Financial toxicity in sarcoma patients and survivors in Germany: results from the multicenter PROSa study

Abstract

Purpose Cancer patients have been shown to frequently suffer from financial burden before, during, and after treatment. However, the financial toxicity of patients with sarcoma has seldom been assessed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether financial toxicity is a problem for sarcoma patients in Germany and identify associated risk factors. Methods Patients for this analysis were obtained from a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in Germany. Using the financial difficulties scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30, financial toxicity was considered to be present if the score exceeded a pre-defined threshold for clinical importance. Comparisons to an age- and sex-matched norm population were performed. A multivariate logistic regression using stepwise backward selection was used to identify factors associated with financial toxicity. Results We included 1103 sarcoma patients treated in 39 centers and clinics; 498 (44.7%) patients reported financial toxicity. Sarcoma patients had 2.5 times the odds of reporting financial difficulties compared to an age- and sex-matched norm population. Patient age < 40 and > 52.5 years, higher education status, higher income, and disease progression (compared to patients with complete remission) were associated with lower odds of reporting financial toxicity. Receiving a disability pension, being currently on sick leave, and having a disability pass were statistically significantly associated with higher odds of reporting financial toxicity. Conclusion Financial toxicity is present in about half of German sarcoma patients, making it a relevant quality of life topic for patients and decision-makers.

Association of financial toxicity with quality of life in testicular cancer survivors

“…of the EORTC QLQ‐C30 was used to assess subjective FD. The TC survivors who answered 2 (a little), 3 (quite a bit), and 4 (very much) were considered to be experiencing FD, according to previous studies 19,20 . The severity of FD was classified into four groups: no, 1 (not at all); mild, 2; moderate, 3; and severe, 4.…”

“…The TC survivors who answered 2 (a little), 3 (quite a bit), and 4 (very much) were considered to be experiencing FD, according to previous studies. 19,20 The severity of FD was classified into four groups: no, 1 (not at all); mild, 2; moderate, 3; and severe, 4. Annual income was assessed using a 6point scale: ≥12 million yen, 10 to <12 million yen, 10 to <7 million yen, 5 to <7 million yen, 3 to <5 million yen, and <3 million yen ($1 = 110 yen in 2018).…”

The Chemo-Gut Study: A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Physical, Mental, and Gastrointestinal Health Outcomes in Cancer Survivors

“…This has implications for survivors’ quality of life (QoL), financial toxicity for the survivor and their family, and health care and economic system burden. 2 - 5 …”

Adjuvant Treatment in Soft Tissue Sarcoma (Single Center Experience)

“…Japonya'da yapılan 7759 hasta ile yapılan bir çalışmada hastaların %55'i erkek %45'i kadındır(8). Almanya'da yapılan 1003 hastanın incelendiği bir çalışmada ise hastaların %51.3'ü erkek %48.7'si kadındır(9). ABD'de 5426 hastanın incelendiği başka bir çalışmada ise erkek hastalar %53.9 kadın hastalar ise %46.1 oranındadır(10).…”

“…6'dır(9). Japonya'da 7759 hastanın incelendiği çalışmada hastaların %42.7'si 65 yaşın üzerindeyken, ABD'de yapılan 5426 hastanın incelendiği çalışmada hastaların %36.4'ü 70 yaşın üzerindedir(8,10).…”