Financial Toxicity Intervention Improves Outcomes in Patients With Hematologic Malignancy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Economics
• Patient Advocacy

Background:

• Hematologic malignancies present high treatment costs, increasing vulnerability to financial toxicity (FT).
• Patients with cancer often face significant financial burdens impacting their health and treatment adherence.
• Identifying and intervening in financial toxicity is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patients with hematologic malignancies at high risk for financial toxicity.
• To implement a comprehensive intervention to mitigate financial toxicity.
• To evaluate the impact of this intervention on clinical outcomes, including quality of life and survival.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study screened patients at a Leukemia Clinic for financial toxicity using a standardized survey.
• Patients screening positive were enrolled in a comprehensive intervention involving nurse navigators, clinical pharmacists, and financial planners.
• Primary outcomes included improvements in mental and physical quality of life and overall survival in high-risk patients.

Main Results:

• The intervention group (107 patients) showed statistically significant improvements in physical and mental health quality of life scores (P < .001).
• Patients receiving the intervention had a 0.44 times lower risk of death compared to those without intervention (P = .034), after adjusting for covariates.
• Noncompliance with medications was noted in 16.8% (prescription) and 15.9% (over-the-counter) of patients experiencing FT.

Conclusions:

• Screening for and intervening in financial toxicity is associated with improved quality of life for patients with hematologic malignancies.
• This comprehensive approach demonstrates a positive impact on survival rates for high-risk patients.
• Addressing financial toxicity is a vital component of holistic cancer care, improving both well-being and clinical outcomes.