Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
08:23
Implementation of Minimally Invasive Brain Tumor Resection in Rodents for High Viability Tissue Collection
Published on: May 9, 2022
4.3K
Financial Toxicity in High-Grade Glioma Resection: A Retrospective Analysis
Nolan M Stubbs1, Jarius A Garner1, Timi Akinwunmi-Williams1
1Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|November 22, 2024
Summary
Financial toxicity significantly impacts glioma patient care, with socioeconomic factors and insurance type influencing out-of-pocket costs and payment collection risks. Public insurance was linked to lower mortality.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Economics
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
Background:
- Financial toxicity is an underrecognized issue impacting patient survival across diseases.
- Understanding financial toxicity in glioma patients is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between financial toxicity and the care of glioma patients.
- To elucidate the impact of socioeconomic status on financial burden in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 130 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients (2014-2021).
- Assessment of socioeconomic status using the Area Deprivation Index.
- Insurance claims analysis to determine financial burden post-neurosurgery, correlated with socioeconomic factors via multivariable regression.
Main Results:
- 42% of patients incurred out-of-pocket costs; 18% could not pay.
- High socioeconomic disadvantage, other race, and public insurance predicted increased out-of-pocket costs.
- Age, African American race, marital status, and high socioeconomic disadvantage were linked to collection agency involvement.
- Private insurance led to higher gross out-of-pocket costs, while public insurance correlated with reduced mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- A strong link exists between financial toxicity, socioeconomic status, and the standard of care for glioblastoma patients.
- The study highlights significant financial toxicities within glioma patient care pathways.
