A Systematic Review of the Effect of Cancer Treatment on Work Productivity of Patients and Caregivers

Logistic burdens of cancer care: A qualitative study

Cancer treatment often creates logistic conflicts with everyday life priorities; however, these challenges and how they are subjectively experienced have been largely unaddressed in cancer care. Our goal was to describe time and logistic requirements of cancer care and whether and how they interfered with daily life and well-being. We conducted interviews with 20 adults receiving cancer-directed treatment at a single academic cancer center. We focused on participants' perception of the time, effort, and energy-intensiveness of cancer care activities, organization of care requirements, and preferences in how to manage the logistic burdens of their cancer care. Participant interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Burdens related to travel, appointment schedules, healthcare system navigation, and consequences for relationships had roots both at the system-level (e.g. labs that were chronically delayed, protocol-centered rather than patient-centered bureaucratic requirements) and in individual circumstances (e.g. greater stressors among those working and/or have young children versus those who are retired) that determined subjective burdensomeness, which was highest among patients who experienced multiple sources of burdens simultaneously. Our study illustrates how objective burdens of cancer care translate into subjective burden depending on patient circumstances, emphasizing that to study burdens of care, an exclusive focus on objective measures does not capture the complexity of these issues. The complex interplay between healthcare system factors and individual circumstances points to clinical opportunities, for example helping patients to find ways to meet work and childcare requirements while receiving care.

Work absenteeism, disability, and lost wages among patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their caregivers: a cohort study using US administrative claims and productivity data

OBJECTIVE

We describe the impact of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis on workplace absenteeism and disability days among patients and their caregivers.

METHODS

This retrospective study included adults with newly diagnosed AML (2009-2019) and adult caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed AML, identified from the US Merative™ MarketScan® Commercial Database. The Merative MarketScan Health and Productivity Management Database provided linked patient-level records of workplace absence and short-term (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) data. Endpoints included workplace absence, STD and LTD for patients and caregivers during 12 months pre-AML (baseline) and ≤3 years' follow-up, and corresponding cost of work loss.

RESULTS

Patient workplace absence decreased in the months post-AML diagnosis, but the number of STD and LTD leave days claimed increased significantly by sixfold and fourfold, respectively. The proportion of patients making STD leave claims increased within 4-5 months of diagnosis, while the proportion making LTD leave claims increased significantly starting from month 5. Caregiver workplace absence peaked in the first 2 months post-diagnosis and remained elevated versus baseline throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

AML diagnosis leads to workplace absenteeism and increased economic burden for patients with AML and their caregivers.

A hospital-based oral health education program impacts in pediatric cancer patients-A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of an oral health education and preventive program (OHEPP) for pediatric cancer patients.

METHODS

This was a single-arm study with 27 children and adolescents undergoing antineoplastic treatments. Patients were followed up for 10 weeks, and their oral health conditions were evaluated using the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Visible Plaque Index (VPI), and the modified Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). Audiovisual resources, storytelling, and ludic instruments were used to provide oral health education to patients and parents/caregivers.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 9.41 (±4.49) years, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most prevalent diagnosis (22.2%). Mean MGI and VPI values were 0.82 (±0.59) and 54.11% (±19.92%) at baseline and 0.33 (±0.29) and 19.83% (± 11.47%) after 10 weeks, respectively (p < .05). The mean OAG score was 9.51 (±2.54) and 36 cases (19.8%) of severe oral mucositis (SOM) were documented. Patients with higher MGI were more likely to develop SOM.

CONCLUSION

The OHEPP had a positive impact on pediatric patients undergoing cancer therapy by improving their periodontal health, reducing biofilm accumulation, and preventing the development of OM lesions.

The impact of classic Hodgkin lymphoma on informal caregivers: results from the CONNECT cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE

As part of the CONNECT study, we evaluated the caregiver role in treatment decision-making when caring for patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in the USA.

METHODS

The CONNECT caregiver survey was administered online December 2020-March 2021 to self-identified adult caregivers of cHL patients recruited from patient referrals and online panels. The caregiver's role in treatment decision-making, health-related quality of life (HRQoL, PROMIS-Global), and work impacts (WPAI:CG) were assessed.

RESULTS

We surveyed 209 caregivers (58% women; median age 47 years; 54% employed; 53% spouse/partner); 69% of patients cared for were diagnosed with cHL in the past 1-2 years, with 48% having stage III/IV cHL and 29% in remission. More spouse/partner than other caregivers were involved in caregiving at symptom onset (61% vs 27%), whereas more other than spouse/partner caregivers began after first treatment (34% vs 5%). Cure, caregivers' top treatment goal (49%), was rated higher by spouse/partner than other caregivers (56% vs 42%). More spouse/partner than other caregivers were involved in treatment option discussions with physicians (52% vs 28%), were involved in patients' treatment decisions (54% vs 23%), and were aligned with patients' treatment goals (93% vs 79%). While caregivers reported HRQoL similar to that of the general population, nearly 30% of employed caregivers reported work impairment.

CONCLUSION

Cure was caregivers' top treatment goal. Spouse/partner vs other caregivers were more involved, were involved earlier, and reported greater alignment with patient treatment goals and decision-making. Caregivers reported good HRQoL; however, caregiving impacted work productivity regardless of patient relationship.

The health, economic and social burden of smoking in Argentina, and the impact of increasing tobacco taxes in a context of illicit trade

Tobacco tax increases, the most cost-effective measure in reducing consumption, remain underutilized in low and middle-income countries. This study estimates the health and economic burden of smoking in Argentina and forecasts the benefits of tobacco tax hikes, accounting for the potential effects of illicit trade. Using a probabilistic Markov microsimulation model, this study quantifies smoking-related deaths, health events, and societal costs. The model also estimates the health and economic benefits of different increases in the price of cigarettes through taxes. Annually, smoking causes 45,000 deaths and 221,000 health events in Argentina, costing USD 2782 million in direct medical expenses, USD 1470 million in labor productivity loss costs, and USD 1069 million in informal care costs-totaling 1.2% of the national gross domestic product. Even in a scenario that considers illicit trade of tobacco products, a 50% cigarette price increase through taxes could yield USD 8292 million in total economic benefits accumulated over a decade. Consequently, raising tobacco taxes could significantly reduce the health and economic burdens of smoking in Argentina while increasing fiscal revenue.

Economic costs of family caregiving for persons with advanced stage cancer: a longitudinal cohort study

PURPOSE

To form a multifaceted picture of family caregiver economic costs in advanced cancer.

METHODS

A multi-site cohort study collected prospective longitudinal data from caregivers of patients with advanced solid tumor cancers. Caregiver survey and out-of-pocket (OOP) receipt data were collected biweekly in-person for up to 24 weeks. Economic cost measures attributed to caregiving were as follows: amount of OOP costs, debt accrual, perceived economic situation, and working for pay. Descriptive analysis illustrates economic outcomes over time. Generalized linear mixed effects models asses the association of objective burden and economic outcomes, controlling for subjective burden and other factors. Objective burden is number of activities and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL) tasks, all caregiving tasks, and amount of time spent caregiving over 24 h.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-eight caregivers, 41% identifying as Black, were followed for a mean period of 16 weeks. Median 2-week out-of-pocket costs were $111. One-third of caregivers incurred debt to care for the patient and 24% reported being in an adverse economic situation. Whereas 49.5% reported working at study visit 1, 28.6% of caregivers at the last study visit reported working. In adjusted analysis, a higher number of caregiving tasks overall and ADL/IADL tasks specifically were associated with lower out-of-pocket expenses, a lower likelihood of working, and a higher likelihood of incurring debt and reporting an adverse economic situation.

CONCLUSIONS

Most caregivers of cancer patients with advanced stage disease experienced direct and indirect economic costs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Results support the need to find solutions to lessen economic costs for caregivers of persons with advanced cancer.

Assessment of financial screening and navigation capabilities at National Cancer Institute community oncology clinics

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related financial hardship is a side effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and affects both patients and caregivers. Although many oncology clinics have increased financial navigation services, few have resources to proactively provide financial counseling and assistance to families affected by cancer before financial hardship occurs. As part of an ongoing randomized study testing a proactive financial navigation intervention, S1912CD, among sites of the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), we conducted a baseline survey to learn more about existing financial resources available to patients and caregivers.

METHODS

The NCORP sites participating in the S1912CD study completed a required 10-question survey about their available financial resources and an optional 5-question survey that focused on financial screening and navigation workflow and challenges prior to starting recruitment. The proportion of NCORP sites offering financial navigation services was calculated and responses to the optional survey were reviewed to determine current screening and navigation practices and identify any challenges.

RESULTS

Most sites (96%) reported offering financial navigation for cancer patients. Sites primarily identified patients needing financial assistance through social work evaluations (78%) or distress screening tools (76%). Sites revealed challenges in addressing financial needs at the outset and through diagnosis, including lack of proactive screening and referral to financial navigation services as well as staffing challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most participating NCORP sites offer some form of financial assistance, the survey data enabled identification of gaps and challenges in providing services. Utilizing community partners to deliver comprehensive financial navigation guidance to cancer patients and caregivers may help meet needs while reducing site burden.

Disclosing the 'Big C': what does cancer survivorship signal to employers?

To study hiring discrimination against cancer survivors, we conduct a vignette experiment in which American and British professionals recruited via Prolific evaluate fictitious job candidates. Candidates differed by periods of non-employment in their career, including non-employment due to suffering from cancer. We study the effect of cancer experiences on professionals' hirability ratings, as well as its effect on underlying candidate perceptions, related to various potential forms of stigma identified in the literature. We find that employment opportunities are lower for candidates with a history of cancer, compared to candidates without such a gap. This penalty is particularly explained by perceptions that these candidates will have higher sick leave probabilities and create additional costs. However, relative to candidates with a comparable gap due to depression or personal reasons, former cancer patients are less stigmatised, with relatively favourable assessments of their emotional abilities, social abilities, motivation and positive impact on workplace culture.

Exploring preferences of different modes of administration of hypomethylating agent treatments among patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Introduction

About half of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) are not eligible for Standard Induction Chemotherapy (SIC). Hypomethylating Agents (HMAs) intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC) in a clinical setting are typically offered as an alternative. However, injectable HMAs may be burdensome for patients given the frequent hospital visits and side effects. This study explored patient treatment preferences for different modes of administration (MOA) and the relative importance of treatment-related characteristics that influence treatment decisions.

Methods

Semi-structured 1:1 interviews were conducted with 21 adult patients with AML in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain, who are not eligible for SIC, had experience with HMAs or were scheduled to be treated with HMAs. After discussing their experience of living with AML and its treatments, patients were presented with hypothetical treatment scenarios to explore their preferences, and a ranking exercise to assess the relative importance of treatment characteristics that influence their treatment-decisions for AML.

Results

Most patients reported an overall preference for oral administration over parenteral routes (71%), mostly due to convenience. Those preferring IV or SC routes (24%) reasoned with faster speed of action and onsite monitoring. When presented with a hypothetical situation of a patient having to choose between two AML treatments that were identical except for their MOA, the majority preferred the oral route (76%). Regarding treatment characteristics that influence treatment decisions, patients most frequently reported efficacy (86%) and side effects (62%) as important, followed by mode of administration (29%), daily life impacts (24%) and location of treatment (hospital versus home) (14%). However, only efficacy and side effects were rated as number one deciding factors (67% and 19%, respectively). Patients most frequently rated dosing regimen (33%) as least important.

Conclusion

The insights gained from this study may help support patients with AML who are receiving HMA treatment instead of SIC. A potential oral HMA with similar efficacy and tolerability profiles to injectable HMAs could influence treatment decisions. Furthermore, an oral HMA treatment might decrease the burden of parenteral therapies and improve patients' overall quality of life. However, the extent of influence MOA has on treatment decisions requires further investigation.

Perceptions and Experiences of Informal Caregivers of Breast Cancer Patients in South India: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to explore the prevailing perceptions and experiences of caregiving burden among informal caregivers of women living with breast cancer in South India.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted among breast cancer care-receivers (n=35) and their informal caregivers (n=39) and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Informal caregiver in the context of this study was defined as one who takes up the responsibility of an informal caregiving role, and were either self-identified or acknowledged by the care-receivers.

RESULTS

Four main inductive themes in the domains of: emotional culpability, financial and workplace liability, psychosocial affliction, physical strain and health system demand were identified, that were associated with caregiver burden.

CONCLUSION

Informal caregivers form an integral part of the cancer care continuum in India. It is recommended to factor in the identified themes while developing a caregiver needs assessment model in the context of caring for breast cancer patients in the Indian setting.

Profiles of Work and Quality of Life among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Work ability, or the perception of one's ability to work presently and in the future, may impact quality of life (QOL) among young adult (YA) cancer survivors. Through a convergent mixed methods design, we explored work ability, work-related goals, and QOL among YA hematologic cancer survivors within five years of diagnosis. We described associations at the individual- and microsystem (work)- levels; and compared factors across low and high work ability groups. Participants (N = 40) completed a survey and interview via digital platforms. Qualitative analysis revealed self-assessed declines in work ability led to questioning work-related goals and influenced QOL. Integrated analysis led to the development of four profiles, growing our understanding of work's influence on QOL for YA cancer survivors, and identifying components YAs considered when contemplating work-related goals after a cancer diagnosis. Larger studies are needed to elucidate these profiles and identify modifiable factors to inform targeted interventions to improve QOL.

Productivity Loss and Indirect Costs for Patients Newly Diagnosed with Early- versus Late-Stage Cancer in the USA: A Large-Scale Observational Research Study

BACKGROUND

The total economic burden of cancer reflects direct and indirect costs, including productivity loss due to employment change, absenteeism, and presenteeism of patients and caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

This study estimated the magnitude of employment decrease, work absence (WA), short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and associated indirect costs among employees newly diagnosed with metastatic versus non-metastatic cancer in the USA.

METHODS

IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters and Health and Productivity Management databases were used to identify employees aged 18-64 years and newly diagnosed with any cancer from 2009 to 2019. Proportions of patients with employment decrease, WA, STD, and LTD claims, and number of days missing from work were summarized by metastatic status during the first 12 months after diagnosis and the entire follow-up period. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age (< 50 years, ≥ 50 years) and cancer type (breast, lung, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancer).

RESULTS

During the first year after diagnosis, compared to patients without metastases, significantly higher proportions of patients with metastases had employment decrease and STD or LTD claims (p < 0.001). The mean total number of days missing from work for patients with versus without metastases was 33.39 versus 14.91 (ratio = 2.40), 64.05 versus 27.15 (ratio = 2.36), and 105.93 versus 46.29 (ratio = 2.29) days within 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis, respectively. Estimates of indirect cost differences between the two groups ranged from $6,877 to $22,283 in the first year.

CONCLUSION

Earlier detection of cancer may reduce productivity loss of patients and indirect costs by initiating treatment before cancer progresses to late stage.

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the meaning of work to women living with breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Work is an important aspect of everyday life. This remains true for those living with and beyond cancer. Less is known about how the meaning of work may change over the cancer journey, the needs of the individual in response to changes and how healthcare professionals and employing organisations can meet these needs. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of work after treatment for breast cancer in a group of professional working women within the UK.

METHODS

This article presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the experiences of 15 professional women diagnosed with breast cancer.

RESULTS

We discuss these women's journey from (1) rethinking the meaning of work to (2) making decisions about work ability and advice on work to (3) transitioning back in to the workplace and the value of continued engagement with employer.

DISCUSSION

The findings from this study demonstrate the complex interplay between living with cancer, treatment decisions and work. This study highlights two key areas for inclusion in practice: (1) support from Healthcare Professionals and judgements of functional ability and work ability and (2) the role of line managers in managing cancer and work.

Balancing Work and Cancer Care: Challenges Faced by Employed Informal Caregivers

Simple Summary

Caregiving for a family member or close friend with cancer can be particularly demanding for employed individuals who are juggling work responsibilities while providing care. With an eye toward stimulating research to develop programs and resources to support this vulnerable subgroup of caregivers, this narrative review first describes the financial, work, and mental health impacts of cancer on employed caregivers. Next, critical knowledge gaps are identified and directions for future research are described. The article concludes by formulating an agenda for practice that includes a multipronged effort on behalf of employers, healthcare, and community-based organizations to support and empower employed cancer caregivers.

Abstract

Individuals with cancer commonly rely on their informal caregivers (e.g., spouse/partner, family member, close friend) to help them manage the demands of the disease and its treatment. Caregiving, including helping with patient care, performing household chores, and providing emotional and practical support, can be particularly demanding for employed caregivers, who must juggle their work responsibilities while providing care. Although a burgeoning literature describes the toll that balancing these oft-competing demands can exact, few resources exist to support employed cancer caregivers. To address this gap, we conducted a narrative review of the impacts of cancer on employed caregivers. We found that employed caregivers experience significant financial impacts in terms of lost time and income. They also experience a variety of work-related (e.g., reduced productivity, absenteeism) and mental health (e.g., stress, burden) impacts. Going forward, prospective studies are needed to characterize changes in caregiver support needs and preferences at different time points along the cancer care continuum (e.g., at diagnosis, during treatment, end-of-life) so that appropriate workplace accommodations can be provided. More population-based studies are also needed to develop models for identifying caregivers who are at increased risk for poor employment or mental health outcomes so that more targeted support programs can be developed. Ultimately, a multipronged effort on behalf of employers, healthcare, and community-based organizations may be needed to support and empower this vulnerable subgroup.

Research on the Economics of Cancer-Related Health Care: An Overview of the Review Literature

We reviewed current literature reviews regarding economics of cancer-related health care to identify focus areas and gaps. We searched PubMed for systematic and other reviews with the Medical Subject Headings "neoplasms" and "economics" published between January 1, 2010, and April 1, 2020, identifying 164 reviews. Review characteristics were abstracted and described. The majority (70.7%) of reviews focused on cost-effectiveness or cost-utility analyses. Few reviews addressed other types of cancer health economic studies. More than two-thirds of the reviews examined cancer treatments, followed by screening (15.9%) and survivorship or end-of-life (13.4%). The plurality of reviews (28.7%) cut across cancer site, followed by breast (20.7%), colorectal (11.6%), and gynecologic (8.5%) cancers. Specific topics addressed cancer screening modalities, novel therapies, pain management, or exercise interventions during survivorship. The results indicate that reviews do not regularly cover other phases of care or topics including financial hardship, policy, and measurement and methods.

Estimating Productivity Loss from Breast and Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer among Working-Age Patients and Unpaid Caregivers: A Survey Study Using the Multiplier Method

Background. Traditional approaches to capturing health-related productivity loss (e.g., the human capital method) focus only on the foregone wages of affected patients, overlooking the losses caregivers can incur. This study estimated the burden of productivity loss among breast cancer (BC) and non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and individuals caring for such patients using an augmented multiplier method. Design. A cross-sectional survey of BC and NSCLC patients and caregivers measured loss associated with time absent from work (absenteeism) and reduced effectiveness (presenteeism). Respondents reported pre- and postcancer diagnosis income, hours worked, and time to complete tasks. Exploratory multivariable analyses examined correlations between respondents’ clinical/demographic characteristics—including industry of employment—and postdiagnosis productivity. Results. Of 204 patients (104 BC, 100 NSCLC) and 200 caregivers (100 BC, 100 NSCLC) who completed the survey, 319 participants (162 BC, 157 NSCLC) working ≥40 wk/y prediagnosis were included in the analysis. More than one-third of the NSCLC (33%) and BC (43%) patients left the workforce postdiagnosis, whereas only 15% of caregivers did. The traditional estimate for the burden of productivity loss was 66% lower on average than the augmented estimate (NSCLC patients: 60%, BC patients: 69%, NSCLC caregivers: 59%, and BC caregivers: 73%). Conclusions. Although patients typically experience greater absenteeism, productivity loss incurred by caregivers is also substantial. Failure to account for such impacts can result in substantial underestimation of productivity gains novel cancer treatments may confer by enabling patients and caregivers to remain in the workforce longer. Our results underscore the importance of holistic approaches to understanding this impact on both patients and their caregivers and accounting for such considerations when making decisions about treatment and treatment value.

Highlights

Cancer can have a profound impact on productivity. This study demonstrates how the disease affects not only patients but also the informal or unpaid individuals who care for patients. An augmented approach to calculating health-related productivity loss suggests that productivity impacts are much larger than previously understood. A more comprehensive understanding of the economic burden of cancer for both patients and their caregivers suggests the need for more support in the workplace for these individuals and a holistic approach to accounting for these impacts in treatment decision making.

'Nobody can take the stress away from me': a qualitative study on experiences of partners of patients with cancer regarding their work and health

PURPOSE

To explore experienced health- and work-related problems of partners of patients with cancer, and their needs for support.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Dutch partners of patients with cancer. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically, following the six steps of Braun & Clarke.

RESULTS

Of 20 included partners (mean age: 50 years [31-63]), 60% was female. Five themes consistently emerged from the data: 1) overwhelming chaos calls for taking control; 2) impact of prolonged stress; 3) flexibility and support of the employer are crucial; 4) coping with family and friends is a delicate matter; and 5) support from healthcare professionals is needed, but not a given.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study show that the burden on partners of patients with cancer is substantial and cannot be overlooked. The state of survival mode that partners get into during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of their loved ones can have various implications on their physical and mental health, and work situation. Given this high burden and as legislation for care leave from work and (health care) support for partners appear to be insufficiently in place in the Dutch context, there is a need for better-targeted support for partners of patients with cancer. Implications for RehabilitationThe survival mode that partners of patients with cancer get into during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of their loved ones can have various implications on their physical and mental health, and work situation.This study showed that the burden on partners of patients with cancer is substantial and cannot be overlooked.Given this high burden and because legislation for care leave from work and (health care) support for partners appears to be insufficiently in place in the Dutch context, there is a need for better-targeted support for partners of patients with cancer.

Return to Work and Work Productivity During the First Year After Cancer Treatment

Objectives

Working-age cancer patients face barriers to resuming work after treatment completion. Those resuming work contend with reduced productivity arising from persisting residual symptoms. Existing studies of return to work (RTW) after cancer diagnosis were done predominantly in Western countries. Given that employment and RTW in cancer survivors likely vary regionally due to healthcare provision and social security differences, we documented rates and correlates of RTW, work productivity, and activity impairment among Chinese cancer survivors in Hong Kong at one-year post-treatment.

Methods

Of 1,106 cancer patients assessed at six-months post-cancer treatment (baseline), 593 previously worked; detailed work status, psychological distress (HADS), physical symptom distress (MSAS-SF), supportive care needs (SCNS-SF34-C), health-related quality of life (SF12), and illness perception (B-IPQ) were assessed. Six months later (follow-up), work productivity and activity impairment were assessed (WPAI; n = 402). Descriptive analyses examined RTW rate. Fully adjusted regressions determined RTW, work productivity, and activity impairment predictors.

Results

At baseline, 39% (232/593) were working, 26% (153/593) on sick leave, and 35% (208/593) were unemployed. Compared to patients returning to work, unemployed participants were older, likely manual/service-oriented workers, and had lower family income, chemotherapy, fewer unmet health system and information needs, poorer physical functioning, and negative illness perceptions. Sick leave participants were likely service-oriented workers, who had head and neck cancer, chemotherapy, and poor physical functioning. At FU, baseline depressive symptoms, physical symptom distress, and negative illness perceptions predicted presenteeism and work productivity loss; gynecological cancer, fewer unmet health system and information needs, and greater unmet sexuality needs predicted absenteeism; physical symptom distress, negative illness perception, and poor physical functioning predicted activity impairment.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors who had more physically demanding jobs and poorer physical functioning delayed RTW. Unmanaged physical symptom and psychological distress hindered work productivity.

The estimated benefits of increasing cigarette prices through taxation on the burden of disease and economic burden of smoking in Nigeria: A modeling study

BACKGROUND

Globally, tobacco consumption continues to cause a considerable burden of preventable diseases. Although the smoking prevalence in Nigeria may be declining over the last years, the absolute number of active smokers remains one of the highest in Africa. Little is known about the disease burden and economic costs of cigarette smoking in Nigeria. Consequently, there is an evidence gap to inform the design and implementation of an effective policy for tobacco control.

METHODS

We applied a microsimulation model to estimate the burden attributable to smoking in terms of morbidity, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and direct medical costs and indirect costs (e.g., productivity loss costs, informal caregivers' costs). We also modeled the health and economic impact of different scenarios of tobacco price increases through taxes.

RESULTS

We estimated that smoking is responsible for approximately 29,000 annual deaths in Nigeria. This burden corresponds to 816,230 DALYs per year. In 2019, the total economic burden attributable to tobacco was estimated at ₦ 634 billion annually (approximately U$D 2.07 billion). If tobacco cigarettes' prices were to be raised by 50% through taxes, more than 30,000 deaths from smoking-attributable diseases would be averted in 10 years, with subsequent savings on direct and indirect costs of ₦597 billion and increased tax revenue collection of ₦369 billion.

CONCLUSION

In Nigeria, tobacco is responsible for substantial health and economic burden. Increasing tobacco taxes could reduce this burden and produce net economic benefits.

Resource Use and Costs Associated to the Initial Phase of Treatment for Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Post-Surgery Chemotherapy: A Cost Analysis from a Healthcare Perspective

Background:

To estimate the resource use and costs associated to the initial phase of treatment for colorectal cancer in Iran.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted using routinely collected data within Electronic Health Records System (SEPAS), a national database representing public hospitals in Iran between March 20, 2016 and March 19, 2017. Primary end points included healthcare resource use, direct medical and non-medical costs of care in the 12-month study period.

Results:

The study population included 657 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery and the follow-up chemotherapy. We estimated a total direct cost of $21,407 per patient. The results indicated that direct medical costs were primarily driven by inpatient hospital care, followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and diagnostic services.

Conclusion:

The initial 12-month of treatment for colorectal cancer, including surgery and the follow-up chemotherapy, is resource intensive. The total direct costs associated to the disease are remarkable, with Inpatient hospital services being the main contributor followed by surgery and chemotherapy.

Impact of a cancer diagnosis on the income of adult cancer survivors: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

While the socioeconomic impact of a cancer diagnosis on cancer survivors has gained some attention in the literature, to our knowledge, a review of the evidence on changes in income due to cancer has yet to be undertaken. In this paper, we describe a scoping review protocol to review the evidence on the effect of a cancer diagnosis on the income of individuals diagnosed with cancer during adulthood (≥18 years). The purpose is to summarise existing evidence, identify gaps in current research and highlight priority areas for future research.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will follow the methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute In collaboration with a health science librarian, we developed a search strategy to be performed in Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Econ-Literature and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews. This scoping review will search the scientific literature published in English from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020. Studies that measured the impact of cancer on income of adults will be eligible for inclusion. Studies exclusively focused on employment outcomes (eg, return to work, unemployment, productivity loss), financial expenditures, childhood cancer survivors and/or the caregivers of cancer survivors will be excluded. Three independent reviewers will conduct screening and extract data. Descriptive information will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This scoping review will analyse data from publicly available materials and thus does not require ethics approval. Results from this review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and/or conference presentation with the potential to identify gaps in the literature, suggest strategies for standardised terminology and provide directions for future research.

Methodological aspects of design, analysis and reporting of studies with work participation as an outcome domain in patients with inflammatory arthritis: results of two systematic literature reviews informing EULAR points to consider

Objective

To summarise the methodological aspects in studies with work participation (WP) as outcome domain in inflammatory arthritis (IA) and other chronic diseases.

Methods

Two systematic literature reviews (SLRs) were conducted in key electronic databases (2014–2019): search 1 focused on longitudinal prospective studies in IA and search 2 on SLRs in other chronic diseases. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data covering pre-defined methodological areas.

Results

In total, 58 studies in IA (22 randomised controlled trials, 36 longitudinal observational studies) and 24 SLRs in other chronic diseases were included. WP was the primary outcome in 26/58 (45%) studies. The methodological aspects least accounted for in IA studies were as follows (proportions of studies positively adhering to the topic are shown): aligning the studied population (16/58 (28%)) and sample size calculation (8/58 (14%)) with the work-related study objective; attribution of WP to overall health (28/58 (48%)); accounting for skewness of presenteeism/sick leave (10/52 (19%)); accounting for work-related contextual factors (25/58 (43%)); reporting attrition and its reasons (1/58 (2%)); reporting both aggregated results and proportions of individuals reaching predefined meaningful change or state (11/58 (16%)). SLRs in other chronic diseases confirmed heterogeneity and methodological flaws identified in IA studies without identifying new issues.

Conclusion

High methodological heterogeneity was observed in studies with WP as outcome domain. Consensus around various methodological aspects specific to WP studies is needed to improve quality of future studies. This review informs the EULAR Points to Consider for conducting and reporting studies with WP as an outcome in IA.

Real-world study of the impact of recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) on quality of life and productivity in Europe

Background

Although current therapy for patients with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is potentially curative, the recurrence rate is high. Patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) SCCHN have a poor prognosis and substantial disease burden, including impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity loss and indirect costs, such as need for caregiver support. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of R/M SCCHN and its first-line treatment on patient and caregiver quality of life, daily activities and work productivity using real-world evidence from Europe.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective study of patients with R/M SCCHN in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom incorporating patient and caregiver surveys, and a physician-reported medical chart review, conducted between January and May 2019. Patients aged 18 or over with a physician confirmed diagnosis R/M SCCHN completed four validated measures of disease activity and its impact on quality of life and work productivity, while caregivers also completed questionnaire to assess the burden of providing care. Physicians provided data for clinical characteristics, patient management, testing history and treatment patterns.

Results

A total of 195 medical/clinical oncologists provided data for 937, predominantly male (72%) patients, with almost half of patients aged over 65 years. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (43%), weight loss (40%), pain (35%) and difficulty swallowing (32%). The EXTREME regimen was the most common first line therapy in over half of patients, who reported moderate or extreme pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, and problems with self-care resulting in a diminished health status compared with the general population. Only 14% were employed with high absenteeism or presenteeism, and over half of patients had a caregiver for whom the burden of care was substantial.

Conclusion

Our results provide real-world insight into the multi-faceted burden associated with R/M SCCHN. The combination of poor HRQoL and the impairment in daily activities, social life and employment illustrates the wider impact of R/M SCCHN on patients and their caregivers, and highlights a need for novel 1 L treatment regimens to improve the humanistic and productivity burdens of this cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08557-2.

Survivorship, Version 1.2021

The NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship are intended to help healthcare professionals working with cancer survivors to ensure that each survivor's complex and varied needs are addressed. The Guidelines provide screening, evaluation, and treatment recommendations for consequences of adult-onset cancer and its treatment; recommendations to help promote healthful lifestyle behaviors, weight management, and immunizations in survivors; and a framework for care coordination. This article summarizes the recommendations regarding employment and return to work for cancer survivors that were added in the 2021 version of the NCCN Guidelines.

Developing and Sustaining an Effective and Resilient Oncology Careforce: Opportunities for Action

Advances in cancer care have led to improved survival, which, coupled with demographic trends, have contributed to rapid growth in the number of patients needing cancer care services. However, with increasing caseload, care complexity, and administrative burden, the current workforce is ill equipped to meet these burgeoning new demands. These trends have contributed to clinician burnout, compounding a widening workforce shortage. Moreover, family caregivers, who have unique knowledge of patient preferences, symptoms, and goals of care, are infrequently appreciated and supported as integral members of the oncology "careforce." A crisis is looming, which will hinder access to timely, high-quality cancer care if left unchecked. Stemming from the proceedings of a 2019 workshop convened by the National Cancer Policy Forum of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, this commentary characterizes the factors contributing to an increasingly strained oncology careforce and presents multilevel strategies to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and resilience. Together, these will enable today's oncology careforce to provide high-quality care to more patients while improving the patient, caregiver, and clinician experience.

Delivery of Financial Navigation Services Within National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers

Background

Cancer centers have a responsibility to help patients manage the costs of their cancer treatment. This article describes the availability of financial navigation services within the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers.

Methods

Data were obtained from the NCI Survey of Financial Navigation Services and Research, an online survey administered to NCI-designated cancer centers from July to September 2019. Of the 62 eligible centers, 57 completed all or most of the survey, for a response rate of 90.5%.

Results

Nearly all cancer centers reported providing help with applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs and medical discounts (96.5%), health insurance coverage (91.2%), assistance with nonmedical costs (96.5%), and help understanding medical bills and out-of-pocket costs (85.9%). Although other services were common, in some cases they were only available to certain patients. These services included direct financial assistance with medical and nonmedical costs and referrals to outside organizations for financial assistance. The least common services included medical debt management (63.2%), detailed discussions about the cost of treatment (54.4%), and guidance about legal protections (50.1%). Providing treatment cost transparency to patients was reported as a common challenge: 71.9% of centers agreed or strongly agreed that it is difficult to determine how much a cancer patient's treatment will cost, and 70.2% of oncologists are reluctant to discuss financial issues with patients.

Conclusions

Cancer centers provide many financial services and resources. However, there remains a need to build additional capacity to deliver comprehensive financial navigation services and to understand the extent to which patients are referred and helped by these services.

Factors associated with humanistic burden and indirect cost among patients with cancer in Japan

AIMS

Patients with cancer experienced reduced health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), increased work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI), and indirect costs. With the current emphasis on economic evaluation of health technology in Japan, it is important to understand how indirect costs correlate with HRQoL and patient characteristics. It is also crucial to assess the patient characteristics associated with the HRQoL, WPAI, and indirect costs among patients with any types of cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2017 Japan National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS). Respondents self-reported their HRQoL and WPAI by answering validated SF-12v2 and WPAI questionnaires, respectively. Indirect costs were derived using the human capital method. Correlation between HRQoL components and indirect costs were assessed using Spearman's rank-order correlation. Correlation between patient characteristics and HRQoL, WPAI, and indirect costs were analyzed using generalized linear models.

RESULTS

A total of 1,540 patients with any types of cancer, 254 with breast cancer, and 144 with colorectal cancer were included in the analyses. There was significant negative correlation between the indirect costs and HRQoL components among patients with any types of cancer. Patients with lower comorbid burden, higher household income, employed, married, or living with partner, never smokers, and exercised tended to have higher HRQoL. Being never smokers, having lower comorbid burden, normal weight, and exercised were associated with lower WPAI measures. Additionally, patients who were older, not married, not obese, and not smoking tended to incur lower indirect costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The negative correlation between HRQoL and indirect costs among patients with cancer emphasized the needs to improve health outcomes and reduce indirect costs of patients. The factors associated with cancer burden identified in this study provide insights to allow targeted intervention to improve HRQoL and lessen the WPAI and indirect cost among cancer patients in Japan.

A population-based study of the humanistic burden among cancer patients in Japan

Aims: Understanding the burden of cancer in Japan is becoming increasingly important to address the socio-economic consequences of the disease. This study broadly examined the cancer burden in terms of: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI), stress-related comorbidities, and indirect costs in patients diagnosed with (i) any type of cancer, (ii) breast cancer, (iii) colorectal cancer, compared to controls without cancer.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2017 Japan National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS). Patient outcomes included self-reported stress-related comorbidities, HRQoL assessed by Short Form 12-item Health Survey and EuroQoL 5-dimension scale (EQ-5D), and work productivity and indirect costs assessed by WPAI questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was performed to compare outcomes across groups. An ad-hoc analysis compared respondents currently and currently not receiving prescription medication (Rx).Results: A total of 1,540 patients with any type of cancer, 254 with breast cancer, 144 with colorectal cancer were included in the analyses and compared to 28,070 controls without cancer. After adjusting for potential confounding effects patients with any type of cancer had significantly lower mental component summary scores (45.70 vs. 46.45, p = .003), physical component summary scores (48.95 vs. 50.02, p < .001) and EQ-5D index (0.77 vs. 0.79, p < .001), and significantly increased absenteeism (5.13% vs. 2.68% p < .001) compared to controls. No significant differences were detected for indirect costs. Breast cancer patients had significantly increased odds of anxiety and migraine. Colorectal cancer patients had significantly increased odds of insomnia. Patients currently receiving Rx had significantly lower HRQoL and higher WPAI than both controls and cancer patients not receiving Rx.Conclusions: Japanese cancer patients experience a significantly decreased HRQoL, increased absenteeism and higher odds ratio for stress-related comorbidities. This has implications for future policy making and Health Technology Assessment in Japan.

Wage losses among spouses of women with nonmetastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the wage losses incurred by spouses of women with nonmetastatic breast cancer in the 6 months after the diagnosis.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of spouses of women diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer who were recruited in 8 hospitals in the province of Quebec (Canada) was performed. Information for estimating wage losses was collected by telephone interviews conducted 1 and 6 months after the diagnosis. Log-binomial regressions were used to identify personal, medical, and employment characteristics associated with experiencing wage losses, and generalized linear models were used to identify characteristics associated with the proportion of usual wages lost.

RESULTS

Overall, 829 women (86% participation) and 406 spouses (75% participation) consented to participate. Among the 279 employed spouses, 78.5% experienced work absences because of breast cancer. Spouses were compensated for 66.3% of their salary on average during their absence. The median wage loss was $0 (mean, $1820) (2003 Canadian dollars). Spouses were more likely to experience losses if they were self-employed or lived 50 km or farther from the hospital. Among spouses who experienced wage losses, those who were self-employed or whose partners had invasive breast cancer lost a higher proportion of wages.

CONCLUSIONS

Although spouses took some time off work, for many, the resulting wage losses were modest because of compensation received. Still, the types of compensation used may hide other forms of burden for families facing breast cancer.

Real-world costs of illness of Hodgkin and the main B-Cell Non-Hodgkin lymphomas in France

Background: Lymphomas are costly diseases that suffer from a lack of detailed economic information, notably in a real-world setting. Decision-makers are increasing the search for Real-World Evidence (RWE) to assess the impact, in real-life, of healthcare management and to support their public decisions. Thus, we aimed to assess the real-world net costs of the active treatment phases of adult Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), Follicular Lymphoma (FL) and Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using population-based data from a national representative sample of the French population covered by the health insurance system. Cost analysis was performed from the French health insurance perspective and took into account direct and sick leave compensation costs (€2,018). Healthcare costs were studied over the active treatment phase. We used multivariate modeling to adjust cost differences between lymphoma subtypes.Results: Analyses were performed on 224 lymphoma patients and 896 controls. The mean additional monthly costs due to HL, FL and DLBCL patients were respectively €5,188, €3,242 and €7,659 for the active treatment phase. The main additional cost driver was principally inpatient stay (hospitalization costs and costly cancer-related drugs), followed by outpatient medication and productivity loss. When adjusted, DLBCL remains significantly the most costly lymphoma subtype.Conclusion: This study provides an accurate assessment of the main lymphoma subtypes related cost with high magnitude of details in a real-world setting. We underline where potential cost saving could be realized via the use of biosimilar medication, and where lymphoma management could be improved with the early management of adverse events.KEY POINTSThis is one of the first studies which assess the additional cost of lymphoma in Europe, according the main sub-types of lymphoma and with real-world database.The additional monthly cost due to HL, FL and DLBCL patients were respectively €5,188, €3,242 and €7,659 for the active treatment phase and the main additional cost driver was principally inpatient stay (i.e. hospitalization costs and additional inpatient medicines, notably rituximab), followed by outpatient medication and productivity loss.This study provides an accurate and detailed lymphoma subtype cost description and comparison which supply data for efficiency evaluations and will allow French health policy to improve lymphoma management.

Characterizing communication patterns among members of the clinical care team to deliver breast cancer treatment

OBJECTIVE

Research to date focused on quantifying team collaboration has relied on identifying shared patients but does not incorporate the major role of communication patterns. The goal of this study was to describe the patterns and volume of communication among care team members involved in treating breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 4 years of communications data from the electronic health record between care team members at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). Our cohort of patients diagnosed with breast cancer was identified using the VUMC tumor registry. We classified each care team member participating in electronic messaging by their institutional role and classified physicians by specialty. To identify collaborative patterns, we modeled the data as a social network.

RESULTS

Our cohort of 1181 patients was the subject of 322 424 messages sent in 104 210 unique communication threads by 5620 employees. On average, each patient was the subject of 88.2 message threads involving 106.4 employees. Each employee, on average, sent 72.9 messages and was connected to 24.6 collaborators. Nurses and physicians were involved in 98% and 44% of all message threads, respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that many providers in our study may experience a high volume of messaging work. By using data routinely generated through interaction with the electronic health record, we can begin to evaluate how to iteratively implement and assess initiatives to improve the efficiency of care coordination and reduce unnecessary messaging work across all care team roles.

Humanistic and economic burden among caregivers of patients with cancer in Japan

Aims: As the number of cancer patients increases in Japan, and people are living longer with cancer, the need for caregivers of cancer patients is expected to increase substantially. This study intended to reveal the humanistic and economic burden among caregivers of cancer patients, and to compare it with the burden among caregivers of patients with other conditions (other caregivers) and non-caregivers.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the Japan National Health and Wellness Survey 2017. Outcome measures included the Short Form 12-item Health Survey for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), EuroQol 5-dimension scale (EQ-5D) for health states utilities, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire for the impact of health on productivity and activity, and indirect costs. Multivariate analysis was used to compare across groups, with adjustment for potential confounding effects.Results: A total of 251 caregivers of cancer patients, 1,543 other caregivers, and 27,300 non-caregivers were identified. Caregivers of cancer patients (average 48.0 years old) tended to be younger than non-caregivers (51.5) and other caregivers (54.4) and had the highest education level (57.8% completed university education). Fewer non-caregivers had stress-related comorbidities than caregivers. Non-caregivers had significantly higher EQ-5D index scores than caregivers (average 0.81 vs. 0.73 vs. 0.74). Caregivers of cancer patients had significantly lower mental component summary scores than non-caregivers (40.18 vs. 46.70), and the difference indicated a clinically meaningful decrease in HRQoL. Caregivers of cancer patients had significantly higher presenteeism (37.31% vs. 20.43%), total work productivity impairment (38.85% vs. 21.98%), and activity impairment (40.94% vs. 25.78%) than non-caregivers. Additionally, caregivers of cancer patients had significantly higher total indirect costs (36.34% vs. 20.03% of average annual income).Conclusions: These results have implications for future healthcare planning, suggesting the importance of healthcare systems in Japan to consider the substantial burden borne by caregivers of cancer patients.

Systematic reviews as a "lens of evidence": Determinants of cost-effectiveness of breast cancer screening

Systematic reviews with economic components are important decision tools for stakeholders seeking to evaluate technologies, such as breast cancer screening (BCS) programs. This overview of systematic reviews explores the determinants of the cost-effectiveness of BCS and assesses the quality of secondary evidence. The search identified 30 systematic reviews that reported on the determinants of the cost-effectiveness of BCS, including the costs of breast cancer and BCS. While the quality of the reviews varied widely, only four out of 30 papers were considered to be of a high quality. We did not identify publication bias in the original evidence on the cost-effectiveness of mammography screening; however, we highlight a need for improved clarity in both reporting and data verification. The reviews consisted mainly of studies from high-income countries. Breast cancer costs varied widely among the studies. Factors leading to higher costs included: time (diagnosis and last months before death), later stage or metastases, recurrence of the disease, age below 64 years and type of follow-up (more intensive or more specialized). Overall, screening with mammography was considered cost-effective in the age range 50-69 years in Western European and Northern American countries but not for older or younger women. Its cost-effectiveness was questionable for low-income settings and Asia. Mammography screening was more cost-effective with biennial screening compared to annual screening and single reading using computer-aided detection vs double reading. No information on the cost-effectiveness of ultrasonography was found, and there is much uncertainty on the cost-effectiveness of CBE because of methodological limitations.

Productivity losses in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma following stem cell transplantation and the impact of maintenance therapy

Objective

This study examined productivity losses in European patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), to better understand and model the impact of NDMM and lenalidomide maintenance therapy on productivity from a patient and societal perspective.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online patient survey was conducted across the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. A partitioned survival model was used to estimate productivity loss and the impact of maintenance therapy, using human capital (HC) and friction cost approaches.

Results

Of the 115 eligible survey respondents, 76.5% were economically active at the time of diagnosis and highlighted return to work as an important factor affecting their quality of life; only 39.1% of respondents were economically active post‐ASCT. HC analyses estimated average total productivity losses per ASCT patient at EUR 290,601 over a 20‐year period. Modelling the impact of maintenance therapy alone for these patients reduced average productivity losses by just over 10%.

Conclusion

Patients with NDMM aspire to engage in productive lives post‐ASCT, but most are unable to do so. Access to treatments extending remission and supporting engagement in a productive life can have a positive impact both for patients and wider society.

Economic burden of chemotherapy-treated recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in France: real-world data from the permanent sample of national health insurance beneficiaries

Aims: Overall survival (OS) of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is extremely poor. New therapeutic options emerge but need to establish their economic value. The objective was to describe the direct and related costs of R/M SCCHN in France. Materials and methods: We selected all adult patients treated with chemotherapy for R/M SCCHN between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2014 from the permanent sample of the French national health insurance database (EGB). Data were analyzed from the index date (first chemotherapy) until patients' death or 31 December 2015. "Treatment period" and "end-of-life" (EoL) (from last chemotherapy until death) were distinguished. Costs included all hospitalizations for SCCHN and ambulatory care. Costs of hospitalized and non-hospitalized adverse events (AEs) were estimated. Results: Among 267 patients identified, 85% were men, 44% had metastases at the index date and the mean age was 62.0 years (±9.9). The most common tumor location was oropharynx (29%) but 39% of patients had multiple locations. Median OS was 9.3 (95% CI: 7.9-11.8) months for the overall population. The average total direct cost per patient was €49,954, broken down into €32,908 (95% CI: 29,525-36,290) for hospitalizations and €17,047 (14,941-19,152) for ambulatory care. Main cost drivers were drug acquisition and administration (€14,538) during the treatment period (209 days on average) and palliative care (€3,750) during the EoL period (125 days). Regarding related costs, around 12% of patients received disability pensions (€1,397 per patient [624-2,171]) and sick leave payments (€1,592 [888-2,297]). "Metabolism and nutrition disorders" and "Infections and infestations" were the most expensive hospitalized AEs (€1,513 and €1,180 per patient, respectively). Febrile neutropenia was the most expensive non-hospitalized AE (€766 per patient). Conclusions: This analysis of real-world data confirms the poor prognosis of patients with R/M SCCHN and provides cost data for future economic evaluations.

Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study to Better Understand the Quality-of-Life Concerns and Needs of This Population

BACKGROUND

While providing physical, psychological, and spiritual care to their loved ones with cancer, family caregivers (FCGs) are physically and emotionally vulnerable to the tolls of caregiving. Patients and FCGs experience the uncertainty that comes with illness and treatment, its side effects, the lack of control, the emotional upheaval, the spiritual doubt, and the helplessness of advancing disease.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to better understand the quality-of-life needs of the FCG population, particularly those who encounter financial strain related to patients' cancer and treatment.

METHODS

This qualitative study of FCG concerns was conducted in association with a randomized trial of an FCG support intervention. Twenty FCGs of patients with solid tumor cancers were interviewed in person or via telephone for this study. The FCG version of the City of Hope quality-of-life tool, which consists of four domains of well-being (physical, psychological, social, spiritual), was applied to the content analysis of interviews.

FINDINGS

Care for FCGs is needed across all quality-of-life domains.

Work adjustments and employment among breast cancer survivors: a French prospective study

PURPOSE

The objective of our study was to assess the rate of work adjustments 1 year after the diagnosis in a population of female breast cancer (BC) survivors, in the context of the French system of social protection. We also characterised these adjustments and their influence on the reduction of professional exclusion of patients 1 year after the diagnosis.

METHODS

This observational, prospective study was conducted from February 2015 to April 2016 among female patients with BC. Inclusion criteria were women aged between 18 and 65 years, treated for BC and integrated into the labour market at the time of diagnosis (working or on sick leave). Exclusion criteria were metastatic BC, retired patients and refusal to participate. A 1-year follow-up was scheduled, and data collection was performed with questionnaires.

RESULTS

In total, 213 patients were included between February 2015 and April 2016. One year after the diagnosis (T1), among 185 BC survivors, 78 (42.2%) patients were working. Among them, 13 patients did not interrupt their occupational activity and 65 returned to work after a period of sick leave. Sixty-four patients returned to work after the end of chemotherapy (after 6 months), and one returned to work before this therapeutic threshold. Sixty-six patients (35.7%) benefited from at least one adjustment of their work conditions to facilitate their return to work (RTW) or maintenance at work: working hours were decreased for 43 patients, and workstation changes were performed for 22 patients. An occupational health physician was involved for some patients; work adjustments were prescribed to 42 patients, 7 patients had medical restrictions for physical reasons and 4 patients had restrictions for psychological reasons. Forty-three patients benefited from part-time work prescribed for therapeutic reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

Referral to occupational health physicians and work adjustments remain limited in the process of RTW or maintenance at work after BC in France, despite their positive impact.

Costs Associated with Productivity Loss Among U.S. Patients Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Receiving Oral Versus Injectable Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The use of novel drug agents in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has been associated with improved therapeutic outcomes and survival; however, MM continues to pose a significant economic burden on patients and health care systems. Evaluating economic implications of therapies can provide key points of distinctions between available treatment options. Patients with MM may experience productivity loss, including lost days from work or inability to work due to MM symptoms or to undergoing treatment. Although direct costs of illness have been well described in the literature, indirect costs associated with MM are understudied.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the extent of disability benefit use and resultant workplace productivity loss among U.S. adult patients with newly diagnosed MM who received oral versus injectable MM therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters, Medicare Supplemental Coordination of Benefits, and Health and Productivity Management databases (2008-2015). Workplace absenteeism, as measured by disability benefit use, was evaluated 1 year before and 1 year after first MM diagnosis. Patients receiving only oral chemotherapy were compared with those who received injectable therapy. Absenteeism days and associated costs were compared among study groups using multivariable zero-inflated Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The final study cohort included 299 patients with newly diagnosed MM, of whom 73 received oral therapy only and 226 received injectable therapy. Treatment type was a significant predictor of disability benefit use. Patients who received injectable therapy missed an average of 110 work days in the 1 year after diagnosis, compared with 87 for patients receiving only oral therapy (difference of 23 days, 95% CI = 19-26, P < 0.001). Treatment type was also a significant predictor of costs associated with lost productivity. Patients who received injectable therapy experienced productivity loss valued at $18,315, compared with patients who only received oral drug therapy ($14,429). The difference between these estimates was statistically significant ($3,886, 95% CI = $3,540-$4,231, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients newly diagnosed with MM face significant losses in productivity. Patients receiving injectable MM therapy use significantly more disability benefits and incur higher productivity costs, compared with those receiving oral MM therapy. Further studies elucidating the nature of the differences between injectable and noninjectable chemotherapy users are needed.

DISCLOSURES

This study was funded by Millennium Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. Yong and Noga are employees of Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Merola reports personal fees from Millennium Pharmaceuticals during the time of this study.

Pilot Study of Metabolomics and Psychoneurological Symptoms in Women With Early Stage Breast Cancer

Many women with breast cancer experience symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression, collectively known as psychoneurologic (PN) symptoms, during and after chemotherapy treatment. Evidence that inflammatory dysfunction related to cancer and its treatments contributes to the development and persistence of PN symptoms through several interrelated pathways is accumulating. However, a major limiting factor in more precisely identifying the biological mechanisms underlying these symptoms is the lack of biological measures that represent a holistic spectrum of biological responses. Metabolomics allows for examination of multiple, co-occurring metabolic pathways and provides a systems-level perspective on biological mechanisms that may contribute to PN symptoms.

METHODS

In this pilot study, we performed serum metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry of global and targeted metabolomics from the tryptophan pathway from archived samples from 19 women with early-stage breast cancer. We used paired t tests to compare metabolite concentrations and Pearson's correlation coefficients to examine concomitant changes in metabolite concentrations and PN symptoms before and after chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Levels of pain, fatigue, and depression increased after chemotherapy. Compared with pre-chemotherapy, global metabolites post-chemotherapy were characterized by higher concentrations of acetyl-l-alanine and indoxyl sulfate and lower levels of 5-oxo-l-proline. Targeted analysis indicated significantly higher kynurenine levels and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios post-chemotherapy. Symptoms of pain and fatigue had strong associations with multiple global and several targeted metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrated that metabolomics may be useful for elucidating biological mechanisms associated with the development and severity of PN symptoms, specifically pain and fatigue, in women with early-stage breast cancer.