these, 77,067 (45.3%) were serious and 146,683 (86.1%) had been reported by health care professionals. The campaign start was associated with a nearly 35.0% decrease in average monthly reporting that was not Covid-19 vaccine-related, with a significant level decrease in the monthly number of reports of -658.0 (p < 10-3) immediately after the vaccination campaign start and a subsequent slope decrease of -50.0 (p < 10-3). This decrease was mainly due to a significant level and slope decrease (level: -739.2 p < 10-3; slope: -39 [p < 10-2]) for health care professional reports. A similar level decrease was found for the monthly number of both serious and non-serious reports (-402.3, p < 10-3; and -311.9, p = 10-2, respectively). According to the ATC 1 level, the decrease in the monthly number of reports showed similar patterns for all drugs. However, a potential increase in the number of serious reports suspecting antineoplastic and immunomodulating drugs (ATC L) or drugs targeting blood was observed (ATC B). CONCLUSION Our study showed a significant impact of the Covid-19 campaign vaccination in the reporting of adverse drug reactions that were not Covid-19 vaccine-related, of roughly 35%. This leads to a loss of information regarding the monitoring of drug safety that could have impacted the system capacity to detect safety signals for drugs other than Covid-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle de Germay
- INSERM, BPH, U1219 Team AHead, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CHU of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Allison Singier
- INSERM, BPH, U1219 Team AHead, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Francesco Salvo
- INSERM, BPH, U1219 Team AHead, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CHU of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Pariente
- INSERM, BPH, U1219 Team AHead, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CHU of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
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44
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Naz H, Apesoa-Varano EC, Romero C, Keegan T, Malogolowkin M, Callas C, Gosdin M, Alvarez E. How Do Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Cancer Manage Their Chemotherapy-Related Symptoms at Home? J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:923-928. [PMID: 37699237 PMCID: PMC10739787 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy can cause many distressing side effects, potentially impacting treatment completion and quality of life in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. To identify ways to help mitigate chemotherapy-related symptoms, we sought to elicit barriers and facilitators to managing symptoms experienced by AYAs with cancer through interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis identified three main domains: (1) managing chemotherapy symptoms (e.g., medication, home remedies), (2) anticipating and mitigating symptoms (e.g., management of symptoms at home, anticipatory guidance), and (3) knowing when to seek care (e.g., unexpected and unusual symptoms). This study elucidated that AYAs can successfully manage symptoms at home when given the proper guidance and this could be a focus of future efforts to improve outcomes in this population. The Clinical Trial Registration number is NCT04594096.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Naz
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Crystal Romero
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Theresa Keegan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Marcio Malogolowkin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Christina Callas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Melissa Gosdin
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Elysia Alvarez
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
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45
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Englum BR, Sahoo S, Mayorga-Carlin M, Hayssen H, Siddiqui T, Turner DJ, Sorkin JD, Lal BK. Growing Deficit in New Cancer Diagnoses 2 Years Into the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Multicenter Study. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:8509-8518. [PMID: 37695458 PMCID: PMC10939008 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large decreases in cancer diagnoses were seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the evolution of these deficits since the end of 2020 and the advent of widespread vaccination is unknown. METHODS This study examined data from the Veterans Health Administration (VA) from 1 January 2018 through 28 February 2022 and identified patients with screening or diagnostic procedures or new cancer diagnoses for the four most common cancers in the VA health system: prostate, lung, colorectal, and bladder cancers. Monthly procedures and new diagnoses were calculated, and the pre-COVID era (January 2018 to February 2020) was compared with the COVID era (March 2020 to February 2022). RESULTS The study identified 2.5 million patients who underwent a diagnostic or screening procedure related to the four cancers. A new cancer was diagnosed for 317,833 patients. During the first 2 years of the pandemic, VA medical centers performed 13,022 fewer prostate biopsies, 32,348 fewer cystoscopies, and 200,710 fewer colonoscopies than in 2018-2019. These persistent deficits added a cumulative deficit of nearly 19,000 undiagnosed prostate cancers and 3300 to 3700 undiagnosed cancers each for lung, colon, and bladder. Decreased diagnostic and screening procedures correlated with decreased new diagnoses of cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate (R = 0.44) and bladder (R = 0.27). CONCLUSION Disruptions in new diagnoses of four common cancers (prostate, lung, bladder, and colorectal) seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic have persisted for 2 years. Although reductions improved from the early pandemic, new reductions during the Delta and Omicron waves demonstrate the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Englum
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shalini Sahoo
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minerva Mayorga-Carlin
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Surgery Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hilary Hayssen
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tariq Siddiqui
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Surgery Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Douglas J Turner
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Surgery Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John D Sorkin
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brajesh K Lal
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Surgery Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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46
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Uttinger KL, Brunotte M, Diers J, Lock JF, Jansen-Winkeln B, Seehofer D, Germer CT, Wiegering A. Diverticulitis patient care during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany-a retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:447. [PMID: 38001302 PMCID: PMC10673984 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03184-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted health care systems around the world. Despite a decrease in emergency admissions, an increased number of complicated forms of diverticulitis was reported. It was the aim of this study to analyze the pandemic impact on diverticulitis management in Germany. METHODS This is a retrospective population-wide analysis of hospital billing data (2012-2021) of diverticulitis in Germany. Patients were identified based on diagnosis (ICD10) and procedural codes to stratify by conservative and operative management. Primary outcome of interest was admission rates, secondary outcomes were rates of surgical vs conservative treatment and fraction of complicated clinical courses during the pandemic. RESULTS Of a total of 991,579 cases, 66,424 (6.7%) were admitted during pandemic lockdowns. Conservative treatment was the most common overall (66.9%) and higher during lockdowns (70.7%). Overall admissions and population adjusted rates of surgically treated patients decreased, the latter by 12.7% and 11.3%, corrected to estimated rates, in the two lockdowns. Surgery after emergency presentation decreased by 7.1% (p=0.053) and 11.1% (p=0.002) in the two lockdowns with a higher rate of ostomy and/or revision (+5.6%, p=0.219, and +10.2%, p=0.030). In-hospital mortality was increased in lockdown periods (1.64% vs 1.49%). In detail, mortality was identical in case of conservative treatment during lockdown periods (0.5%) but was higher in surgically treated patients (4.4% vs 3.6%). CONCLUSION During lockdowns, there was an overall decrease of admissions for diverticulitis, especially non-emergency admissions in Germany, and treatment was more likely to be conservative. In case of surgery, however, there was increased risk of a complicated course (ostomy, re-surgery), possibly due to patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin L Uttinger
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Brunotte
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Diers
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johan Friso Lock
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Boris Jansen-Winkeln
- Department of General, Visceral and Oncological Surgery, St. Georg Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Seehofer
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph-Thomas Germer
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery at Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Mousavi SE, Ilaghi M, Aslani A, Yekta Z, Nejadghaderi SA. A population-based study on incidence trends of myeloma in the United States over 2000-2020. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20705. [PMID: 38001246 PMCID: PMC10673923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47906-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloma is one of the most common types of haematological malignancies. We aimed to investigate the incidence rates of myeloma by sex, race, age, and histological subgroups in the United States (US) over 2000-2020. Data were retrieved from the the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 22 database. The International Classification of Diseases for Oncology version 3 morphological codes 9731, 9732, and 9734 were assigned for solitary plasmacytoma of bone, plasma cell myeloma, and extraosseous plasmacytoma, respectively. Average annual percent change (AAPC) and the pairwise comparison with the parallelism and coincidence were reported. All estimates were reported as counts and age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 individuals. Over 2000-2019, most of myeloma cases were among those aged at least 55 years (85.51%), men (54.82%), and non-Hispanic Whites (66.67%). Among different subtypes, plasma cell myeloma with 193,530 cases had the highest frequency over the same period. Also, there was a significant decrease in the age-standardized incidence rate of myeloma across all races/ethnicities in both sexes within all age groups (AAPC: - 8.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 10.43 to - 5.61) and those aged < 55 (AAPC: - 8.64; 95% CI - 11.02 to - 6.25) from 2019 to November 2020. The overall trends of myeloma incidence rates were not parallel, nor identical. There was an increase in myeloma incidence in both sexes, with a highly increasing rate, particularly among younger Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women over 2000-2019. However, a remarkable decline was observed in the incidence rates following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Community Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mehran Ilaghi
- Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Armin Aslani
- Department of Community Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Yekta
- Calaveras Department of Public Health, Calaveras County, CA, USA
| | - Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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48
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Chen S, James SA, Hall S, Dang JH, Campbell JE, Chen MS, Doescher MP. Avoidance of medical care among American Indians with a history of cancer during the coronavirus pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1265071. [PMID: 38026426 PMCID: PMC10664709 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1265071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Assess the percentage of cancer-related appointment delays, cancelations, and the unavailability of medications experienced by American Indian participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional survey study was completed between October 2020 and July 2021 by 360 individuals with cancer who lived in California and Oklahoma. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis was completed in SAS 9.4. Results During the initial Covid-19 pandemic, almost one-third (30%) of respondents delayed cancer-related appointments, 42% canceled cancer-related appointments, and one-quarter (24%) were unable to access prescription medications or over-the-counter medications (27%) due to COVID-19. People who underwent testing for COVID-19 were five times more likely to delay a medical appointment [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.3, 95% CI:2.4, 11.7] and people who followed three or more social distancing measures were more than six times more likely to cancel medical appointments (aOR:6.3, 95% CI:2.9, 13.9). Conclusion This study identifies delays, cancelations, and medication inaccessibility people identifying as American Indian faced during the coronavirus pandemic. Disparities in healthcare delivery could contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixia Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Shirley A. James
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Spencer Hall
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Julie H. Dang
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Janis E. Campbell
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Moon S. Chen
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Mark P. Doescher
- Stephenson Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Marks VA, Hsiang WR, Nie J, Umer W, Haleem A, Galal B, Pak I, Kim D, Salazar MC, Pantel H, Berger ER, Boffa DJ, Cavallo JA, Leapman MS. Telehealth Availability for Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e45518. [PMID: 37917149 PMCID: PMC10654905 DOI: 10.2196/45518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth was an important strategy for maintaining continuity of cancer care during the coronavirus pandemic and has continued to play a role in outpatient care; however, it is unknown whether services are equally available across cancer hospitals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess telehealth availability at cancer hospitals for new and established patients with common cancers to contextualize the impact of access barriers to technology on overall access to health care. METHODS We conducted a national cross-sectional secret shopper study from June to November 2020 to assess telehealth availability at cancer hospitals for new and established patients with colorectal, breast, and skin (melanoma) cancer. We examined facility-level factors to determine predictors of telehealth availability. RESULTS Of the 312 investigated facilities, 97.1% (n=303) provided telehealth services for at least 1 cancer site. Telehealth was less available to new compared to established patients (n=226, 72% vs n=301, 97.1%). The surveyed cancer hospitals more commonly offered telehealth visits for breast cancer care (n=266, 85%) and provided lower access to telehealth for skin (melanoma) cancer care (n=231, 74%). Most hospitals (n=163, 52%) offered telehealth for all 3 cancer types. Telehealth availability was weakly correlated across cancer types within a given facility for new (r=0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.23) and established (r=0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.21) patients. Telehealth was more commonly available for new patients at National Cancer Institute-designated facilities, medical school-affiliated facilities, and major teaching sites, with high total admissions and below-average timeliness of care. Telehealth availability for established patients was highest at Academic Comprehensive Cancer Programs, nongovernment and nonprofit facilities, medical school-affiliated facilities, Accountable Care Organizations, and facilities with a high number of total admissions. CONCLUSIONS Despite an increase in telehealth services for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified differences in access across cancer hospitals, which may relate to measures of clinical volume, affiliation, and infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter R Hsiang
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - James Nie
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Waez Umer
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
| | - Afash Haleem
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
| | - Bayan Galal
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Irene Pak
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dana Kim
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Haddon Pantel
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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50
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Sobhani N, Mondani G, Roviello G, Catalano M, Sirico M, D'Angelo A, Scaggiante B, Generali D. Cancer management during the COVID-19 world pandemic. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3427-3444. [PMID: 37642709 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03524-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Since 2019, the world has been experiencing an outbreak of a novel beta-coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2. The worldwide spread of this virus has been a severe challenge for public health, and the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. As of June 8, 2023, the virus' rapid spread had caused over 767 million infections and more than 6.94 million deaths worldwide. Unlike previous SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreaks, the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a high death rate in infected patients; this has been caused by multiorgan failure, which might be due to the widespread presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors-functional receptors of SARS-CoV-2-in multiple organs. Patients with cancer may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19 because cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy) suppress the immune system. Thus, patients with cancer and COVID-19 may have a poor prognosis. Knowing how to manage the treatment of patients with cancer who may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 is essential. Treatment decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis, and patient stratification is necessary during COVID-19 outbreaks. Here, we review the management of COVID-19 in patients with cancer and focus on the measures that should be adopted for these patients on the basis of the organs or tissues affected by cancer and by the tumor stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Giuseppina Mondani
- Royal Infirmary Hospital, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Catalano
- Royal Infirmary Hospital, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alberto D'Angelo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AX, UK
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Multidisciplinary Unit of Breast Pathology and Translational Research, Cremona Hospital, 26100, Cremona, Italy
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