Variations in global prices of chemotherapy for childhood cancer: a descriptive analysis

Background

The stark disparity in survival for children with cancer across the world has inspired a global call to expand chemotherapy access in low and middle income countries. Among the numerous barriers to success, a paucity of reliable information regarding chemotherapy pricing hinders the ability of governments and other key stakeholders to make informed budget decisions or negotiate lower medication prices. The aim of this study was to generate comparative price information on both individual chemotherapy agents and comprehensive treatment regimens for common childhood cancers using real-world data.

Methods

Chemotherapy agents were selected based on their inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc) and their use in frontline regimens for the tracer cancer types prioritized by the WHO's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). Sources included IQVIA MIDAS data, obtained under license from IQVIA, and publicly available data from Management Sciences for Health (MSH). Data on chemotherapy prices and purchase volumes spanning 2012-2019 were aggregated according to WHO region and World Bank (WB) income classification. Cumulative chemotherapy prices for treatment regimens were compared across WB income classification.

Findings

Data representing an estimated 1.1 billion doses of chemotherapy were obtained for 97 countries: 43 high income countries (HICs), 28 upper middle income countries (UMICs), and 26 low and lower middle income countries (LLMICs). Median drug prices in HICs were 0.9-20.4 times those of UMICs and 0.9-15.5 times those of LMICs. Regimen prices were generally higher for HICs, hematologic malignancies, non-adapted protocols, and higher risk stratification or stage, albeit with notable exceptions.

Interpretation

This study represents the largest price analysis to date of chemotherapy agents used globally in childhood cancer therapy. The findings of this study form a basis for future cost-effectiveness analysis in pediatric cancer and should inform efforts of governments and stakeholders to negotiate drug prices and develop pooled purchasing strategies.

Funding

NB received funding support from the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities and Cancer Center Support grant (CA21765) from the National Cancer Institute through the National Institutes of Health. TA received funding through the University of North Carolina Oncology K12 (K12CA120780) and the University Cancer Research Fund from the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Training pediatric hematologist/oncologists for capacity building in Ethiopia

PURPOSE

A considerable barrier to global pediatric oncology efforts has been the scarcity and even absence of trained professionals in many low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of children with cancer reside. In 2013, no dedicated pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) programs existed in Ethiopia despite the estimated annual incidence of 6000-12000 cases. The Aslan Project initiative was established to fill this gap in order to improve pediatric cancer care in Ethiopia. A major objective was to increase subspecialty PHO-trained physicians who were committed to practicing locally and empowered to lead programmatic development.

METHODS

We designed and implemented a PHO training curriculum to provide a robust educational and clinical experience within the existing resource-constrained environment in Ethiopia. Education relied on visiting PHO faculty, a training attachment abroad, and extraordinary initiative from trainees.

RESULTS

Four physicians have completed comprehensive PHO subspecialty training based primarily in Ethiopia, and all have remained local. Former fellows are now leading two PHO centers in Ethiopia with a combined capacity of 64 inpatient beds and over 800 new diagnoses per year; an additional former fellow is developing a pediatric cancer program in Nairobi, Kenya. Two fellows currently are in training. Program leadership, teaching, and advocacy are being transitioned to these physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite myriad challenges, a subspecialty PHO training program was successfully implemented in a low-income country. PHO training in Ethiopia is approaching sustainability through human resource development, and is accelerating the growth of dedicated PHO services where none existed 7 years ago.

Methadone for Cancer Pain in Pediatric End-of-Life Care

BACKGROUND

The goal of adequate pain control becomes increasingly salient for children with cancer and their families as the patients approach the end of life. Methadone is one option that is particularly desirable in end-of-life care given its long duration of action and NMDA antagonism that may help in controlling pain refractory to conventional opioids. The purpose of this study was to describe a single institution's experience with methadone for the treatment of cancer pain in pediatric end-of-life care.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, single-center study included all patients during a 9-year period who died in the inpatient setting and were receiving methadone in their last 30 days of life.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were identified, 18 (90%) of whom received methadone for nociceptive pain. The median duration of methadone use was 32 days (range 2-323 days). Methadone doses ranged from 0.09 to 7.76 mg/kg per day. There were no instances of discontinuing methadone due to an increased QTc interval. No episodes of torsades de pointes were observed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with pediatric cancer who are nearing the end of life, methadone is a valuable adjunctive therapy to treat nociceptive and neuropathic pain and to prevent opioid-induced hyperalgesia and opioid tolerance. An individualized approach to dosage and route should be considered based on specific clinical circumstances.

Developing Physical Exam Skills in Residency: Comparing the Perspectives of Residents and Faculty About Values, Barriers, and Teaching Methods

BACKGROUND

The physical examination (PE) skills of residents are often not improved since medical school. Unfortunately, how residents learn PE is not well understood. There is a paucity of research on the factors involved and the differences between resident and faculty perspectives. The authors sought to determine resident and faculty perceptions about the value of PE, the major barriers to learning PE, and the most effective teaching methods.

METHODS

Based on a rigorous process of literature review and semi-structured interviews, the authors developed an online survey which was sent to 406 internal medicine residents and 93 faculty at 3 institutions. Residents and faculty answered questions about both their own opinions and about their perception of the other group's opinions.

RESULTS

About 283 residents (70%) and 61 faculty (66%) completed the survey. Both residents and faculty rated the importance of PE similarly. Residents rated being too busy, followed by a lack of feedback, as the most significant barriers to learning PE. Faculty rated a lack of feedback, followed by a lack of resident accountability, as the most significant barriers. Both groups rated the availability of abnormal findings as the least significant barrier. Both groups agreed that faculty demonstration at the bedside was the most effective teaching method.

CONCLUSION

This survey can serve as a needs assessment for educational interventions to improve the PE skills of residents by focusing on areas of agreement between residents and faculty, specifically faculty demonstration at the bedside combined with feedback about residents' skills.

Communicating Effectively in Pediatric Cancer Care: Translating Evidence into Practice

Effective communication is essential to the practice of pediatric oncology. Clear and empathic delivery of diagnostic and prognostic information positively impacts the ways in which patients and families cope. Honest, compassionate discussions regarding goals of care and hopes for patients approaching end of life can provide healing when other therapies have failed. Effective communication and the positive relationships it fosters also can provide comfort to families grieving the loss of a child. A robust body of evidence demonstrates the benefits of optimal communication for patients, families, and healthcare providers. This review aims to identify key communication skills that healthcare providers can employ throughout the illness journey to provide information, encourage shared decision-making, promote therapeutic alliance, and empathically address end-of-life concerns. By reviewing the relevant evidence and providing practical tips for skill development, we strive to help healthcare providers understand the value of effective communication and master these critical skills.