Financial Toxicity Following Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Economics
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treatment involves significant costs.
• The financial burden on patients undergoing LARC treatment is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of financial toxicity in patients treated for LARC.
• To identify factors predicting financial toxicity in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted.
• A cross-sectional survey assessed patient-reported financial concerns and clinicodemographic data.
• Patients treated for pathological stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma between 2000-2019 were included.

Main Results:

• Financial toxicity was reported by 86.7% of surveyed patients, most of whom had insurance.
• Patients with financial toxicity experienced increased difficulty paying bills, decreased income, and challenges with transportation costs.
• Taking unpaid leave for treatment increased the odds of financial toxicity, while being informed about costs decreased them.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of financial toxicity exists among patients with LARC, irrespective of insurance status.
• Direct and indirect costs associated with LARC treatment contribute significantly to financial strain.
• Physician-patient communication regarding treatment economics is crucial for mitigating financial toxicity.