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PURPOSE Oral anticancer drugs (OACDs) have become increasingly prevalent over the past decade. OACD prescriptions require coordination between payers and providers, which can delay drug receipt. We examined the association between insurance type, pursuit of copayment assistance, pursuit of prior authorization (PA), and time to receipt (TTR) for new OACD prescriptions. METHODS We prospectively collected data on new OACD prescriptions for adult oncology patients from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, including demographic and clinical characteristics, insurance type, and pursuit of PA and copayment assistance. TTR was defined as the number of days from prescription to OACD receipt. We summarized TTR using cumulative incidence and compared TTR by insurance type, pursuit of copayment assistance, and PA activity using the logrank test. RESULTS Our cohort of 1,024 patients was 53% male, and 40% were younger than 65. Twenty-six percent had commercial insurance only, 16% had Medicaid only, and 59% had Medicare with or without additional insurance. Eighty-six percent of prescriptions were successfully received. Across all prescriptions, 69% involved PA activity, and 21% involved the copayment assistance process. In unadjusted analyses, prescriptions involving the copayment assistance process had longer TTR compared with those not involving assistance (log-rank P value = .005) and OACDs covered by Medicare/commercial insurance had a longer TTR compared with Medicaid (log-rank P value = .006). The PA process was not associated with TTR (log-rank P value = .124). CONCLUSION The process for obtaining OACDs is complex. The copayment assistance process and Medicare/commercial insurance are associated with delayed TTR. New policies are needed to reduce time to OACD receipt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE Oral anticancer drug (OACD) prescriptions require extensive coordination between providers and payers, which can delay drug receipt. Specialty pharmacies facilitate communication between multiple entities. In 2018, our cancer center partnered with a freestanding organization to implement a hospital-based specialty pharmacy (HB-SP). We evaluated the time to drug receipt (TTR) before and after HB-SP implementation. METHODS Data were prospectively collected on all new OACD prescriptions for adult oncology patients from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. In fall 2018, a HB-SP was initiated. We collected patient sociodemographic, clinical, and prescription data. TTR was the number of days from OACD prescription to drug receipt. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with TTR ≤ 7 days before and after HB-SP implementation. RESULTS In total, 954 patients were included, representing 1,102 new OACDs. The majority of prescribed drugs were targeted OACDs (56%, n = 617), and 71% (n = 779) required prior authorization. Of all prescriptions, 84% (n = 960) were successfully received with an overall median TTR of 7 days. In unadjusted analysis, HB-SP implementation, drug class, race and ethnicity, and prior authorization requirement were significantly associated with TTR. Adjusted analyses found that patients were more likely to receive their drugs ≤ 7 days after HB-SP implementation (53% v 47%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.68; P = .05). CONCLUSION The implementation of a HB-SP in partnership with a collaborative care model contributed to a decrease in TTR for OACDs. This difference is in part attributable to improved care coordination and communication. A centralized approach may improve overall efficiency due to fewer practice disruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In older patients with metastatic cancer, hospitalization for treatment toxicity may reduce the quality of an already limited life expectancy. We evaluated the association between chemotherapy for metastatic cancer and risk of hospitalization. Methods In the population-based SEER-Medicare dataset, we identified patients 66 years or older diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the bladder, breast, prostate, colon or rectum, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, ovaries, or lung in 2001 to 2009 who died by December 31, 2010. Chemotherapy recipients were matched to nonrecipients by age, sex, race, geographic region, comorbidity, and survival duration. We identified hospitalizations for any cause and for likely chemotherapy-related toxicity, comparing chemotherapy recipients with their matched peers. Results Of 18,486 patients who received chemotherapy for metastatic cancer, 92% were hospitalized at least once for any reason, including 51% hospitalized for a likely toxicity. The corresponding rates among matched nonrecipients were 83% and 34%. Chemotherapy was associated with a significantly increased risk of likely toxicity-related hospitalization in nearly all cancers, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and other treatment. The association was greatest in patients with metastatic esophageal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.60) and smallest in patients with metastatic prostate cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.47). Conclusion Hospitalizations are common in patients with incurable advanced malignancies and more likely among those who receive chemotherapy. Understanding common reasons for these events may help reduce adverse effects of chemotherapy for metastatic cancer and help patients and their families make informed treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a 2015 study on the variation in use of long-term central venous catheters (CVC) in insured women with breast cancer and on its complication risks. Results show that two-thirds of cohorts had a long-term CVC, with varied rates across regions, health plans, and insurance coverage. The article states that the benefits of long-term CVCs is offset by its association with increased morbidity, and that some of their use are provider- or institution-driven.

Purpose: Before developing a survivorship care plan (SCP) that colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors will value, understanding the informational needs of CRC survivors is critical. Methods: We surveyed survivors treated for nonmetastatic CRC at two hospitals in New York about their needs and preferences for survivorship information. Participants completed treatment 6 to 24 months before the interview and had not received an SCP. We evaluated whether survivors knew their treatment history (10 topics), whether they understood ongoing risks (four topics), and their preferences for receiving 16 topics of survivorship information. Results: One hundred seventy-five survivors completed the survey. Most survivors remembered information about past treatment (98% to 99% for each treatment). Fewer survivors knew their risks of local recurrence, distant recurrence, or developing a new CRC (69%, 77%, and 40%, respectively). Most participants reported receiving information about their cancer history and ongoing oncology visits (77% to 86% across topics). Across all topics, 93% to 99% of those who reported receiving information found the information useful. A minority of survivors reported they received information about symptoms to report to doctors, returning to work, or financial or legal issues (5% to 48% across topics), but those who did found the information useful (89% to 100% across topics). Conclusions: In the absence of an SCP, CRC survivors still generally understood their cancer history. However, many lacked knowledge of ongoing risks and prevention. Most survivors stated that they found the survivorship information they received useful. SCPs for CRC survivors should focus less on past care and more on helping survivors understand their risks and plan for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Given the likely proliferation of targeted testing and treatment strategies for cancer, a better understanding of the utilization patterns of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing and trastuzumab and newer gene expression profiling (GEP) for risk stratification and chemotherapy decision making are important. Study Design: Cross-sectional.Methods: We performed a medical record review of women age 35 to 65 years diagnosed between 2006 and 2007 with invasive localized breast cancer, identified using claims from a large national health plan (N = 775). Results: Almost all women received HER2 testing (96.9%), and 24.9% of women with an accepted indication received GEP. Unexplained socioeconomic differences in GEP use were apparent after adjusting for age and clinical characteristics; specifically, GEP use increased with income. For example, those in the lowest income category (_ $40,000) were less likely than those with an income of $125,000 or more to receive GEP (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.73). A majority of women (57.7%) with HER2- positive disease received trastuzumab; among these women, differences in age and clinical characteristics were not apparent, although surprisingly, those in the lowest income category were more likely than those in the high-income category to receive trastuzumab (P _ .02). Among women who did not have a positive HER2 test, 3.9% still received trastuzumab. Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy increased as GEP score indicated greater risk of recurrence. Conclusion: Identifying and eliminating unnecessary variation in the use of these expensive tests and treatments should be part of quality improvement and efficiency programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The past decade has seen an increase in oral anticancer drug (OACD) approvals. Polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) likely contribute to OACD toxicity. We assessed a one-time pharmacist-led video consultation to identify DDIs., Methods: We conducted a single-arm telehealth intervention of a one-time 30-minute pharmacist-led video consultation among patients initiating OACDs. The visit focused on identifying polypharmacy and DDIs. Feasibility was defined as ≥50% completion of all study interventions. We determined the prevalence, characteristics, and severity of OACD-related potential DDIs. We also assessed the prevalence of medication list inaccuracies, polypharmacy, patient satisfaction, and patient perception of intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility., Results: Of 58 eligible patients, 43 (74%) completed the intervention and 33 (57%) completed all evaluations. Median medication per patient was nine (range 4-21), and 98% of patients had at least five prescriptions. The median number of medication list errors was two (range 0-16), with at least one error for 76% and >1 for 52%. Pharmacists identified OACD-related interactions in 18 cases (42%), including change in drug metabolism (eight), elimination (one), and absorption (three). Interactions were classified as Lexicomp categories C (13), D (five), or X (one) requiring close monitoring or a change in treatment. All patients expressed high satisfaction with the intervention and agreed or completely agreed that it was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible., Conclusion: Polypharmacy, medication list errors, and DDIs are prevalent among patients initiating OACDs. A one-time remote pharmacist-led video consultation can address OACD-related DDIs, which may decrease medication complexity and improve adherence.

Purpose: Implementation of routine financial screening is a critical step toward mitigating financial toxicity. We evaluated the feasibility, sustainability, and acceptability of systematic financial screening in the outpatient breast oncology clinic at a large, urban cancer center., Methods: We developed and implemented a stakeholder-informed process to systematically screen for financial hardship and worry. A 2-item assessment in English or Spanish was administered to patients through the electronic medical record portal or using paper forms. We evaluated completion rates and mode of completion. Through feedback from patients, clinicians, and staff, we identified strategies to improve completion rates and acceptability., Results: From March, 2021, to February, 2022, 3,500 patients were seen in the breast oncology clinic. Of them, 39% (n = 1,349) responded to the screening items, either by paper or portal, 12% (n = 437) preferred not to answer, and the remaining 49% (n = 1,714) did not have data in their electronic health record, meaning they were not offered screening or did not complete the paper forms. Young adults (18-39 years) were more likely to respond compared with patients 70 years or older (61% v 30%, P < .01). English-preferring patients were more likely to complete the screening compared with those who preferred Spanish (46% v 28%, P < .01). Non-Hispanic White patients were more likely to respond compared with Non-Hispanic Black patients and with Hispanic patients (46% v 39% v 32%, P < .01). Strategies to improve completion rates included partnering with staff to facilitate paper form administration, optimizing patient engagement with the portal, and clearly communicating the purpose of the screening., Conclusion: Systematic financial screening is feasible, and electronic data capture facilitates successful implementation. However, inclusive procedures that address language and technology preferences are needed to optimize screening.

Purpose: To compare characteristics and outcomes of breast cancer in women with and without a history of radiation therapy (RT) for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL)., Patients and Methods: Women with breast cancer diagnosed from 1980 to 2006 after RT for HL were identified from eight North American hospitals and were matched three-to-one with patients with sporadic breast cancer by age, race, and year of breast cancer diagnosis. Information on patient, tumor and treatment characteristics, and clinical outcomes was abstracted from medical records., Results: A total of 253 patients with breast cancer with a history of RT for HL were matched with 741 patients with sporadic breast cancer. Median time from HL to breast cancer diagnosis was 18 years. Median age at breast cancer diagnosis was 42 years. Breast cancer after RT for HL was more likely to be detected by screening, was more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier stage, and was more likely to be bilateral at diagnosis. HL survivors had an increased risk of metachronous contralateral breast cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 4.3; 95% CI, 1.7 to 11.0) and death as a result of any cause (adjusted HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.3). Breast cancer-specific mortality was also elevated, but this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.7 to 3.4)., Conclusion: In women with a history of RT for HL, breast cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage, but these women are at greater risk for bilateral disease and are more likely to die as a result of causes other than breast cancer. Our findings support close follow-up for contralateral tumors in these patients and ongoing primary care to manage comorbid conditions.

Purpose: Shared decision making is a tenet of contemporary medicine and oncology practice. How involved elderly patients want to be in making treatment decisions and how physicians perceive patient preferences for such involvement are uncertain., Patients and Methods: In structured interviews about multiple facets of chemotherapy treatment decision making, we asked patients age 70 years and older with a recent diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) about their preferences for prognostic information and for involvement in treatment decision making. We also asked treating oncologists (n = 19) to describe their perceptions of patient preferences. Information and decision-making preferences were evaluated in relation to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics., Results: Seventy-three patients age 70 to 89 years completed the study interview within 16 weeks of metastatic CRC diagnosis. Most patients (n = 70; 96%) had decided to receive chemotherapy and 61 had initiated treatment. Relatively few (n = 32; 44%) wanted information about expected survival when they made a treatment decision. Preference for prognostic information was more common among men than women (56% v 29%; P < .05). About half of the patients (n = 38; 52%) preferred a passive role in the treatment decision-making process. Physician perceptions were concordant with patient preferences for information in 44% of patient-physician pairs and for decision control in 41% of patient-physician pairs., Conclusion: For older patients with advanced CRC, preferences for prognostic information and for an active role in treatment decision making are not easily predictable. Physicians' perceptions are often inconsistent with patients' stated preferences. Explicit discussion of preferred decision-making styles may improve patient-physician encounters.

Purpose: For older breast cancer patients, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy from randomized clinical trials. Our goal was to assess the relationship between adjuvant chemotherapy use and survival in a large, population-based cohort of older women with hormone receptor (HR) -negative breast cancer., Methods: We identified women age 66 and older diagnosed with HR-negative, nonmetastatic breast cancer from 1992 to 1999 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registries. Chemotherapy use was identified in Medicare claims linked to SEER records. Clinical and sociodemographic predictors of chemotherapy use were identified using logistic regression. The effect of chemotherapy on survival was evaluated using propensity score methods and multivariable proportional hazards regression., Results: A total of 1,711 (34%) of 5,081 women with HR-negative breast cancer received chemotherapy within 6 months of cancer diagnosis. Chemotherapy use decreased with increasing age and comorbidity, and increased with year of diagnosis, tumor size, number of positive lymph nodes, and higher tumor grade. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a mortality reduction of approximately 15% whether analyzed using propensity scores or standard multivariable methods. The greatest overall survival benefit was observed in patients with node-positive disease and in the node-negative patients most likely to receive chemotherapy., Conclusion: This analysis suggests a survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with HR-negative breast cancer. The benefit of chemotherapy is most pronounced in the patients most likely to be selected for treatment, including those with involved lymph nodes or other high-risk disease characteristics.

Purpose: Trastuzumab therapy has been shown to benefit metastatic breast cancer patients whose tumors exhibit HER-2 protein overexpression or gene amplification. Several tests of varying accuracy and cost are available to identify candidates for trastuzumab. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of alternative HER-2 testing and trastuzumab treatment strategies., Patients and Methods: We performed a decision analysis using a state-transition model to simulate clinical practice in a hypothetical cohort of 65-year-old metastatic breast cancer patients. Outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime cost, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Interventions included testing with the HercepTest (DAKO, Carpinteria, CA) immunohistochemical assay alone, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) alone, and both tests, followed by trastuzumab and chemotherapy for patients with positive test results and chemotherapy alone for patients with negative test results., Results: In the base case, initial HercepTest with FISH confirmation of all positive results had an ICER of $125,000 per QALY gained. The incremental cost-effectiveness of initial FISH was $145,000 per QALY gained. Other strategies yielded the same or poorer effectiveness at a higher cost, or lower effectiveness at a lower cost, but with a less favorable ICER. These findings persisted under a range of assumptions, and only changes in test characteristics substantially altered results., Conclusion: It is more cost-effective to use FISH alone or as confirmation of all positive HercepTest results, rather than using FISH to confirm only weakly positive results or using HercepTest alone. When multiple tests are available to identify treatment candidates, test characteristics may have a substantial impact on the aggregate costs and effectiveness of treatment.