Citations 163

Total and out-of-pocket costs for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: e18862-e18862

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e18862

e18862 Background: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a medically complicated, expensive and resource intensive medical technology. High health care costs are usually associated with high Out-of-Pocket (OOP) costs. In this population-based study, using deidentified administrative claims data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse, we describe total and patient level costs for one-year pre and post HCT and describe the characteristics of those with top 25% cost. Methods: Patients who had undergone an autologous or allogeneic HCT in 2015 to 2019 and had continuous health plan coverage for one year prior and post the index date-the date of the first claim for HCT, were included. We examined total costs, patient paid (OOP) and plan paid costs for one year before and after HCT. We also examined inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy costs for the one year before and after the HCT. Logistic regression models examined factors including age, gender, race/ ethnicity, Charlson comorbidity index, geographic region and costs in the year prior to HCT (baseline costs) for their association with high total costs and high OOP costs (top 25%). Results: A total of 3,346 patients (2,344 commercial plan (CPE) and 1,002 under Medicare Advantage plan (MAPE) enrollees) were included in the study. Median one year post HCT costs for CPE was $ 612,517 (IQR 413,348- 960,456) and for MAPE was $ 521,000 (IQR 347,388-736,685). Median one year post HCT OOP costs were $ 5,407 (IQR 1,584 -10,000) in CPE and $7,199 (IQR 3,485 -16,396) in MAPE group. 625 subjects in the CPE and 253 subjects in MAPE group had overall costs in the top 25%. Median baseline costs were $482,107 vs. $846,943 in the low vs. high cost group in CPE and $278,656 vs. $343,633 in MAPE. There was a low correlation between OOP costs and overall costs (r = 0.17 for CPE and 0.15 for MAPE; p < 0.05). Younger age (OR for age 0.98; p < 0.001) and higher baseline costs (OR1.89; p < 0.001) predicted top 25% total costs post HCT in the CPE group. Not being African American (OR for African American 0.5; p = 0.02) and higher baseline costs (OR 1.07; p < 0.001) predicted top 25% total costs post HCT in MAPE group. Age (OR 0.97; p < 0.001), not being African American (OR 0.5; p = 0.001) and high baseline costs (OR 1.44; p < 0.001) also predicted higher OOP costs in the CPE group. The only factor that was associated with lower likelihood of OOP costs in top 25% in MAPE group was being Hispanic (OR 0.6; p = 0.004). Conclusions: HCT is an expensive treatment modality. High costs prior to HCT are associated with high post HCT costs both for patients on commercial and Medicare Advantage plan. The magnitude of correlation between patient level and total costs was low, likely due to differences in benefit plan. A careful assessment of benefits and costs of HCT is needed for providing high-value care and allow optimum allocation of the finite resources while minimizing patient level financial burden.
Adult Philadelphia-like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Characteristics, outcomes, and role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in comparison to Philadelphia-positive and Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 7022-7022

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.7022

7022 Background: Philadelphia-like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph-like ALL) is a high-risk subset of adult ALL. Until recently, there has not been a systematic platform to recognize this entity in clinical practice. Furthermore, data regarding the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is lacking. We conducted this study to identify patients with Ph-like ALL and describe their outcomes in comparison to Ph+ and Ph- ALL with emphasis on the role of allo-HCT. Methods: To identify cases of Ph-like ALL, available diagnostic cytogenetic pellets for patients in the Mayo Clinic ALL cohort (N=365) were tested using a targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) panel developed by the Mayo Clinic Genomics Laboratory and includes probes to detect Ph-like-specific rearrangements (i.e., ABL1, ABL2, PDGFRB, JAK2 and CRLF2). Results: Thirty-three (9%) patients with Ph-like ALL were identified, the remaining patients were classified as Ph+ (N=132, 36%) or Ph- ALL (N=200, 55%). Patients with Ph-like ALL were younger (Median: 39 vs. 50 vs. 49 years, P=.01), had higher WBC (Median: 27.9 vs. 21.5 vs. 4.5 x109/L, P<.001), were less likely to achieve CR (91% vs. 99% vs. 96%, P=.02), more likely to be MRD+ (64% vs. 34% vs. 36%, P=.03), had a higher relapse rate (5-year: 39% vs. 24% vs. 38%, P=.01) and lower OS (5-year: 41% vs. 64% vs. 49%, P=.02), see Table. Patients who achieved MRD negativity had better OS (MRD+ vs MRD-, P=.01). Importantly, no statistically significant difference in OS, relapse or non-relapse mortality were noted between the 3 groups in patients who underwent allo-HCT in CR1. Conclusions: Ph-like ALL is a high risk subgroup with increased prevalence in younger adults. Allo-HCT appears to offset the poor prognosis associated with this entity. A targeted FISH panel offers timely recognition of this entity in a clinical setting.[Table: see text]
Leveraging the electronic medical record (EMR) to predict patient reported financial hardship in cancer patients.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 2, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 6594-6594

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.6594

6594 Background: Patient reported financial hardship (FH) in cancer care is a growing challenge for patients, their caregivers and healthcare providers. As treatment costs escalate, it is imperative to develop effective strategies to proactively recognize and mitigate FH within oncology practice. Using automated processes to screen and refer patients to appropriate resources is a potential option. At Mayo Clinic, screening for FH involves using a single financial strain question ‘ How hard is it for you to pay for the very basics like food, housing, medical care, and heating?’ completed by all cancer patients annually as part of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) assessment. In this study, we describe the prevalence and predictors for FH (denoted by the answer ‘hard and very hard’) in our patient population. Methods: Patients receiving cancer care at the three Mayo Clinic sites (Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida) who completed the FH screen at least once were included in this study. Demographics (age, gender, race/ ethnicity, insurance, employment status, marital status, and zip code) and disease state data for included patients was extracted from the EMR and Mayo Clinic Cancer Registry. Disease state was categorized by type of cancer (hematological or solid malignancy) and cancer stage. Zip code was used to derive median income, rural/urban residence and distance from the cancer center. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to examine factors associated with FH. Results: The final study cohort included 31,969 patients with median age 66 years (IQR 57,73), 51% females, and 76% married. Race/ethnicity composition was 93% White, 3% Black, and 4% Hispanic. 52% of patients had Medicare and 43% had commercial insurance. Other notable factors included 48% retired, 41% working/ students, 76% married, and 72% urban residents. Median time from cancer diagnosis was 1.1 year (IQR 0.1, 3.8) and median income was $64,406 (IQR 53,067, 82,038). 31% of patients had hematological malignancies, 20% of the cancers for which staging information was available were metastatic. FH was reported by 4% (n = 1194) of the patients. A significantly higher likelihood of endorsing FH (p < 0.001 for all) was noted in Hispanic (OR 1.64), Black (OR 1.84), American Indian/Alaskan native (OR 2.02), below median income (OR 1.48), rural (OR 1.17), self-pay (OR 2.77), Medicaid (OR 2.29), Medicare (OR 1.43), unemployed/disabled (OR 2.39), single (OR 2.07), or divorced (OR 2.43) patients. Older age, being retired, and living farther from the cancer center were associated with significantly less likelihood of endorsing FH. Conclusions: Our study successfully leveraged the EMR to identify key sociodemographic groups more likely to report FH. An electronic trigger to flag such patients at high-risk of FH and proactively address FH is currently being developed.
Financial Burden and Patient-Reported Outcomes after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Impact of Pre-Treatment Awareness of Transplant-Associated Costs

Blood | April 6, 2021 | Volume: 130 | Issue: Suppl_1 | Pages: 684-684

10.1182/blood.v130.suppl_1.684.684

Abstract Background: Financial burden during cancer treatment is associated with compromised patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Being aware of impending costs may help preserve affected PROs during treatment, as patients can adjust their financial expectations. We aimed to determine if the relationship between financial burden and PROs differs among those who were aware versus unaware of transplant-related costs before hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematologic malignancy. Methods: In 2015, we administered a mailed survey to adult patients at least 150 days after autologous or allogeneic HCT at three centers: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and Mayo Clinic Arizona. We assessed pre-treatment awareness of transplant-related costs, decreased household income after HCT, and financial hardship (defined as any one or two of the following: reporting being either unsatisfied with present finances, having difficulty meeting monthly bill payments, or not having enough money at the end of the month; given that experiencing all three would represent extreme hardship likely to impact PROs regardless of awareness, we excluded this group). A seven-point scale was provided for perceptions of overall quality of life (QOL, and patient-reported stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4). We fit regression models-stratified by awareness-to assess for the association of income decline and financial hardship with QOL below the median and perceived stress above the median (adjusting for transplant type, sex, age, race, marital status, income, distance to transplant center, and time since diagnosis). Results:In the overall survey cohort (n=325; response rate = 65.1%), 21.6% reported being unaware of HCT-related costs, with no differences due to age, race, income, or education as compared to those who were aware. Patients who reported being aware prior to transplant most often reported being informed of costs by a social worker (40.6%) and least often by a physician (23.4%; sources not mutually exclusive). Among aware patients, income decline after HCT was not associated with QOL below the median (AOR 1.4 [0.8, 2.5]; p=0.24); in contrast, among the unaware, income decline increased the odds of reporting worse QOL (AOR 4.3 [1.1, 16.7]; p=0.04). Among the aware, self-reported financial hardship was associated with worse QOL after HCT (AOR 2.7 [1.5, 4.8]; p=&lt;.001), but the odds were even higher among the unaware (AOR 4.7 [1.2, 19.4]; p=0.03). Similar increases were observed among the unaware for the association of decline in income and financial hardship with increased perceived stress. Conclusions: In this large multi-institutional cohort of patients post-HCT, more than one-fifth reported being unaware of transplant-related costs before the procedure. Moreover, this analysis suggests that pre-treatment awareness of transplant-related costs may ameliorate the impact of post-HCT financial burden on patient-reported outcomes. Figure Figure. Disclosures Khera: Novartis: Consultancy. Zafar: Novartis: Other: Spouse's Employment.
Amphiregulin Improves Stratification of the Refined Minnesota Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Risk Score: Results from BMT CTN 0302/0802

Blood | April 6, 2021 | Volume: 130 | Issue: Suppl_1 | Pages: 72-72

10.1182/blood.v130.suppl_1.72.72

Abstract Introduction: Amphiregulin (AREG) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand that can restore integrity to damaged intestinal mucosa in murine models of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). We previously described AREG as a circulating biomarker of late-onset aGVHD, but its relevance combined with clinical risk factors has not yet been tested in a large cohort of patients with aGVHD occurring prior to day 100 post-transplant. We therefore tested samples from two aGVHD first-line treatment trials, Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) 0302 and 0802, and identified a clinically relevant threshold level of circulating AREG at aGVHD onset. We then investigated whether incorporating AREG into the refined Minnesota Risk Score could further risk-stratify patients. Patients and Methods: Blood samples were obtained at the onset of systemic aGVHD treatment within BMT CTN 0302 (serum) and BMT CTN 0802 (plasma). All patients with response data and samples for analysis from both trials were included (N=251). We determined the association of AREG with clinical outcomes, including risk stratification by the refined Minnesota criteria, day 28 complete/partial response (CR/PR) to first-line therapy, 2-year overall survival (OS) and 6-month and 2-year non-relapse mortality (NRM). We investigated the effect of AREG on clinical endpoints per a doubling in the value of AREG, defined a clinically relevant threshold level in the AREG values using two-fold cross-validation, and confirmed the clinical relevance of this cut-point in independent samples (N=92) from pooled from drawn from the Chronic GVHD Consortium and the Mount Sinai Acute GVHD International Consortium (MAGIC). Results: In patients enrolled in BMT CTN 0302/0802, AREG levels were 1.7-fold higher in patients with Minnesota high-risk (HR) compared to standard-risk (SR) aGVHD (HR median 53.4 vs SR 31 pg/ml, p&lt;0.01). Every 2-fold increase in AREG was associated with a 33% decrease in the likelihood of day 28 CR/PR (odds ratio [OR] 0.67, p&lt;0.01, table). Clinical factors alone, as determined by the refined Minnesota Risk Score, were associated with day 28 CR/PR (p=0.02, table). Adding AREG to the Minnesota Risk Score could further risk-stratify patients. Minnesota SR patients with elevated AREG ≥ 33 pg/mL showed a 59% lower odds of day 28 CR/PR than SR patients with low AREG (OR 0.41, p=0.02). Patients with Minnesota HR aGVHD with AREG ≥ 33 pg/mL had the worst outcomes, with an 82% lower odds of day 28 CR/PR in comparison to HR with low AREG (OR 0.18, p&lt;0.01). High AREG was associated with worse OS and NRM in both Minnesota SR (hazard ratios 2-year OS 2.3, p&lt;0.01 and 6 month NRM 2.95, p=0.01, respectively) and HR patients (hazard ratios 2-year OS 3.35, p&lt;0.01 and 6-month NRM 9.38, p&lt;0.01 respectively, figure). Finally, in independent samples from the Chronic GVHD Consortium/MAGIC we confirmed that high AREG was associated with worse day 28 CR/PR (55.2% vs. 79.4%, p=0.02) and significantly worse 6-month survival after the onset of aGVHD (57.1% vs. 82.5%, p=0.01). Conclusion: AREG is elevated in patients with poor aGVHD outcomes and adds to the accuracy of risk stratification when combined with the refined Minnesota Risk Score. AREG ≥33 pg/mL at aGVHD onset is associated with lower day 28 CR/PR and higher mortality in samples from 4 multicenter cohorts. The mechanism of elevated circulating AREG in severe aGVHD is not yet known, although we hypothesize the degree of AREG elevation reflects the intensity of immune-mediated tissue injury resulting in AREG release. With accumulating evidence of altered EGFR ligands in aGVHD, further investigation into epithelial repair pathways involving AREG may lead to new adjunctive therapies to overcome poor steroid response in high-risk aGVHD. Disclosures Holtan: Incyte: Other: One-time advisory board member. Khera: Novartis: Consultancy. Lee: Mallinckrodt: Honoraria; Amgen: Other: One-time advisory board member; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Other: One-time advisory board member; Kadmon: Other: One-time advisory board member. Chen: Immudex: Research Funding. Arora: Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Flowers: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy. Cutler: Pfizer: Consultancy; Kite: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy. Jagasia: Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Therakos: Consultancy, Research Funding; Mallinckrodt: Consultancy. Hexner: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Levine: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. MacMillan: Magenta Therapeutics: Research Funding.
Awareness of myeloma care and the global impact of treatment: An international internet-based prospective study

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice | March 10, 2021 | Volume: 28 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 425-433

10.1177/10781552211001928 | PMID 33719723

Objective Outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) have significantly improved necessitating focus on survivorship. Methods We undertook a web-based survey in collaboration with International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to explore patient awareness and psycho-physical impacts of MM. The survey was viewed on the IMF website by 1,324 individuals from 32 countries. Results The survey responses were available from 959 individuals, with 62% who completed the survey. Treating doctors were the most frequent source of MM-related information. Only 56% patients admitted full compliance with treatment. Treatment side effects bothered 86% responders, including >50% admitting to pain, peripheral neuropathy and asthenia. Majority (57%) reported some degree of depression, 82% had discontent with their quality of life and only 35% reported being satisfied with their coping mechanisms. Patients ≥65 years of age reported more peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.007) and difficulty with ability to work (p = 0.015). Conclusions We report the prevalence of psychologic, social and physical domains as well as patient-physician relationship dynamics. This knowledge can help improve MM survivorship.Introduction
Prognostic Impact of a Modified European LeukemiaNet (ELN) Genetic Risk Stratification in Predicting Outcomes for Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT). a Center for International Blood

Blood | November 4, 2020 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 27-29

10.1182/blood-2020-137589

Background: Allogeneic HCT continues to be the optimal consolidation strategy for many patients with AML. Cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities are known to influence post-transplant outcomes. We tested the prognostic ability of a modified (mELN) classification system based on available CIBMTR genetic data, to predict post-transplant outcomes. Methods: Adult patients with a diagnosis of AML in first complete remission (CR1) with available pre-transplant cytogenetic and molecular mutational data, receiving a first allogeneic HCT from 2013-2017, were included. Patients were stratified according to mELN genetic classification in three distinct groups: favorable (Fav), intermediate (IM) and adverse (Adv). Clinical outcomes following HCT were compared among groups after adjusting for significant patient, disease, and transplant-related variables. The primary endpoint was disease free survival (DFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), cumulative incidence of relapse, acute GVHD, and chronic GVHD. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare endpoints among mELN risk groups, age groups and genetic subsets within the adverse-risk group. Results: Demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. 2289 patients (Fav, n=181; IM n=1185; and Adv n=923) met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up for survivors was 35 months. Importantly, 41% of transplant recipients (n=936) were &gt;60 years, 76% (n=1743) had de novo AML and 48% (n=1111) received a myeloablative conditioning regimen. Univariate analysis (UVA) demonstrated significant differences in 2-year OS (Fav: 67.7%, IM: 64.9% and Adv: 53.9%; p&lt;0.001); DFS (Fav: 57.8%, IM: 55.5% and Adv: 45.3; p&lt;0.001) and relapse (Fav: 28%, IM: 27.5% and Adv: 37.5%; p&lt;0.001) There were no significant differences in NRM (p=0.467) or the incidence of acute (p=0.423) and chronic GVHD (p=0.442) among mELN groups. Initial multivariate analysis (MVA) of mELN risk groups indicated that there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the Fav and IM risk groups. Thus, these groups were combined for subsequent analyses. Adv risk (vs. Fav/IM) led to significantly worse OS (HR 1.39 [1.24-1.57] p=&lt;0.001), DFS (HR 1.32 [1.18-1.48] p=&lt;0.001), and relapse (HR 1.42 [1.23-1.63] p=&lt;0.001) (Table 2). This mELN classification effectively stratified both younger (&lt;60 y/o) and older (&gt;60 y/o) patients for OS (Adv vs. Fav/IM HR for &lt;60: 1.43 [1.21-1.69] p&lt;0.001; &gt;60: 1.44 [1.21-1.72] p&lt;0.001), DFS (Adv HR for &lt;60: 1.31 [1.12-1.53] p&lt;0.001; &gt;60: 1.41 [1.19-1.66] p&lt;0.001) and relapse (Adv HR for &lt;60: 1.44 [1.20-1.74] p&lt;0.001, &gt;60: 1.42 [1.15-1.76] p=0.001). NRM was higher for older patients (&gt;60 y/o) in both the Fav/IM (HR 1.40 [1.10-1.78] p=0.007) and Adv-risk cohorts (HR 1.59 [1.18-2.13] p=0.002). Genetic subset comparisons within the adverse-risk group showed that patients carrying monosomy 5, del(5q) or monosomy 7 had inferior 2-year OS (42.6%, p&lt;0.001) and DFS (35.2%, p&lt;0.001), as well as higher rates of relapse (45%, p= 0.002) when compared to other patients within the Adv-risk cohort (OS 60%, DFS 50.8%, relapse 33.5%). Conclusion: Stratification using mELN criteria resulted in clear prognostic separation of OS, DFS and relapse in this large cohort of AML patients undergoing allogeneic HCT. While Fav and IM groups had similar OS, DFS and relapse rates; patients in the Adv risk group had the highest risk of relapse and inferior DFS/OS. However, the majority of patients in all cohorts had favorable outcomes for HCT in CR1. Our findings confirm the value of a combined genetic prognostic model in the AML HCT setting and justify the use of this stratification system in future HCT trials. Correlation of genetic subtypes with other important transplant variables, such as conditioning intensity and pre-transplant MRD status deserves further evaluation. There remains a subset of Adv-risk patients for which post-transplant outcomes continue to be poor, even when transplanted in CR1. Novel peri-transplant pre-emptive/therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for this high-risk cohort. Disclosures de Lima: Celgene: Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: Personal fees, advisory board, Research Funding; BMS: Other: Personal Fees, advisory board; Incyte: Other: Personal Fees, advisory board; Kadmon: Other: Personal Fees, Advisory board. Komanduri:Kiadis: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Atara: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptimmune: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite/Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kebriaei:Ziopharm: Other: Research Support; Jazz: Consultancy; Kite: Other: Served on advisory board; Amgen: Other: Research Support; Novartis: Other: Served on advisory board; Pfizer: Other: Served on advisory board. Bhatt:National Marrow Donor Program: Research Funding; Rigel Pharmaceuticals: Other; Jazz: Research Funding; Agios: Other: Personal Fees; Incyte: Other: Personal Fees, Research Funding; Takeda: Other: Personal Fees; Partner Therapeutics: Other: Personal Fees; Pfizer: Other, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Other; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Oncoceutics: Other: Drug support for a trial; Partnership for health analytic research, LLC: Other: Personal Fees; Omeros: Other: Personal Fees; Abbvie: Other: Personal Fees, Research Funding. Saad:Orcabio: Other: research support; Kadmon: Other: research support; Amgen: Other: research support; Incyte Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal Fees; Magenta Therapeutics: Other: Personal Fees. Copelan:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Defilipp:Incyte: Research Funding; Regimmune: Research Funding; Syndax Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Nishihori:Karyopharm: Other: Research support to institution; Novartis: Other: Research support to institution. Weisdorf:Incyte: Research Funding; FATE Therapeutics: Consultancy.
Neighborhood poverty and pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes: a CIBMTR analysis

Blood | October 26, 2020 | Volume: 137 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 556-568

10.1182/blood.2020006252 | PMID 33104215

Abstract Social determinants of health, including poverty, contribute significantly to health outcomes in the United States; however, their impact on pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes is poorly understood. We aimed to identify the association between neighborhood poverty and HCT outcomes for pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients in the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database. We assembled 2 pediatric cohorts undergoing first allogeneic HCT from 2006 to 2015 at age ≤18 years, including 2053 children with malignant disease and 1696 children with nonmalignant disease. Neighborhood poverty exposure was defined a priori per the US Census definition as living in a high-poverty ZIP code (≥20% of persons below 100% federal poverty level) and used as the primary predictor in all analyses. Our primary outcome was overall survival (OS), defined as the time from HCT until death resulting from any cause. Secondary outcomes included relapse and transplantation-related mortality (TRM) in malignant disease, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, and infection in the first 100 days post-HCT. Among children undergoing transplantation for nonmalignant disease, neighborhood poverty was not associated with any HCT outcome. Among children undergoing transplantation for malignant disease, neighborhood poverty conferred an increased risk of TRM but was not associated with inferior OS or any other transplantation outcome. Among children with malignant disease, a key secondary finding was that children with Medicaid insurance experienced inferior OS and increased TRM compared with those with private insurance. These data suggest opportunities for future investigation of the effects of household-level poverty exposure on HCT outcomes in pediatric malignant disease to inform care delivery interventions.
Community health status and outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the United States

Cancer | October 21, 2020 | Volume: 127 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 609-618

10.1002/cncr.33232 | PMID 33085090

BackgroundThe association of community factors and outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has not been comprehensively described. Using the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps (CHRR) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), this study evaluated the impact of community health status on allogeneic HCT outcomes.MethodsThis study included 18,544 adult allogeneic HCT recipients reported to the CIBMTR by 170 US centers in 2014‐2016. Sociodemographic, environmental, and community indicators were derived from the CHRR, an aggregate community risk score was created, and scores were assigned to each patient (patient community risk score [PCS]) and transplant center (center community risk score [CCS]). Higher scores indicated less healthy communities. The impact of PCS and CCS on patient outcomes after allogeneic HCT was studied.ResultsThe median age was 55 years (range, 18‐83 years). The median PCS was –0.21 (range, –1.37 to 2.10; standard deviation [SD], 0.42), and the median CCS was –0.13 (range, –1.04 to 0.96; SD, 0.40). In multivariable analyses, a higher PCS was associated with inferior survival (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 SD increase, 1.04; 99% CI, 1.00‐1.08; P = .0089). Among hematologic malignancies, a tendency toward inferior survival was observed with a higher PCS (HR, 1.04; 99% CI, 1.00‐1.08; P = .0102); a higher PCS was associated with higher nonrelapse mortality (NRM; HR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.02‐1.15; P = .0004). CCS was not significantly associated with survival, relapse, or NRM.ConclusionsPatients residing in counties with a worse community health status have inferior survival as a result of an increased risk of NRM after allogeneic HCT. There was no association between the community health status of the transplant center location and allogeneic HCT outcomes.
Prevalence of financial and health insurance literacy and their association with financial hardship in cancer patients.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | October 8, 2020 | Volume: 38 | Issue: 29_suppl | Pages: 70-70

10.1200/jco.2020.38.29_suppl.70

70 Background: The prevalence of health insurance literacy (HIL) and financial literacy (FL) in cancer patients is not well described. Further, a better understanding of the association between these constructs and the domains of financial hardship (FH) can guide potential interventions. Methods: We examined the prevalence of HIL and FL and FH in cancer patients on active treatment at our institution. HIL and FL were assessed using Health Insurance Literacy Measure (HILM) and 5 questions from the National Financial Capability Study respectively. COST FACIT and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) questions were used to examine overall FH and its 3 domains (material, behavioral and psychological hardship). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to describe the relation between the COST score and FH domains assessed by NHIS questions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associations of overall FH (measured by COST FACIT) with FL and HIL. Results: Among 256 patients approached, 202 completed questionnaires. Median age was 67 (range 22 to 91) years. 51% were male, 93% Whites and 5% were Hispanic. 69% had a solid tumor with 37% stage IV. Median number of lines of treatment was 4 (range 1 to 18). 21% were currently employed, 59% had ≥college degree, 41% had private insurance and 42% had monthly income≥$7000. 50% participants answered at least 4/5 FL questions correctly, indicating high FL. Being male, White, having insurance, higher education and income ≥$7000 were associated with higher FL. 72% of participants had high HIL, and they were more likely to be Non-Hispanic, married and have received more lines of treatment. FL significantly correlated with HIL (r = 0.29, p < .001). 65% patients endorsed FH based on NHIS questions (10% behavioral, 20% material, and 62% psychological hardship). 48% patients had FH based on a COST score < 28 (Median score), which correlated with material (r = -0.59, p < .001), psychological (r = -0.55, p < .001) and behavioral FH (r = -0.42, p < .001). The association between FH and HIL was not significant (OR 0.78; p = 0.08), though higher FL was associated with lower FH (OR 0.69; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Despite high FL and HIL (as compared to national standards), the prevalence of FH in our relatively affluent patient cohort was high, driven mainly by psychological hardship. We did not find strong association between the HIL and FH unlike in the reported literature. Our findings behoove us to develop tailored interventions to address unique domains of the FH in a diverse population.