Financial toxicity in lung cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Economics
• Patient Advocacy

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the US, with improving survival rates due to immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
• The growing population of lung cancer patients and survivors necessitates comprehensive care, including managing financial toxicity.
• Financial toxicity, defined as the negative impact of cancer treatment costs on patient quality of life, is a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing financial toxicity in lung cancer care.
• To review risk factors, consequences, and current gaps in managing financial toxicity.
• To emphasize the need for further research on screening tools and interventions for financial toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on financial toxicity in lung cancer.
• Discussion of risk factors such as low income, high out-of-pocket expenses, and sick leave.
• Mention of the validated "COmphrensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST)" tool.

Main Results:

• Financial toxicity is associated with increased psychosocial distress, decreased quality of life, unemployment, and lower wages among survivors.
• Bankruptcy is an independent predictor of mortality in cancer patients.
• Standardized screening practices and evidence-based interventions for financial toxicity are currently lacking.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the relationship between financial toxicity and quality of life/survival is critical for high-value cancer and survivorship care.
• Further research is needed to integrate routine financial toxicity screening into clinical practice.
• Developing and evaluating interventions for financial toxicity is essential for improving patient outcomes.