Author:
Büttner Matthias,Singer Susanne,Hentschel Leopold,Richter Stephan,Hohenberger Peter,Kasper Bernd,Andreou Dimosthenis,Pink Daniel,Taylor Kathy,Arndt Karin,Bornhäuser Martin,Schmitt Jochen,Schuler Markus K.,Eichler Martin
Abstract
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.
Funder
Deutsche Krebshilfe
Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
14 articles.
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