Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the United States: time to diagnosis and treatment

OBJECTIVE

Create a timeline of diagnosis and treatment for IPF in the US.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective analysis was performed in collaboration with the OptumLabs Data Warehouse using an administrative claims database of Medicare Fee for Service beneficiaries. Adults 50 and over with IPF were included (2014 to 2019).

EXPOSURE

To focus on IPF, the following diagnoses were excluded: post-inflammatory fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, and connective tissue disease.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Data were collected from periods prior, during, and following initial clinical diagnosis of IPF. This included prior respiratory diagnoses, number of respiratory-related hospitalizations, anti-fibrotic and oxygen use, and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 44,891 with IPF were identified. The most common diagnoses prior to diagnosis of IPF were upper respiratory infections (47%), acute bronchitis (13%), other respiratory disease (10%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis (7%), and pneumonia (6%). The average time to a diagnosis of IPF was 2.7 years after initial respiratory diagnosis. Half of patients had two or more respiratory-related hospitalizations prior to IPF diagnosis. Also, 37% of patients were prescribed oxygen prior to diagnosis of IPF. These observations suggest delayed diagnosis. We also observed only 10.4% were treated with anti-fibrotics. Overall survival declined each year after diagnosis with median survival of 2.80 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Our retrospective cohort demonstrates that IPF is often diagnosed late, usually preceded by other respiratory diagnoses and hospitalizations. Use of available therapies is low and outcomes remain poor.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Comparison to Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background This study aimed to compare percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results Using a US administrative database, 562 850 patients with atrial fibrillation were identified, among whom 8397 were treated with LAAO and 554 453 were treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants between March 13, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Propensity score overlap weighting was used to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was a composite end point of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. The mean age was 76.4±7.6 years; 280 097 (49.8%) were female. Mean follow-up was 1.5±1.0 years. LAAO was associated with no significant difference in the risk of the primary composite end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.93 [0.84-1.03]), or the secondary outcomes including ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (HR, 1.07 [0.81-1.41]), and intracranial bleeding (HR, 1.08 [0.72-1.61]). LAAO was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.22 [1.05-1.42], P=0.01) and a lower risk of mortality (HR, 0.73 [0.64-0.84], P<0.001). The lower risk of mortality associated with LAAO was most pronounced in patients with a prior history of intracranial bleeding. Conclusions In comparison to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants, LAAO was associated with no significant difference in the risk of the composite outcome and a lower risk of mortality, which suggests LAAO might be a reasonable option in select patients with atrial fibrillation. The observation of higher bleeding risk associated with LAAO highlights the need to optimize postprocedural antithrombotic regimens as well as systematic efforts to assess and address bleeding predispositions.

Duration of first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in U.S. patients with melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma

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Background: By 2018, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) drugs had gained FDA approval for the treatment of several cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Recommendations for treatment duration for ICI therapy varies and is often used until either progression of disease or intolerance from toxic effects. Blumenthal et al showed that there is a positive correlation between real-world time to discontinuation (rwTTD) and progression free survival. We report the rwTTD of ICI drug use in first-line of therapy (LOT1) among enrollees diagnosed with melanoma, NSCLC, and RCC between 2015 and 2018, as well as ICI utilization in second-line therapy. Methods: A cohort of patients treated for these 3 cancers between 2015 and 2018 was identified using de-identified data from the Optum Labs Data Warehouse and clinical information from the Optum Cancer Guidance Program’s electronic prior authorization (ePA) platform. De-identified administrative claims data were then linked to ePA information at the patient level to identify details of treatment received and duration of treatment. Eligible patients were enrolled in a commercial or Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and required to initiate treatment within 6 months of diagnosis, enrolled at least 6 months prior to diagnosis date (in order to ensure this was the LOT1) and at least thirty days after start of first identified treatment regimen (in order to identify the full treatment regimen). ICI regimens are defined as those with an ICI drug received within the first 30 days of the LOT1 start date. Duration of ICI use was defined as number of days from LOT1 start to date of last ICI administration in LOT1. We estimate rwTTD accounting for censoring via SAS PROC LIFETEST. Results: In this population, we identified 844 eligible patients with these 3 cancers who received LOT1 ICI therapy from 2015 - 2018. NSCLC is the most common cancer treated with an ICI (N = 598). Median rwTTD varied between 172 and 191 days across these 3 cancers. 68% of melanoma patients remained on LOT1 ICI treatment at 90 days decreasing to 30% at 1 year, while 74% of NSCLC remained on LOT1 ICI for at least 90 days and 40% of RCC patients for 1 year. We observed that of individuals who had an ICI in LOT1, 18% of those with NSCLC moved on to an ICI in LOT2, 39% of those with Melanoma, and 25% of those with RCC. Conclusions: Median rwTTD and the percent of patients remaining on ICI treatment at 90 and 180 days in LOT1 was similar among the three cancers. However, RCC patient are more likely to remain on LOT1 ICI (40%) than those being treated for Melanoma and NSCLC.[Table: see text]

Methods and Study Design for Cancer Health Economics Research: Summary of Discussions From a Breakout Session

The legitimacy of findings from cancer health economics research depends on study design and methods. A breakout session, Methods and Study Design for Cancer Health Economics Research, was convened at the Future of Cancer Health Economics Research Conference to discuss 2 commonly used analytic tools for cancer health economics research: observational studies and decision-analytic modeling. Observational studies include analysis of data collected with the primary purpose of supporting economic evaluation or secondary use of data collected for another purpose. Modeling studies develop a parametrized structure, such as a decision tree, to estimate hypothetical impact. Whereas observational studies focus on what has happened and why, modeling studies address what may happen. We summarize the discussion at this breakout session, focusing on 3 key elements of high-quality cancer health economics research: study design, analytical methods, and addressing uncertainty.

Actual immune checkpoint inhibitor drug use in U.S. patients with cancer

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Background: By 2018, seven Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) drugs had gained FDA approval in nine cancers and the number of indications has continued to increase. Haslam et al. estimated that between 36.1 and 38.5% of US patients with cancer were eligible for ICI therapy in 2019. We report the use of ICI dugs in the first-line of therapy (LOT1) and second-line (LOT2) among enrollees treated for 9 cancers with an FDA indication approval in or before 2017. Methods: A cohort of patients treated for one of the nine most common cancers with an FDA indication for ICI drugs in 2017 was identified using de-identified data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, and clinical information from the Optum Cancer Guidance Program’s electronic prior authorization (ePA) platform. De-identified administrative claims data were then linked to ePA information (cancer type & diagnosis date) at the patient level to identify details of treatment received. Eligible patients were enrolled in a commercial or Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and initiated treatment within six months of diagnosis, enrolled at least six months prior to diagnosis date (ensuring this was the LOT1) and at least thirty days after start of first identified treatment regimen (to identify the full treatment regimen). LOT1 treatment initiation ranged from 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2020 for those who were diagnosed before 6/30/2020. ICI regimens are defined as those with an ICI drug received within first thirty days of the LOT start date. Results: In this population, we identified 17,283 eligible patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer (4654), melanoma (705), renal cell carcinoma (554), bladder cancer (1974), colorectal (4502), hepatocellular carcinoma (673), gastric cancer (1786), head and neck cancer (1923), or Hodgkin lymphoma (512) in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Overall, 3,291 (19%) of these patients received an ICI in LOT1 with rates increasing over time. The highest rates of ICI use in LOT1 are for the treatment of melanoma, remaining consistent over time, while ICI use in LOT2 is highest for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer although evidence from 2020 suggests this may be waning. Among patients being treated for renal cell carcinoma, ICI use in LOT2 decreased from 43% (2018) to 15% (2020) while LOT1 ICI use increased to 81% in 2020. Conclusions: Overall, ICI use has changed over time in both the first- and second-line setting. In particular, we observe a shift in ICI use from LOT2 to LOT1, consistent with the more recent FDA approvals in earlier lines of therapy.[Table: see text]

Long-term antimüllerian hormone patterns differ by cancer treatment exposures in young breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To compare antimüllerian hormone (AMH) patterns by cancer status and treatment exposures across 6 years after incident breast cancer using administrative data.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional design, AMH levels in patients who developed incident breast cancer between ages 15-39 years during 2005-2019 were matched 1:10 to levels in females without cancer in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse. Modeled AMH patterns were compared among cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy, non-cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy, no chemotherapy, and no breast cancer groups.

SETTING

Commercially insured females in the United States.

PATIENT(S)

Females with and without breast cancer.

EXPOSURE(S)

Breast cancer, cyclophosphamide- and non-cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

AMH levels.

RESULT(S)

A total of 233 patients with breast cancer (mean age, 34 years; standard deviation, 3.7 years) contributed 278 AMH levels over a median of 2 years (range, 0-6.7 years) after diagnosis; 52% received cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy, 17% received non-cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy (80% platinum-based), and 31% received no chemotherapy. A total of 2,777 matched females without cancer contributed 2,780 AMH levels. The pattern of AMH levels differed among the 4 groups. Among females without cancer and breast cancer survivors who did not undergo chemotherapy, AMH declined linearly over time. In contrast, among those who received cyclophosphamide-based and noncyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy, a nonlinear pattern of AMH level of initial fall during chemotherapy, followed by an increase over 2-4 years, and then by a plateau over 1-2 years before a decline was observed.

CONCLUSION(S)

In breast cancer survivors, AMH levels from administrative data supported ovarian toxicity of non-cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy in breast cancer and efficiently depicted the timing and duration of changes in ovarian reserve to reflect the residual reproductive lifespan.

Expenditures in Young Adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma: NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers vs. Other Sites

BACKGROUND

Outcomes among Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients diagnosed between 22 and 39 years are worse than among those diagnosed <21 years, and have not seen the same improvement over time. Treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) mitigates outcome disparities, but may be associated with higher expenditures.

METHODS

We examined cancer-related expenditures among 22-39 year-old HL patients diagnosed between 2001-2016 using de-identified administrative claims data (OptumLabs® Data Warehouse) (CCC: n=1,154; non-CCC: n=643). Adjusting for sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and months enrolled, multivariable general linear models modeled average monthly health-plan paid (HPP) expenditures, and incidence rate ratios compared CCC/non-CCC monthly visit rates.

RESULTS

In the year following diagnosis, CCC patients had higher HPP-expenditures ($12,869 vs. $10,688, p=0.001), driven by higher monthly rates of CCC non-treatment outpatient hospital visits (p=0.001) and per-visit expenditures for outpatient hospital chemotherapy ($632 vs. $259); higher CCC inpatient expenditures ($1,813 vs. $1,091, p=0.001) were driven by 3.1-times higher rates of chemotherapy admissions (p=0.001). Out-of-pocket expenditures were comparable (p=0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults with Hodgkin lymphoma at CCCs saw higher health plan expenditures, but comparable out-of-pocket expenditures. Drivers of CCC expenditures included outpatient hospital utilization (monthly rates of non-therapy visits and per-visit expenditures for chemotherapy).

IMPACT

Higher HPP-expenditures at CCCs in the year following HL diagnosis likely reflect differences in facility structure and comprehensive care. For young adults, it is plausible to consider incentivizing CCC care to achieve superior outcomes while developing approaches to achieve long-term savings.

The Friends of Cancer Research Real-World Data Collaboration Pilot 2.0: Methodological Recommendations from Oncology Case Studies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential collective opportunities and challenges of transforming real‐world data (RWD) to real‐world evidence for clinical effectiveness by focusing on aligning analytic definitions of oncology end points. Patients treated with a qualifying therapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer in the frontline setting meeting broad eligibility criteria were included to reflect the real‐world population. Although a trend toward improved outcomes in patients receiving PD‐(L)1 therapy over standard chemotherapy was observed in RWD analyses, the magnitude and consistency of treatment effect was more heterogeneous than previously observed in controlled clinical trials. The study design and analysis process highlighted the identification of pertinent methodological issues and potential innovative approaches that could inform the development of high‐quality RWD studies.

Changes in systemic cancer therapy prior-authorization requests during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic transformed norms and approaches to delivering cancer care in the US throughout 2020. While initial reports in regional and single institution studies suggest postponement or modification of cancer treatments, limited evidence exists on the long-term national impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment throughout the year. Methods: Using de-identified OptumLabs Data Warehouse data, which includes data from the Optum Cancer Guidance Program’s electronic prior authorization (ePA) platform, we compared monthly rates (per 100,000 person-months) of requests for authorization for insurance coverage of systemic cancer therapy in January-December 2020 (COVID) versus January-December 2019 (non-COVID). Results: We identified a total of 94,726 prior-authorization requests for chemotherapy in 2020 compared to 106,272 requests in 2019, indicating a 10.8% overall decline during the pandemic. Prior-authorization request rates were 6.3% higher in March 2020 as many stay-at-home orders were implemented across states (Table). Prior authorization requests then significantly declined in April and May 2020 (3.3% and 14.4% lower rates in 2020 vs. 2019) during the stay-at-home orders before briefly increasing again in June. As COVID-19 infections and deaths increased throughout the fall, requests for prior-authorization significantly declined in each month from August through December 2020. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant overall declines in requests for prior authorizations for chemotherapy in 2020 versus 2019. While requests rebounded somewhat in early spring and summer of 2020, rates were markedly lower, relative to those in 2019, during COVID-19’s second wave. Overall, these results suggest continued modifications or delays in cancer treatment that may result in worse outcomes for individuals with cancer in 2020 and should be evaluated in future studies. [Table: see text]

Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Prevalence Before and After Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation Among Men Aged ≥18 Years in US Private Settings

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends initial and follow-up sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing when taking HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We assessed frequencies of STIs and HIV testing and rates of STIs before and after PrEP initiation among men aged ≥18 years.

METHODS

We used the OptumLabs database for this cohort study. We measured STI/HIV testing rates and prevalence in 2 time intervals: (1) within 90 days before and on the date of PrEP initiation and (2) within 45 days of the 180th day after the date of PrEP initiation.

RESULTS

Of 4210 men who initiated PrEP in 2016 to 2017 and continuously used PrEP for ≥180 days, 45.7%, 45.7%, and 56.0% were tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, respectively, at the second time interval. These percentages were significantly lower than those at the first time interval (58.3%, 57.9%, and 73.5%, respectively; P < 0.01). Chlamydia and gonorrhea prevalence rates at the second time interval were 6.5% and 6.2%, respectively, versus 5.0% and 4.7%, respectively, at the first time interval. Most gonorrhea or chlamydia infections at the second time intervals seem to be new infections new infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexually transmitted infection/HIV testing for PrEP users in the real-world private settings is much lower than in clinical trials. High STI prevalence before and after PrEP initiation in this study suggests that patients taking PrEP have an increased risk of acquiring STI. Interventions to improve provider adherence for PrEP users are urgently needed.

Estimating Recommended Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Treatment Rate Using Linked Medical Claims, Prescription, and Laboratory Data in US Private Settings

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends specific regimens for chlamydia and dual therapy for gonorrhea to mitigate antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea in the CDC 2015 sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines. Only limited studies examining adherence to these recommendations have been conducted at private practices in the United States.

METHODS

We used the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, a comprehensive, longitudinal data asset with deidentified persons with linked commercial insurance claims and clinical information, to identify persons aged 15 to 60 years who had valid nucleic acid amplification testing results demonstrating urogenital or extragenital gonorrhea or chlamydia in 2016 to 2018. We defined valid laboratory results as positive or negative. We then assessed the time of their first positive test result and the type of treatment within 30 days to determine if there was evidence in the claims record that the CDC-recommended treatment was provided. We defined presumed treatment if the date of treatment was before the date of the positive test result within 30 days.

RESULTS

Among 6476 patients with positive gonorrhea test results and 26,847 patients with positive chlamydia test results only, 34.8% and 64.2% had evidence of receiving the CDC-recommended therapy, respectively. Approximately 11.6% of patients with positive gonorrhea test results with recommended dual treatment and 7.1% of patients with positive chlamydia test results only with recommended chlamydia treatment were presumptively treated.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of treatment claims and medical records from private settings indicated low rates of recommended gonorrhea and chlamydia treatment. Validation of treatment claims is needed to support further quality of care interventions based on these data.

Expenditures among young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by site of care

BACKGROUND

Individuals diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) between the ages of 22 and 39 years experience worse outcomes than those diagnosed when they are 21 years old or younger. Treatment at National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) mitigates these disparities but may be associated with higher expenditures.

METHODS

Using deidentified administrative claims data (OptumLabs Data Warehouse), the cancer-related expenditures were examined among patients with ALL diagnosed between 2001 and 2014. Multivariable generalized linear model with log-link modeled average monthly health-plan-paid (HPP) expenditures and amount owed by the patient (out-of-pocket [OOP]). Cost ratios were used to calculate excess expenditures (CCC vs non-CCC). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) compared CCC and non-CCC monthly visit rates. Models adjusted for sociodemographics, comorbidities, adverse events, and months enrolled.

RESULTS

Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were comparable between CCC (n = 160) and non-CCC (n = 139) patients. Higher monthly outpatient expenditures in CCC patients ($15,792 vs $6404; P < .001) were driven by outpatient hospital HPP expenditures. Monthly visit rates and per visit expenditures for nonchemotherapy visits (IRR = 1.6; P = .001; CCC = $8247, non-CCC = $1191) drove higher outpatient hospital expenditures among CCCs. Monthly OOP expenditures were higher at CCCs for outpatient care (P = .02). Inpatient HPP expenditures were significantly higher at CCCs ($25,918 vs $13,881; ꞵ = 0.9; P < .001) before accounting for adverse events but were no longer significant after adjusting for adverse events (ꞵ = 0.4; P = .1). Hospitalizations and length of stay were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults with ALL at CCCs have higher expenditures, likely reflecting differences in facility structure, billing practices, and comprehensive patient care. It would be reasonable to consider CCCs comparable to the oncology care model and incentivize the framework to achieve superior outcomes and long-term cost savings.

LAY SUMMARY

Health care expenditures in young adults (aged 22-39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are higher among patients at National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) than those at non-CCCs. The CCC/non-CCC differences are significant among outpatient expenditures, which are driven by higher rates of outpatient hospital visits and outpatient hospital expenditures per visit at CCCs. Higher expenditures and visit rates of outpatient hospital visits among CCCs may also reflect how facility structure and billing patterns influence spending or comprehensive care. Young adults at CCCs face higher inpatient HPP expenditures; these are driven by serious adverse events.

Adverse events among chronic myelogenous leukemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a real-world analysis of health plan enrollees

With tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is now a chronic disease. CML patients treated with TKIs (n = 1200) were identified from the OptumLabs^® Data Warehouse (de-identified claims and electronic health records) between 2000 and 2016 and compared with a non-cancer cohort (n = 7635). The 5-year cumulative incidence of all organ system outcomes was significantly greater for the TKI versus non-cancer group. In the first year, compared with imatinib, later generation TKIs were associated with primary infections (hazard ratios [HR] 1.43, 95% CI 1.02-2.00), circulatory events (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.31), and skin issues (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.80); musculoskeletal and nervous system/sensory issues were less common (HRs 0.83-0.84, p < 0.05). Increased risk of infections, cardiopulmonary and skin issues associated with later generation TKIs persisted in subsequent years. In this real-world population, TKI therapy was associated with a high burden of adverse events. Later generation TKIs may have greater toxicity than imatinib.

A Population-based Study of Immunotherapy-related Toxicities in Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Population-level data regarding incidences of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are lacking. This study evaluated the frequencies of irAEs among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received immune checkpoint inhibitors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Administrative claims data from a large United States commercial insurance database (OptumLabs Data Warehouse) were used to retrospectively identify patients with NSCLC between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 who received a programmed death-ligand 1/programmed cell death protein-1 (PD(L)-1) inhibitor. Cumulative risks for irAEs were estimated at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after initiation of a PD-(L)1 inhibitor. Additionally, associations between patient characteristics and frequency of irAEs were investigated utilizing multivariate logistic modeling.

RESULTS

The risk of developing any irAE was 52.5% (95% confidence interval, 49.9%-55.2%) after 12 months in 3164 patients with NSCLC who initiated a PD-(L)1 inhibitor (median age, 69.0 years; 1763 [55.7%] males; 1401 [44.3%] females). Cumulative risks of irAEs increased over time: pneumonitis was recorded in 2.5% of patients 1 month after initiation of treatment, and increased to 14.3% after 9 months. Risks of hypophysitis and pericarditis were 3.6% and 1.7% at 9 months, respectively. Patients who received PD-(L)1 inhibitors in the first line had lower frequencies of irAEs (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.87).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the frequencies of some irAEs may be higher than the rates reported in the pivotal trials that led to United States Food and Drug Administration approvals for PD-(L)1 inhibitors. These real-world data refine provider and patient expectations for outcomes in a broader population beyond what is observed in clinical trials.

Health Care Cost Associated With Contemporary Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Therapy Compared With That of Other Hematologic Malignancies

PURPOSE

Given the widespread introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), we evaluated the cost associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) care compared with the cost of care for patients with hematologic malignancies (HEM) and for patients without cancer (GEN), to aid with resource allocation and clinical decision making.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was constructed from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse using claims from 2000 to 2016. Eligible patients had ≥ 2 CML claims and were enrolled continuously for ≥ 6 months before diagnosis and ≥ 1 year afterward (n = 1,909). Patients with CML were frequency matched 4:1 with HEM and GEN cohorts and were observed through October 2017. We used generalized linear models to assess the variation in total mean annualized health care costs in the 3 cohorts and to examine the influence of factors associated with costs.

RESULTS

Mean annualized costs for CML were $82,054 (ie, $25,471 [95% CI, $20,808 to $30,133] more than those for HEM and $74,993 [95% CI, $70,818 to $79,167] more than those for GEN); these differences were driven by pharmacy costs in the CML group. The cost of CML care exceeded that for HEM and GEN for all index years in this study and increased over each diagnostic interval until 2015, peaking at $91,990. The mean annual cost of all TKIs increased. Imatinib's mean annualized cost was $41,546 in the period 2000-2004 but increased to $105,069 in the period 2015-2017. In multivariable analysis, percent days on TKIs had the greatest influence on cost: ≥ 75% of the time versus none showed a difference in cost of $108,716 (95% CI, $99,193 to $118,239).

CONCLUSION

Contemporary CML costs exceeded the cost of treatment of other hematologic malignancies. Cost was primarily driven by TKIs, whose cost continued to increase over time.

Abstract B131: How do reversal rates vary among patients with colorectal cancer for which intestinal stoma was performed?

Background: Studies of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have found patients in whom the intestinal stoma was performed consistently report more impairment and lower quality of life than their non-stoma counterparts. Where possible, the intention is to subsequently reverse the stoma (via stoma closure). The goal of this study is to examine disparities in stoma reversal (SR) rates among colorectal cancer patients who have health care insurance. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical claims and enrollment records from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse®, which includes commercial and Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees representing a diverse mixture of ages, ethnicities and geographical regions across the United States. Eligible patients were required to have undergone intestinal ostomy (either colostomy or ileostomy) with an intestinal stoma between 2000 – 2017 as part of their CRC treatment and be enrolled for at least one year prior to and one year following the surgery. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the relationship between patient demographics and clinical characteristics and the rate of SR. Patient demographics include age, sex, race, household income, and rurality. Comorbidity was measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index score (CCI) excluding the two cancer categories. To further control for difference in health plan design and cost sharing, we included the patients’ health plan type (commercial or MA) and if the commercial enrollee was in a consumer driven health plan (i.e., high deductible). Results: We identified 13,633 individuals with colorectal cancer diagnosis between 2000 and 2017 who underwent either a colostomy or ileostomy in which the intestinal stoma was created. The overall SR rate was 16.4% with a median time to reversal of 6 months. The majorities of patients in our study are age 65+ (56%), male (52%), white (77%), and live in a metropolitan area (86%). Excluding cancer, the average CCI was 1.2 (sd=1.4) with 84% having CCI &lt; 2. The cohort had a median follow up enrollment period of 2.5 years. The majority of patient resided in a household with income less than $75K per year (59%). Prior to controlling for other factors, SR rates were found to be higher in males (19.5% vs 13.1%; p&lt;.001) and varying by race (p&lt;.001): non-Hispanic whites (21.48%), Hispanic (18.6%), Asian (16.7%) and non-Hispanic blacks (12.8%). Reversal rates ranged from 14.2% for those in households with annual income under $75K to 22.1% for those above $125K (p&lt;.001). However, after controlling for all factors, SR rates were only lower for females [HR=0.70; 95% CI=0.65, 0.77]) and African-American compared to White [HR=0.79; 95% CI=0.68, 0.90]). Household income, rurality and CCI were not found to be independently associated with varying SR. Conclusions: We find variation in SR rates by race and gender independent of age, health plan design, rurality and household income such that women and African Americans are less likely to receive SR.

Citation Format: Lillian Hang, Henry J Henk. How do reversal rates vary among patients with colorectal cancer for which intestinal stoma was performed? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B131.

Health plan expenditures young adults with newly-diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) by care at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) vs. other treatment sites (non-CCC)

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Background: Patients diagnosed with HL between 22-39y have worse outcomes than younger patients (≤21y); we previously reported that treatment at a CCC mitigates these disparities [Wolfson, Leukemia 2017]. While there is general consensus that CCC care is expensive, expenditures for managing young adults with HL in CCC vs. non-CCC are not known. Methods: Cancer-related expenditures were examined in HL patients diagnosed between 2001-2014 at age 22-39y and treated at CCC and non-CCC sites using commercial insurance claims data (OptumLabs Data Warehouse). Multivariable generalized linear models with log link modeled average monthly health plan paid expenditures, adjusting for sociodemographics, stage, adverse events, pre-existing comorbidities, and diagnostic era. Results: Of the 1501 HL patients, 33% (n = 489) were treated at a CCC. Patients treated at CCC vs. non-CCC did not differ with respect to race, sex, income, diagnostic era or comorbidities (p≥0.3). Mean duration of enrollment was longer in CCC than non-CCC (25 vs. 23 mos; p < 0.001) patients. During the first year after HL diagnosis, total average monthly expenditures were higher in CCC ($9,111) than non-CCC ($7,834, p = 0.001), including those related to inpatient (CCC: $1,790 vs. non-CCC: $1,011; p = 0.001) and outpatient (CCC: $6,971 vs. non-CCC: $6,487; p = 0.001) expenditures. The higher CCC expenditures were associated with higher monthly rates of inpatient admissions (IRR = 1.3, p = 0.001) and outpatient visits (IRR = 1.1, p = 0.02) at CCC. Rates of chemotherapy-related inpatient admissions were higher (IRR = 2.3, p = 0.001) in CCC than non-CCC patients, while outpatient chemotherapy visit rates were lower (IRR = 0.9, p = 0.001) in CCC. During Years 2-3, total average monthly expenditures were higher in CCC ($19,259) than non-CCC ($4,145, p = 0.002) patients. Outpatient expenditures were higher in CCC ($10,164) vs. non-CCC ($2,901, p = 0.001), with higher monthly outpatient visit rates (IRR = 1.7, p = 0.001) at CCC. Conclusions: Inpatient and outpatient cancer-related expenditures in young adults with HL were higher at CCC than non-CCCs. Higher outpatient expenditures at CCC were associated with only higher monthly visit rates. Higher inpatient expenditures were in the setting of higher admission rates, including those related to chemotherapy. Additional work is necessary to understand whether these higher expenditures at CCC are related to supportive care and/or differences in facility structure and billing practices.

Overall survival (OS) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients treated with frontline chemotherapy or immunotherapy by comorbidity: A real-world data (RWD) collaboration

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Background: Friends of Cancer Research convened 9 data partners to identify data elements and common definitions for real world (rw) endpoints to evaluate populations typically excluded from clinical trials. Here we report on rwOS by frontline treatment and comorbidities. Methods: A retrospective observational analysis of patients with aNSCLC initiating frontline platinum doublet chemotherapy (chemo) or PD-(L)1-based immuno-oncologic (IO) therapy (monotherapy or chemo combination) between 1 Jan 2011 to 31 Mar 2018 was conducted using administrative claims, EHR, and cancer registry RWD. We evaluated rwOS from frontline therapy initiation using Kaplan-Meier methods, stratified by ECOG status, brain metastases (ICD), history of chronic kidney or liver disease (CKD/ CLD, ICD), and evidence of kidney or liver dysfunction (KD/ LD, lab-based). Results: A total of 33,649 patients were included (N 972-17,454) with 10 to 26% of patients receiving IO as frontline therapy. There was a broad range of comorbidity prevalence across datasets and patients with evidence of comorbidity had comparatively shorter 12-month OS (Table). Conclusions: RWD analyses can generate expanded evidence on patient outcomes for populations routinely excluded from clinical trials and may help inform decision making where sparse data exist on appropriate treatment approaches. Additional understanding of data missingness, sensitivity of definitions, and covariate adjustment are needed to make direct comparisons across regimens and data sources. [Table: see text]

Severe Hypoglycemia Attributable to Intensive Glucose-Lowering Therapy Among US Adults With Diabetes: Population-Based Modeling Study, 2011-2014

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the contemporary prevalence of intensive glucose-lowering therapy among US adults with diabetes and model the number of hypoglycemia-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations that are attributable to such intensive treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

US adults with diabetes and glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels less than 7.0% who were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2014. Participants were categorized as clinically complex if 75 years or older or with 2 or more activities of daily living limitations, end-stage renal disease, or 3 or more chronic conditions. Intensive treatment was defined as any glucose-lowering medications with HbA_1c levels of 5.6% or less or 2 or more with HbA_1c levels of 5.7% to 6.4%. First, we quantified the proportion of clinically complex and intensively treated individuals in the NHANES population. Then, we modeled the attributable hypoglycemia-related ED visits/hospitalizations over a 2-year period based on published data for event risk.

RESULTS

Almost half (48.8% [10,719,057 of 21,980,034]) of US adults with diabetes (representing 10.7 million US adults) had HbA_1c levels less than 7.0%. Among them, 32.3% (3,466,713 of 10,719,057) were clinically complex, and 21.6% (2,309,556 of 10,719,057) were intensively treated, with no difference by clinical complexity. Over a 2-year period, we estimated 31,511 hospitalizations and 30,954 ED visits for hypoglycemia in this population; of these, 4774 (95% CI, 954-9714) hospitalizations and 4804 (95% CI, 862-9851) ED visits were attributable to intensive treatment.

CONCLUSION

Intensive glucose-lowering therapy, particularly among vulnerable clinically complex adults, is strongly discouraged because it may lead to hypoglycemia. However, intensive treatment was equally prevalent among US adults, irrespective of clinical complexity. Over a 2-year period, an estimated 9578 hospitalizations and ED visits for hypoglycemia could be attributed to intensive diabetes treatment, particularly among clinically complex patients. Patients at risk for hypoglycemia may benefit from treatment deintensification to reduce hypoglycemia risk and treatment burden.

Factors impacting time to diagnosis in pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with solid tumors

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Background: While cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in children and AYAs, factors associated with delays in diagnosis in young patients with cancer are poorly understood; we sought to fill this knowledge gap. Methods: Using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse’s claims data for commercially insured enrollees in a large US health plan—we identified pediatric [0-14 years (y)] and AYA (15–39 y) patients diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas (STS), bone tumors (BT) and germ cell tumors (GCT) during 2001–17 and continuously enrolled 6 months prior to diagnosis. Time to diagnosis was calculated as days between first medical encounter associated with a possible cancer symptom and diagnosis date. Median times from first symptom to diagnosis were compared using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Multivariable logistic regression identified sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with longer time ( > 3 months) from symptom to diagnosis. Results: Of the 11,395 patients, 86% presented to medical care with symptoms prior to diagnosis [STS: 2,228 (89%); BT: 1,565 (87%); GCT: 5,904 (84%)]. The most common symptoms were pain and swelling. STS had the longest median days to diagnosis (92), followed by BT (91) and GCT (49). There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in median days to diagnosis by age for BT (0–14y: 69; 15–21y: 77; 22–39y: 105) and GCT (0–14y: 96; 15–21y: 34; 22–39y: 49), but not for STS. Patients in households with ≥ a college degree (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.06–3.64, vs < high school) and seeing a specialist (excluding oncologists) (OR 2.54, CI 2.03–3.19, vs primary care) at first symptom presentation was associated with a longer delay, while older age (22–39y: OR 0.77, CI 0.63–0.94, vs 0-14y) and male sex (OR 0.58, CI 0.51–0.66) were associated with a shorter delay in diagnosis. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that, in a commercially insured population, time to diagnosis varies by cancer type and is impacted by clinical and sociodemographic factors. Shorter time to diagnosis may represent delays in presenting to medical care or more acute presentations of symptoms, therefore patient-reported symptoms and barriers to care data should be collected to better define strategies to reduce delays in diagnosis.

Trends in pancreatic cancer chemotherapy treatment in the United States from 2008 through 2016

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Background: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. 55% of patients present with advanced disease at diagnosis and are treated with chemotherapy, with gemcitabine and 5FU-backbone based therapies both demonstrating efficacy. However, data on the adoption of these of therapies in academic and non-academic centers is scarce. The goal of this study is to examine the aggregate adoption of these therapeutic regimens in widespread clinical practice from 2008 through 2016 using health plan claims data. Methods: Privately insured and Medicare patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy from 2008 through 2016 were identified from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse. First-line treatment regimen and duration were correlated with age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidiy Index (CCI) score, and opioid use measured by morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (as a proxy for pain) in the 6 months prior to starting chemotherapy. Disease status was classified as advanced, adjuvant or neo-adjuvant. Results: For 14,301 patients treated with chemotherapy primarily, the use of monotherapy has significantly decreased from 73% to 27% (p < 0.001) between 2008 and 2016, while combination therapy using two antineoplastic agents (20% to 41%; p < 0.001) and three or more agents (6% to 32%; p < 0.001) increased. Since 2013, patients receiving combination therapy vs. monotherapy are significantly younger (mean 66 vs. 70; p < 0.001), have higher CCI (6.3 vs. 6.1; p = 0.002), and have similar daily opioid dose prior to chemotherapy (5.2 vs. 3.8 MMEs; p = 0.086). Duration on first-line regimen was greater in patients receiving combined therapy, compared to those on gemcitabine monotherapy (median 130 vs. 119 days; p < 0.001) after adjusting for CCI, disease status, and demographics. Conclusions: The use of combined therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer has increased over time, with patients on combined therapy appearing to be younger. [Table: see text]

Factors associated with delays in diagnosis of pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients with central nervous system tumors

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Background: Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumor in children and have the highest mortality. Delays in diagnosis (Dx) may lead to reduced survival. We identify factors associated with delays in Dx in pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with CNS tumors. Methods: A retrospective cohort from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which includes claims data for privately insured enrollees in a large US health plan, was identified. Patients diagnosed with CNS tumors between 2001-17 continuously enrolled 6 months prior to diagnosis (Dx) were included. The onset of cancer symptoms was identified by the date of the first encounter associated with cancer symptoms. Time to Dx was calculated as the days between cancer symptom onset and Dx date. The likelihood of presenting with symptoms and the time to Dx (among those with symptoms) was modeled using logistic regression and included sociodemographic and clinical factors. A delay in Dx was defined as > 3 months after a symptom. Results: We identified 6,627 eligible patients, 5,637 (85%) of whom presented with symptoms prior to Dx. Likelihood of a delay appears greatest in those first presenting to a specialist (OR 1.28 vs PCP; P = .24 ) but lowest in those presenting to Urgent care/ER (OR .56 vs PCP; P < 0.001) and was greatest among children < 5 years of age were more likely to present with a symptom (table). However, among those with a symptom, children < 5 had the longest time to Dx (Median 122 days). Males were less likely to present with a symptom prior to Dx (OR .80, P = 0.040) and when experiencing a symptom they experienced shorter time to Dx compared to females (Median 85 vs 110 days). Race, income, and census region were not significant predictors of either likelihood of presenting with symptoms or delay in time to Dx. Conclusions: This study indicates that young children < 5 years had a longer delay in diagnosis compared to older patients. [Table: see text]

Delays in diagnosis in young patients with leukemia and lymphoma

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Background: Patients diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma typically present with nonspecific symptoms, making a timely diagnosis difficult. Little is known about factors associated with delays in diagnosis. We hypothesized that age, minority race/ethnicity, and low income are associated with greater time to diagnosis. Methods: Using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which includes claims data for privately insured enrollees in a large US health plan, we identified 17,536 pediatric (0-14 y), adolescent (15-21 y), and young adult (22-39 y) patients diagnosed with acute leukemia or lymphoma between 2001-17. Using this retrospective cohort, potential cancer-related symptoms occurring up to 6 months pre-diagnosis were identified. Delay was defined as > 3 months from symptom onset to diagnosis. Contingency table analysis with chi-squared tests and unconditional logistic regression were used to estimate the association between sociodemographic factors and delays in diagnosis. Results: Seventy-eight percent of patients had a diagnosis of a cancer-related symptom in the 6 months prior to diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms were lymphadenopathy, fever, and cytopenias. The median days to diagnosis was longer in young adults (93) than children (86) or adolescents (81) (p = < 0.0001). For pediatric v. AYA patients, median days to diagnosis differed for those with constitutional symptoms (18 v. 37, p = < 0.001), infectious symptoms (93 v. 74, p = < 0.001), and cytopenias (11 v. 22, p = < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified younger age, female sex, and low household income to be significantly associated with delays in diagnosis (table below). Conclusions: In this large cohort of privately insured patients, adolescents had the shortest time to diagnosis. We saw no disparities by race/ethnicity or education but observed that low income ( < $40K) and female patients had greater odds of delays in diagnosis. [Table: see text]

HSR19-090: Changes in Adherence to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment Patterns Among Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and the Impact on Costs: 2001–2017

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment improved considerably after introduction of oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). As a result, the number of patients living with CML may reach 250,000 by 2040. We track changes in TKI treatment adherence since 2001 and provide an early assessment of treatment costs following the availability of second-generation TKIs and generic imatinib. Methods: A retrospective cohort from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which includes claims data for privately insured and Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees in a large private U.S. health plan with medical and pharmacy benefits, was used. Patients with CML initiated TKI treatment between May 2001 and October 2016 and were continuously enrolled in the health plan 6 months prior through 12 months following TKI start. Adherence was defined by medication possession ratio (MPR1=total days’ supply of imatinib in 1st year divided by 365, 1=perfect adherence). Total health care costs include medical and prescription medication benefits. MPR1 was modeled using ordinary least squares regression. The association between MPR1 and healthcare costs was estimated using a generalized linear model specified with a gamma error distribution and a log link. Results: We identified 1,793 eligible patients. First-line TKI has changed over time (dasatinib and nilotinib represent 45% of all 2016 starts; imatinib 55%). From 2001 to 2016, adherence increased (Table 1). MPR1 was higher in men and increased with age until age ∼62 after which it declined. MPR1 was lower for patients with more comorbid conditions prior to treatment. Overall, MPR1 was inversely associated with total health care costs (medical and pharmacy) among privately insured (P<.001) but not MA enrollees. The net impact of MPR1 on total healthcare costs diminished over time (P<.001) where a 10% point decrease in MPR1 was associated with 12% and 4% lower total costs, prior to and following availability of 2nd generation TKIs, respectively. When examining medical costs only, MPR1 was inversely associated with medical costs for both privately insured (P<.001) and MA enrollees (P=.016). Conclusions: We found that adherence to TKI treatment increased over time. While imatinib is still used more frequently than other TKIs as first-line therapy, second-generation TKIs are becoming increasingly used as first-line agents. Possible cost-offsets are decreasing over time but it may be too early to formally evaluate the impact of generic imatinib.

Abstract PD6-07: Trends in the cost of care for breast cancer among women with commercial insurance

Background: Breast cancer care imposes a significant financial burden to U.S. healthcare systems and has become a key focus in the health care debate. Therapies for breast cancer are expensive, and the economic burden of these therapies may be rising due to the rapid introduction of pricey new drugs and techniques. There are limited data on the health care costs of individuals with breast cancer after initial diagnosis and how these costs have changed over time.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of commercially insured adult women with newly diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer (identified via previously published claims-based algorithms) using 2007-2016 data from a large US health plan available in OptumLabs® Data Warehouse. We included patients with continuous health plan coverage for at least 2 years after initial diagnosis 2007-2014 and assessed how total health care spending and out-of-pocket costs (paid amounts) changed over this time. Costs were adjusted to 2016 US dollars using the general Consumer Price Index. Inpatient, outpatient, and outpatient pharmacy costs were evaluated. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine predictors of above average cost (cost &gt; mean for that year of diagnosis).

Results: A total of 12,446 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were identified (mean age, 51.6 years). Forty percent had undergone mastectomy, 38% chemotherapy, and 63% radiation. After adjustment for inflation, total healthcare costs increased 29.7% from 2007 to 2014 (Table 1), with increases primarily observed during the first year after diagnosis. Out-of-pocket costs remained relatively stable, and accounted for 5.3% of the total spending. Approximately 80% of the total costs were related to care received in the outpatient setting. Factors independently associated with above average spending included treatment with mastectomy [OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.5-2.1)], reconstruction [OR 3.0 (95% CI 2.6-3.5)], radiation [OR 4.0 (95% CI 3.4-4.7)] and chemotherapy [OR 18.4 (95% CI 16.6-20.3].

Table 1.Average healthcare spending over time Mean cost during first year after diagnosisMean cost during second year after diagnosisYear of diagnosistotalout-of-pockettotalout-of-pocket2007$80,296.17$4,271.25$16,559.21$1,907.012008$84,126.70$4,445.78$16,785.43$2,205.982009$88,331.45$4,728.42$17,005.68$2,214.932010$91,502.58$5,067.78$17,243.91$2,126.192011$93,826.40$5,089.45$16,862.45$2,027.962012$96,690.06$5,449.91$17,814.09$2,179.262013$104,064.93$5,678.19$17,087.47$2,115.972014$104,169.74$5,620.51$16,714.12$1,590.67

Conclusions: Breast cancer care is increasingly expensive during the first year after diagnosis, and costs are greatest for the recipients of more aggressive treatments. Costs during the second year after diagnosis have remained relatively stable.

Citation Format: Ruddy KJ, Sangaralingham LR, Freedman RA, Jemal A, Mougalian SS, Keegan T, Loprinzi CL, Gross CP, Henk HJ, Shah N. Trends in the cost of care for breast cancer among women with commercial insurance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD6-07.

Novel Type 2 Diabetes Medication Access and Effect of Patient Cost Sharing

BACKGROUND

Although drug formulary restrictions may reduce use of prescription medication and pharmacy costs, the effect of patient cost sharing on medication adherence and health care utilization and cost is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between patient cost sharing for novel type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) medications and medication adherence, persistence, and health care utilization and cost.

METHODS

This retrospective study used medical and pharmacy claims linked to pharmacy benefit plan design data. Patients with T2DM were identified via ICD-9-CM codes (medical claims), outpatient prescription fills (pharmacy claims), and pharmacy benefit design information. Patients with T2DM treated with novel T2DM medications (DPP4 or GLP-1) were enrolled in plans with fixed or coinsurance medication copayment structures and followed for 12-48 months. Endpoints included medication persistence and adherence and total all-cause health care cost. Multivariable regression analysis estimated the effect of benefit design parameters, adjusting for baseline patient characteristics.

RESULTS

The integrated database included 36,475 patients with T2DM. The majority (83.1%) had fixed copayment plans, and 3-tier plans were common (93.1%). Higher third-tier copayment was associated with poorer medication adherence and persistence but not total health care cost during follow-up. A $10 higher third-tier copayment was associated with 11% greater risk of novel T2DM medication discontinuation and 3% lower adherence. A comparison of patients with fixed versus coinsurance plans found that fixed plans were associated with higher adjusted persistence and total all-cause health care costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher medication copayment amounts were associated with lower patient medication adherence and persistence in T2DM but not total health care costs, as health plan costs decreased while patient out-of-pocket costs increased. We observed higher total all-cause health care costs among T2DM patients with a fixed copay (vs. coinsurance) pharmacy benefit. Additional research incorporating plan design information is needed to further examine this finding.

DISCLOSURES

This study was funded by Janssen Scientific Affairs, which was involved in study design, interpretation of data, editing manuscript content, and had final approval of the manuscript before submission. Lopez and Bookhart are employed by Janssen Scientific Affairs. At the time of this study, Henk was employed by Optum HEOR, which was contracted by Janssen to conduct this study. Portions of this study were presented at the 21st Annual International Meeting, ISPOR; May 21-25, 2016; in Washington, DC.

Trends in opioid use in commercially insured and Medicare Advantage populations in 2007-16: retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To describe trends in the rate and daily dose of opioids used among commercial and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries from 2007 to 2016.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of administrative claims data.

SETTING

National database of medical and pharmacy claims for commercially insured and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

48 million individuals with any period of insurance coverage between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016, including commercial beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries aged 65 years and over, and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries under age 65 years (eligible owing to permanent disability).

MAIN ENDPOINTS

Proportion of beneficiaries with any opioid prescription per quarter, average daily dose in milligram morphine equivalents (MME), and proportion of opioid use episodes that represented long term use.

RESULTS

Across all years of the study, annual opioid use prevalence was 14% for commercial beneficiaries, 26% for aged Medicare beneficiaries, and 52% for disabled Medicare beneficiaries. In the commercial beneficiary group, quarterly prevalence of opioid use changed little, starting and ending the study period at 6%; the average daily dose of 17 MME remained unchanged since 2011. For aged Medicare beneficiaries, quarterly use prevalence was also relatively stable, ranging from 11% at the beginning of the study period to 14% at the end. Disabled Medicare beneficiaries had the highest rates of opioid use, the highest rate of long term use, and the largest average daily doses. In this group, both quarterly use rates (39%) and average daily dose (56 MME) were higher at the end of 2016 than the low points observed in 2007 for each endpoint (26% prevalence and 53 MME).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid use rates were high during the study period of 2007-16, with the highest rates in disabled Medicare beneficiaries versus aged Medicare beneficiaries and commercial beneficiaries. Opioid use and average daily dose have not substantially declined from their peaks, despite increased attention to opioid abuse and awareness of their risks.

Treatment and discharge patterns among patients hospitalized with non-valvular atrial fibrillation transitioning from the inpatient to outpatient setting

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate inpatient oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment, discharge location, and post-discharge OAC treatment for patients hospitalized with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective study using claims data linked to hospital electronic health records (EHR). Patients (n = 2,484) were hospitalized with a primary (38%) or secondary (62%) diagnosis of AF without evidence of mitral valvular heart disease or valve replacement between January 2009 and September 2013. Inpatient OAC treatment was identified from EHR data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Inpatient and post-discharge OAC treatment [direct OAC (DOAC; apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran), warfarin, no OAC] and discharge location (long-term care, home health-care, home self-care).

RESULTS

Mean age was 72.6 years, 61.2% were male, and 89.5% had a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2. Overall, 6.4% received a DOAC, 38.0% warfarin, and 55.6% no OAC during hospitalization. Compared to other treatment groups, patients receiving DOAC were younger and more likely to be male. The majority (72.2%) were discharged to home health-care, 13.2% home self-care, and 6.0% long-term care. Among patients who were treated with warfarin during hospitalization, 40.3% filled a warfarin prescription within 30 days post-discharge, whereas among patients who were treated with a DOAC, 52.4% filled a DOAC prescription within 30 days post-discharge. Some NVAF patients not treated with an OAC during hospitalization filled a prescription for warfarin (18.0%) or DOAC (1.9%) within 30 days post-discharge. Results were similar among patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients hospitalized for NVAF were discharged to home support, and the majority did not have OAC treatment during hospitalization or the 30 days post-discharge. Additional investigation should be conducted on trends beyond 30 days post-hospitalization, and the reasons for not receiving anticoagulation therapy in patients at moderate-to-severe risk of stroke or systemic embolism. Helping to avoid preventable strokes is an important goal for public health.

Factors associated with second-line triplet therapy in routine care in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Second-line therapy (SLT) trials in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) report superior outcomes with triplet combinations. We sought to determine factors associated with triplet SLT in routine practice.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort with claims for MM between 01/01/2008 and 03/31/2015 was grouped by 1-2 ("doublet") or 3+ ("triplet") agent therapy. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and disability status; CRAB symptoms (hypercalcaemia, renal/bone disease, anaemia); and relapse risk were determined.

RESULTS

Among 623 patients, the triplet group (n=146 [23%]) was younger (65.2 vs 69.8 years) and more likely to have high-risk relapse (67% vs 50%), CRAB symptoms (94.5% vs 81.1%), triplet first-line treatment (75% vs 51%) and frontline stem cell transplant (38% vs 20%) (P<0.001 for all). In multivariate analyses, CRAB symptoms (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.47, 7.10), high-risk relapse (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.62) and prior triplet therapy (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.40), but neither CCI nor disability, were associated with triplet SLT. A trend towards triplets among younger patients (<65 vs >75 years, OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 0.99, 3.04) was observed.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The majority of patients did not receive triplet regimens. Treatment selection with triplet therapy for RRMM should carefully consider comorbidities and patient-specific characteristics.

Canagliflozin treatment of Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes in a US managed care setting

BACKGROUND

Hispanic/Latino (H/L) ethnicity is associated with higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and more complications and comorbidities. Few studies of antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs) have compared H/L with non-H/L patients. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies have shown canagliflozin (CANA) is effective at lowering hemoglobin A1C (A1C).

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristics and compare glycemic control between H/L and non-H/L patients with T2DM filling their first prescription for CANA.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study examined healthcare claims for diabetic patients who filled ≥1 prescription for CANA between 1 April 2013 and 31 October 2013. We captured available demographic data; ethnicity was imputed as previously published. Clinical data included the Diabetes Complications Severity Index (DCSI), A1C values, and claims for any AHA, with 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Our sample included 438 (11.4%) H/L individuals and 3408 (88.6%) non-H/L individuals; each cohort had 43% females. The H/L patients were younger (53 vs. 56 years, p < 0.001) with higher mean baseline A1C (8.9% vs. 8.5%, respectively; p = 0.028) compared to non-H/L patients. Mean DCSI was similar (H/L 0.92 vs. non-H/L 0.84, p = 0.289) between cohorts. More H/L patients (25%) were taking ≥3 AHAs at the first CANA prescription fill (vs. 21% for non-H/L; p = 0.044), most commonly metformin, followed by sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and basal insulin. Among patients with ≥2 fills for CANA, mean adherence (proportion of days covered) was slightly lower for H/L than non-H/L patients (0.77 vs. 0.80, p = 0.003). From their respective baseline A1C values, reduction in A1C was significantly greater for H/L than non-H/L patients (1.1% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Compared with non-H/L patients, our H/L patients were younger and had higher mean baseline A1C. Significant improvement in glycemic control was observed for both cohorts, with greater improvement for H/L patients. Additional research is warranted, including longer follow-up and adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with canagliflozin: a real-world analysis

BACKGROUND

Canagliflozin, an oral agent that inhibits sodium glucose co-transporter 2, improves glycemic control, body weight, and blood pressure and is generally well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study extends the scope of previous analyses by evaluating outcomes associated with the use of canagliflozin over a 6-month period in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used data obtained from a large health plan database for patients (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of T2DM who filled at least one canagliflozin prescription between April 1, 2013 and October 30, 2013 (first 7 months canagliflozin was commercially available in the USA) and were continuously enrolled in the health plan for 6 months prior to (baseline) and 6 months following the first canagliflozin prescription claim (follow-up). Changes in glycemic control were evaluated, along with characteristics of enrolled patients and changes in treatment patterns.

RESULTS

4017 patients (mean age 56 years, 43 % female) met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, at the time of first canagliflozin claim, 21 % used canagliflozin concomitantly with three or more other antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs), 29 % with two other AHAs, 30 % with one other AHA, and 20 % without other AHAs. During follow-up, patients received 3.4 (average) canagliflozin prescription fills and a mean of 148 total days of supply; median adherence (interquartile range [IQR]) was 86 % (66-98 %) for patients with ≥2 fills. Among patients with available glycated hemoglobin (A1C) measurements at baseline and follow-up (n = 826, baseline A1C 8.59 %), mean A1C reduction was 0.81 % (P < 0.001). Mean A1C reduction during the follow-up period was greatest in patients with the highest baseline A1C levels. Of the patients who used canagliflozin concomitantly with other AHAs, 20 % were observed to discontinue one or more other AHAs during follow-up. The most commonly discontinued baseline AHAs were: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (16 %), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (15 %), insulin (13 %), sulfonylureas (13 %), and metformin (11 %).

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world study on canagliflozin use in a range of patients with T2DM demonstrated significant improvements in mean A1C from baseline following the first canagliflozin prescription. In patients concomitantly using one or more additional AHAs at baseline, there appears to be a trend toward lower other AHA use after canagliflozin initiation.

First-, second- and third-line lung cancer treatment patterns and associated costs in a US healthcare claims database

Aim: To identify the most common first, second, and third lines of therapy and associated costs among patients treated for lung cancer. Methods: This retrospective analysis of healthcare claims identified patients treated for lung cancer from January 2007 through April 2012. Patients were enrolled in first-, second-, or third-line therapy cohorts and stratified by the number of discrete treatments received or by the specific chemotherapy or biologically targeted agent or combination of agents. Results: Of patients receiving first-line treatment (either chemotherapy or biologically targeted therapies), 18.3% and 4.4% received second-line and third-line treatment, respectively. Pemetrexed, topotecan, docetaxel, and erlotinib were the most commonly second-line regimens; pemetrexed and erlotinib were the most common third-line regimens. While total costs increased with increasing lines of treatment, costs per patient per month remained stable or decreased overall. Conclusion: Platinum/taxane combined treatment is still the mainstay of first-line therapy for lung cancer treatment for those with advanced disease. Second- and third-line therapy is still prescribed infrequently, although newer agents are more commonly used in this setting.

Characteristics and short-term outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with canagliflozin in a real-world setting

OBJECTIVE

Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor that has been shown to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to describe the characteristics, treatment utilization, and outcomes of patients treated with canagliflozin in the real world within the first 6 months of it being commercially available.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used a large US health plan database for commercial and Medicare Advantage enrollees. Patients aged 18 and over with T2DM who filled a canagliflozin prescription during 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were required to be enrolled for 6 months before (baseline period) and 3 months after (follow-up period) the first canagliflozin claim.

RESULTS

Overall, 3234 patients met study criteria (mean age was 55.7 years; 43.4% were female). Among patients with available lab data at baseline and follow-up, mean HbA1c decreased from 8.54% at baseline to 7.76% at follow-up (p < 0.001); the proportion of patients with HbA1c ≥9.0% decreased by more than half (from 32.0% at baseline to 15.5% at follow-up, p < 0.001). Almost all (94.8%) patients received at least one baseline antihyperglycemic agent; among them, 33.6% received two and 41.5% received three or more agents. Compared to baseline, usage of antihyperglycemic agents during follow-up was lower for metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists and thiazolidinediones.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with canagliflozin when first available in the US typically had poorly controlled HbA1c levels at baseline and had received multiple prior antihyperglycemic agents. Following the first canagliflozin claim, they had an improvement in HbA1c levels and used fewer antihyperglycemic agents. These study results should help clinicians and payers better understand the initial profile of patients receiving canagliflozin and short-term outcomes in the real world. Given the short follow-up time frame and the fact that HbA1c data was not available in all patients, future research on longer term outcomes is warranted.

Comparative effectiveness of colony-stimulating factors in febrile neutropenia prophylaxis: how results are affected by research design

Aims: To examine the impact of research design on results in two published comparative effectiveness studies. Methods: Guidelines for comparative effectiveness research have recommended incorporating disease process in study design. Based on the recommendations, we develop a checklist of considerations and apply the checklist in review of two published studies on comparative effectiveness of colony-stimulating factors. Both studies used similar administrative claims data, but different methods, which resulted in directionally different estimates. Results: Major design differences between the two studies include: whether the timing of intervention in disease process was identified and whether study cohort and outcome assessment period were defined based on this temporal relationship. Conclusion: Disease process and timing of intervention should be incorporated into the design of comparative effectiveness studies.

Survival and hospitalization among patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with azacitidine or decitabine in a large managed care population: a real-world, retrospective, claims-based, comparative analysis

Background

This study examined patient outcomes using real world data for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients initiating treatment.

Methods

A retrospective, administrative claims-based, comparative analysis was developed to study outcomes for AML patients initiating treatment with decitabine or azacitidine between January 2006 and June 2012.

Results

Treatment with azacitidine was associated with a longer median overall survival (10.1 versus 6.9 mos., p = 0.007) and a lower risk of hospitalization (HR 0.787, p = 0.02) compared to treatment with decitabine.

Conclusions

This analysis of the outcomes of real-world treatment of AML patients with demethylating agents suggests that azacitidine may result in clinically superior outcomes than decitabine.

Abstract P1-14-03: Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy treatment patterns among patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+)/HER2 negative advanced breast cancer

Background: National Comprehensive Cancer Network breast cancer guidelines suggest optimized sequencing of endocrine therapy prior to chemotherapy use for patients who are HR+/HER2-, but it is unclear how those recommendations translate into clinical practice. This study examined sequencing of endocrine and chemotherapy treatment to better understand real-world treatment patterns for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study examined physician-reported clinical data on patients with breast cancer (BC) linked to medical and pharmacy claims (2008-2012) from a large national US health plan. Patients included in the study had HR+ and HER2- status. Advanced cancer cohorts included patients who were stage IV (SIV) at initial diagnosis, or who developed metastases following initial diagnosis (MET). The first date of diagnosis of advanced cancer or date of metastases following initial diagnosis was designated as index date. Health plan enrollment for 3 months pre- and ≥12-months post- index date was required; patients who died within 12 months after index date and were continuously enrolled were retained. A 3-month baseline period assessed prior treatment; variable post-index follow-up (until disenrollment or Oct 2012) assessed patterns of endocrine and chemotherapy.

Results: Of 317 MET patients, 50% initiated chemotherapy after index date without prior endocrine treatment (CH). Remaining patients (OT) used only endocrine therapy (30%), endocrine therapy prior to chemotherapy (17%), or neither endocrine nor chemotherapy (3%). Compared with OT patients, CH patients were younger (50 vs. 55 years, P&lt;0.001) and progressed faster to metastasis after initial BC diagnosis (243 vs. 1633 days, P&lt;0.001). Although CH patients in the MET group had slightly higher comorbidity prior to their metastatic index date, they had lower levels of any non-lymph node metastases (14% vs. 48%, P&lt;0.001) and visceral metastases (5% vs. 16%, P = 0.001) during follow-up. Among MET patients, 92% of CH patients initiated endocrine therapy during follow-up; endocrine therapy started a mean of 235 days after metastatic index date, compared with a mean starting date for chemotherapy of 41 days post-metastatic index date. In the MET group, 55% of CH later initiated treatment with aromatase inhibitors, compared with 64% of OT patients (P = 0.104). Results were similar in newly diagnosed SIV (n = 71) group: 48% had no evidence of endocrine treatment prior to initiating chemotherapy, and remaining patients used only endocrine therapy (27%), had endocrine therapy prior to chemotherapy (21%), or neither therapy (4%).

Conclusions: In this population of patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, a large proportion initiated chemotherapy without prior endocrine therapy. This group of patients might otherwise benefit from a longer progression free period with tolerable toxicity from endocrine therapy. Further investigation of whether a subgroup of these patients started chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting is warranted. For those starting chemotherapy without prior endocrine therapy, understanding treatment sequencing and patient characteristics will help illuminate the extent to which patterns adhere to NCCN guidelines.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-14-03.

Retrospective claims analysis of best supportive care costs and survival in a US metastatic renal cell population

Introduction

Survival and best supportive care (BSC) costs for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), after stopping therapy, are poorly characterized yet an important aspect of patient care. This study examined survival and costs associated with BSC after one or two lines of therapy (LOTs) for mRCC.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis used claims data from commercially insured or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan enrollees of a large United States health plan with an index RCC diagnosis (ICD-9-CM 189.0) between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2010; initiating any of the following therapies 30 days pre-index date through disenrollment from plan: sunitinib, temsirolimus, sorafenib, bevacizumab, everolimus, pazopanib, cytokines. LOT was identified using prescription fill and administration dates. Health care costs represent health plan- plus patient-paid amounts.

Results

The cohort (n = 274) was 73% male, with a mean age of 63.3 years (SD 11.1), with 80% commercially insured (20% MAPD), and 68% starting BSC following one LOT. Mean BSC duration was longer following one than two LOTs (223 [SD 260], 176 [SD 163] days). Median survival from the start of BSC was similar following one and two LOTs (126 and 118 days). Total BSC costs following one and two LOTs averaged US$50,188 (SD $96,984) and $37,295 (SD $51,102). Monthly costs for BSC following one and two LOTs ($10,151 and $10,566) were not substantially lower than costs while on treatment ($14,621 and $16,957). Inpatient hospital costs represented 47% and 49% following one and two LOTs, with ambulatory costs of approximately 36% following each LOT.

Conclusion

Our study found similar survival and monthly costs for BSC following either one or two LOTs, with almost half of the cost reflecting inpatient care. Compared to costs on treatment ($14,621 to $16,957), BSC costs can be considerable ($10,151 to $10,566).

Treatment patterns and healthcare costs among patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

SUMMARY Aim: To identify contemporary first- and second-line treatment patterns for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) and associated costs. Methods: This study identified aNSCLC patients through an oncology registry linked to a large US commercial claims database. Patients with aNSCLC (stage IIIb or IV) and continuous enrollment in the health plan from diagnosis until death were included. First and second lines of therapy and their associated costs were determined. Results: The most common first-line regimens (n = 335) were platinum–taxane doublets alone (29%) or in combination with bevacizumab (14%) or pemetrexed (6%). Most second-line regimens (n = 74) contained pemetrexed, bevacizumab and/or erlotinib. Mean total healthcare costs ranged from US$19,182 to US$167,847 (first-line) and from US$35,737 to US$135,364 (second-line). Systemic therapy represented 20–55% of first-line and 22–68% of second-line total costs. Conclusion: Pemetrexed and targeted therapies are prevalent in both first- and second-line regimens. Total and systemic therapy-related costs exhibited considerable variability by regimen.

Health care costs and resource utilization, including patient burden, associated with novel-agent-based treatment versus other therapies for multiple myeloma: findings using real-world claims data

BACKGROUND

. Treatment of multiple myeloma has dramatically improved with the introduction of bortezomib (BOR), thalidomide (THAL), and lenalidomide (LEN). Studies assessing health care costs, particularly economic burden on patients, are limited. We conducted a claims-based, retrospective analysis of total health care costs as well as patient burden (patient out-of-pocket costs and number of ambulatory/hospital visits) associated with BOR/THAL/LEN treatment versus other therapies (OTHER). METHODS. Treatment episodes starting between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2010 were identified from the claims database of a large U.S. health plan. Health care costs and utilization were measured during 1 year after initiation and analyzed per treatment episode. Multivariate analyses were used to adjust for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and line of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 4,836 treatment episodes were identified. Mean adjusted total costs were similar between BOR ($112,889) and OTHER ($111,820), but higher with THAL ($129,412) and LEN ($158,428). Mean adjusted patient out-of-pocket costs were also similar for BOR ($3,846) and OTHER ($3,900) but remained higher with THAL ($4,666) and LEN ($4,483). Mean adjusted rates of ambulatory visits were similar across therapies (BOR: 69.67; THAL: 66.31; LEN: 65.60;

OTHER

69.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjusted analyses of real-world claims data show that total health care costs, as well as patient out-of-pocket costs, are higher with THAL/LEN treatment episodes than with BOR/OTHER therapies. Additionally, similar rates of ambulatory visits suggest that any perceived advantage in patient convenience of the orally administered drugs THAL/LEN is not supported by these data.

Pegfilgrastim prophylaxis is associated with a lower risk of hospitalization of cancer patients than filgrastim prophylaxis: a retrospective United States claims analysis of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF)

BACKGROUND

Myelosuppressive chemotherapy can lead to dose-limiting febrile neutropenia. Prophylactic use of recombinant human G-CSF such as daily filgrastim and once-per-cycle pegfilgrastim may reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia. This comparative study examined the effect of pegfilgrastim versus daily filgrastim on the risk of hospitalization.

METHODS

This retrospective United States claims analysis utilized 2004-2009 data for filgrastim- and pegfilgrastim-treated patients receiving chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) or breast, lung, ovarian, or colorectal cancers. Cycles in which pegfilgrastim or filgrastim was administered within 5 days from initiation of chemotherapy (considered to represent prophylaxis) were pooled for analysis. Neutropenia-related hospitalization and other healthcare encounters were defined with a "narrow" criterion for claims with an ICD-9 code for neutropenia and with a "broad" criterion for claims with an ICD-9 code for neutropenia, fever, or infection. Odds ratios (OR) for hospitalization and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by generalized estimating equation (GEE) models and adjusted for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Per-cycle healthcare utilization and costs were examined for cycles with pegfilgrastim or filgrastim prophylaxis.

RESULTS

We identified 3,535 patients receiving G-CSF prophylaxis, representing 12,056 chemotherapy cycles (11,683 pegfilgrastim, 373 filgrastim). The mean duration of filgrastim prophylaxis in the sample was 4.8 days. The mean duration of pegfilgrastim prophylaxis in the sample was 1.0 day, consistent with the recommended dosage of pegfilgrastim - a single injection once per chemotherapy cycle. Cycles with prophylactic pegfilgrastim were associated with a decreased risk of neutropenia-related hospitalization (narrow definition: OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.16-1.13; broad definition: OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.24-0.59) and all-cause hospitalization (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35-0.72) versus cycles with prophylactic filgrastim. For neutropenia-related utilization by setting of care, there were more ambulatory visits and hospitalizations per cycle associated with filgrastim prophylaxis than with pegfilgrastim prophylaxis. Mean per-cycle neutropenia-related costs were also higher with prophylactic filgrastim than with prophylactic pegfilgrastim.

CONCLUSIONS

In this comparative effectiveness study, pegfilgrastim prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of neutropenia-related or all-cause hospitalization relative to filgrastim prophylaxis.

Comparative effectiveness of pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, and sargramostim prophylaxis for neutropenia-related hospitalization: two US retrospective claims analyses

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have compared the effectiveness of filgrastim (FIL), pegfilgrastim (PEG), and sargramostim (SAR) to reduce the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) associated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy (M-CT). Two large commercial database analyses were separately conducted to examine the incidence of neutropenia-related and all-cause hospitalizations associated with FIL, PEG, and SAR prophylaxis for patients receiving M-CT for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin lymphoma, or solid tumors.

METHODS

Separate retrospective US claims database analyses utilized patient data from January 1, 2004 to April 30, 2010 using the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD(SM)) and January 1, 2001 to August 31, 2009 using OptumInsight's (formerly Ingenix) database. Patients were ≥18 years old and treated with M-CT for NHL, Hodgkin lymphoma, and solid tumors. All identified M-CT cycles with prophylactic (first 5 days of cycle) FIL, PEG, or SAR were included in the analysis. Patterns of administration and incidence rates of all-cause and neutropenia-related hospitalization were examined on a per-cycle basis.

RESULTS

In total, 9330 and 8762 patients with cancer, representing 30,264 and 24,215 chemotherapy cycles (28,189 and 22,649 (PEG), 1669 and 1351 (FIL), 406 and 215 (SAR)) from the HIRD(SM) and OptumInsight databases, respectively, were included in the separate database analyses. Both the HIRD(SM) and OptumInsight analysis showed that SAR and FIL prophylaxis had a higher risk of neutropenia-related hospitalization (SAR: OR = 3.48 [95%CI = 2.11, 5.74] and 2.81 [1.62, 4.87]; FIL: 1.78 [1.28, 2.48] and 2.36 [1.82, 3.06], respectively) and all-cause hospitalization (SAR: 2.18 [1.41, 3.36] and 2.41 [1.58, 3.68]; FIL:1.57 [1.25, 1.97] and 1.95 [1.60, 2.38], respectively) vs PEG.

LIMITATIONS

Medical claims do not contain information about chemotherapy dose, and hospitalizations were not validated against the patient's chart.

CONCLUSION

In this comparative effectiveness study, use of PEG was associated with a lower risk of neutropenia-related and all-cause hospitalizations compared to use of FIL or SAR prophylaxis.

Persistency with zoledronic acid is associated with clinical benefit in patients with multiple myeloma

Zoledronic acid (ZOL), an intravenous bisphosphonate, has been shown to reduce and delay the incidence of skeletal-related events (SREs) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with bone disease. A retrospective claims-based analysis was conducted that used two distinct US managed care databases to examine the relationship between persistency with ZOL and clinical benefit. Patients >18 years, diagnosed with MM, and with at least one claim for ZOL (or a claim for malignant bone disease and ZOL initiation within 30 days) between 1/1/2001 and 12/31/2006 were included. Patients were evaluated for incidence of SREs and for mortality. Treatment persistency was defined as the absence of a >45 day gap between ZOL administrations. Of 1,655 patients in this analysis, 1,060 received ZOL and 595 received no intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. Compared with patients not receiving bisphosphonate therapy, ZOL-treated patients had lower incidences of SREs (P < 0.0001) and death (P = 0.0001). Longer persistency with ZOL was associated with lower risks of SREs (P = 0.001), fracture (P = 0.003), and death (P = 0.002) versus shorter persistency. Patients who were persistent with ZOL for ≥1.5 years had an incidence of 15.0 SREs and 6.2 fractures per 100 person-years. Patients who were persistent for 31-90 days had an incidence of 24.6 SREs and 14.0 fractures per 100 person-years, and patients not receiving intravenous bisphosphonates had an incidence of 32.2 SREs and 16.9 fractures per 100 person-years. These data from a real-world setting indicate that among MM patients, longer persistency with ZOL was associated with a lower risk of SREs and fracture.

Patient survival and healthcare utilization costs after diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer in a United States managed care cancer registry

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) makes up 10-17% of all breast cancers and, due to lack of receptor expression, is unresponsive to therapies that target hormonal receptors or HER2. Unique in its tumor aggression and high rates of recurrence, TNBC is less likely to be detected by mammogram and has a poorer prognosis than other breast cancer subtypes (non-TNBC).

OBJECTIVES

To examine the survival, healthcare utilization, and healthcare cost for women with TNBC compared with non-TNBC breast cancer.

METHODS

The study population was derived from a US managed care cancer registry linked to health insurance claims and social security mortality data. Based on initial type and stage at diagnosis, patients were divided into two cohorts: patients with TNBC and those with non-TNBC. Records were analyzed from initial diagnosis until death, disenrollment, or end of observation period. Survival and annual healthcare utilization and costs were estimated and compared between cohorts after adjusting for baseline demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and prior resource use. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients diagnosed with stage I-III and IV breast cancer.

RESULTS

The study included women diagnosed with TNBC (n = 450) and non-TNBC (n = 1807). Median follow-up time for all patients was 716 days (688.5 and 733 days for TNBC and non-TNBC patients, respectively). After initial diagnosis, overall mortality risk for the TNBC cohort was twice as high as the non-TNBC cohort (HR = 2.02, p < 0.0001). Patients with TNBC had more annual hospitalizations, hospitalized days, and number of emergency room visits relative to non-TNBC. Despite similar annual total healthcare costs, adjusted inpatient costs for patients with non-TNBC averaged 77% higher ($8395 vs. $4745, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, payer reimbursements were higher for TNBC than non-TNBC patients ($8213 vs. $4486, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

While it does not control for race or socioeconomic status, this study found that in a US managed care setting, patients with TNBC compared with non-TNBC have significantly shorter survival, accompanied by higher inpatient utilization and healthcare costs.

Retrospective claims analysis of palliative care costs and survival in a U.S. metastatic renal cell (mRCC) population

433

Background: Survival and costs outcomes for patients with mRCC receiving palliative or best supportive care (BSC) after stopping active therapy have been poorly characterized. This information is important to understand how resources are utilized at the end of life and to put current treatment costs into perspective. The objective of this retrospective database analysis was to examine survival and costs associated with BSC after receiving 1 or 2 lines of mRCC treatment.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis using claims data from commercially insured or Medicare Advantage (MCR) enrollees of a large US health plan, with medical and pharmacy benefits. The study cohort consisted of patients with an index diagnosis for RCC [ICD-9-CM 189.0] from 1/1/07 to 6/30/10 initiating any of the following treatments from 30 days prior to index date through disenrollment: sunitinib, temsirolimus, sorafenib, bevacizumab, everolimus, pazopanib, cytokines. Patients were required to have a 6 mos. continuous enrollment ± index date (patients disenrolling due to death within the 6 mos. were retained). Lines of therapy (LOT) were identified based on prescription fill and administration dates, began following the last LOT and continued until disenrollment. Health care costs reported represent the health plan + patient paid amount.

Results: The overall study cohort (n=274) was 73% male; mean (±SD) age 63.3 ± 11.1 yr. with the majority of patients commercially insured (80% vs 20% MCR). The majority started BSC following 1st LOT (68% vs 32%). Median survival from start of BSC was similar following 1st and 2nd LOT (126 and 118 days). The mean (median) duration of BSC after 1 LOT was 223 (114) days and 176 (109) days for 2 LOT. Total health care costs incurred during BSC averaged $50,187 ± 96,984 and $37,294 ± 51,101 and monthly costs were similar ($10,284 ± 17979) after 1 and 2 LOT, respectively. In both cases, inpatient hospital costs represented the largest proportion of these costs (47%) while outpatient costs represented 36%.

Conclusions: Our study estimating BSC survival and costs in patients with mRCC based on US claims data found monthly cost of $10, 284. These estimates suggest that BSC costs are not insignificant.

Retrospective evaluation of the clinical benefit of long-term continuous use of zoledronic acid in patients with lung cancer and bone metastases

BACKGROUND

For patients with bone metastases, skeletal-related events including fracture are common, can cause considerable morbidity, and may reduce overall survival (OS). This retrospective analysis assessed the effect of Zometa (zoledronic acid, ZOL), an intravenous bisphosphonate (IV-BP), on fracture risk and OS in patients with bone metastases from lung cancer (LC). (Zometa is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, USA.)

METHODS

A claims-based analysis using commercial and Medicare Advantage data from >45 US managed-care plans was used to evaluate the association between fracture risk and treatment persistency (31-90, 91-180, 181-365, and ≥366 days) and follow-up duration in LC patients diagnosed with bone metastases between 01/01/2001 and 12/31/2006 and treated with ZOL or without (no IV-BP). Persistency was defined as the absence of a >45-day gap between ZOL treatments. Analysis of variance tests were used to compare follow-up duration, a proxy for OS, between ZOL persistency groups. The effect of time to treatment with ZOL was also assessed.

RESULTS

In 9874 LC patients with bone metastases (n = 1090 ZOL; n = 8784 no IV-BP) the unadjusted relative fracture risk was reduced by 40% with ZOL vs no IV-BP; fracture risk decreased consistently with increasing duration of ZOL treatment. Even short-term (31-90 days) ZOL significantly reduced fracture risk (47%) vs no IV-BP (p = 0.005) with adjustment for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics. Delaying ZOL until after bone metastases were diagnosed significantly increased fracture risk (p = 0.0017). For a sub-set of patients included in a survival analysis (n = 550 ZOL; n = 4512 no IV-BP), mortality was significantly lower (mean, 38.6 vs 46.8 deaths/100 person-years; p = 0.038) in those treated with ZOL vs no IV-BP.

LIMITATIONS

Interpretation of this claims-based analysis must be tempered by the inherent limitations of observational data, such as limited clinical information and the ability to control for prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective analysis demonstrates that LC patients with bone metastases receiving ZOL had significantly reduced risk of fracture (p = 0.005) and death (p < 0.038) vs patients receiving no IV-BP. Longer ZOL persistency consistently yielded better outcomes, with ≥12 months' treatment producing the greatest benefit.