Researched by Belong.Life and published by ASCO 2020
Authors: D A Vorobiof, L Hasid, I Deutsch, A Litvin, E Malki
Abstract:
RWED of financial toxicity was reported by the majority of cancer pts receiving Immunotherapy drugs for treatment of their solid tumors. 48% of the pts were aware of possible FTs as a result of their diagnosis and therapy. Only 36% received pre-treatment financial advice by their medical team and in those that received it, the FT incidence reported was reduced from 48% to 30% (absolute Down 37.5%) Physicians should be aware of their pts’s possible risks for FTs and relevant advice should be given prior to the immunotherapy drugs commencement.
Background:
RWED denotes data accumulated via EHR as well as cutting edge technology paired with consumer mobile devices. We are reporting data on 105 pts, users of Belong.life, a worldwide mobile application, who received immunotherapy for their various cancers and were asked to reply to a short, targeted survey on their FT while on treatment.
Methods:
105 pts anonymously and voluntarily replied to a survey which included 14 general information and demographic questions and those describing FT, its most common encountered causes, their medical insurances, and their knowledge and proactive strategies on how to cope in the event of FT.
Results:
105 cancer pts receiving immunotherapy drugs and members of Belong.life app, replied to a survey regarding the FT incidence while on their treatment .79% were USA based,53% were <60 yrs and 62% had Stage 4. Females to male ratio 2:1, 46% had Lung cancer, 17% Kidney, 14 % Melanoma and 10% had Colorectal cancer. Nivolumab(36%) and Pembrolizumab(36%) were the most common drugs received. High medical copayments were reported by 35% of the pts, with loss of income in 33% and high drug costs in 21%. 45% of the pts were insured by Medicare and 25% by Medicaid. Only 48% of the pts were aware of possible FTs at the start of their treatments and 36% received financial advise by their medical team. Different coping strategies were reported (39% used personal savings,28% trimmed personal expenses and 24% had support from families and friends).
Conclusions: 105 users of Belong.life reported on their FTs experienced while receiving cancer immunotherapy for their solid tumors. FT was most prevalent in the older group (>61 yrs) due to high medical and treatment copayments. Half of the pts were not aware of the possible FTs and only 36% received advisory information from their medical team. Reduced FT prevalence from 48% to 30% was reported by those informed pts. Appropriate advice should be given pre-initiation of the immunotherapy.
For more info: Real-world evidence data (RWED) of Financial Toxicity in Patients Receiving Cancer Immunotherapy Treatments
