COVID-19 and financial toxicity in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose To ascertain renal cell carcinoma (RCC) financial toxicity on COVID-19 during the COVID-19 crisis as patients are struggling with therapeutic and financial implications. Methods An online survey was conducted from March 22 to March 25, 2020. It included baseline demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment-related information, anxiety levels related to COVID-19, questions related to financial concerns about COVID-19 as well as the validated 11-item COST measure. Results Five-hundred-and-thirty-nine patients (39%:58% male:female) from 14 countries responded. 23% of the patients did not feel in control of their financial situation but 8% reported being very satisfied with their finances. The median COST score was 21.5 (range 1–44). Metastatic patients who have not started systemic therapy had a COST score (19.8 range 2–41) versus patients on oral systemic therapy had a COST score (23.9 range 4–44). Patients in follow-up after surgery had a median COST score at 20.8 (range 1–40). A low COST scores correlated (p < 0.001) were female gender (r = 0.108), younger age (r = 0.210), urban living situation (r = 0.68), a lower educational level (r = 0.155), lower income (r = 0.165), higher anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 (r = 0.198), having metastatic disease (r = 0.073) and a higher distress score about cancer progression (r = 0.224). Conclusion Our data highlight severe financial impact of COVID-19. Acknowledging financial hardship and thorough counseling of cancer patients should be part of the conversation during the pandemic. Treatment and surveillance of RCC patients might have to be adjusted to contemplate financial and medical needs.

A Review of Canadian Cancer-Related Clinical Practice Guidelines and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Given the global economic hardship brought about by the pandemic, the untoward financial consequences experienced by patients with cancer have been exacerbated. An online survey of 539 renal cell carcinoma patients across 14 countries found that 59% of respondents doubted that their retirement and savings assets would cover the cost of treatment and 23% "did not feel in control of their financial situation" [45].…”

Economic distress, financial toxicity, and medical cost‐coping in young adult cancer survivors during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Findings from an online sample

“… 14 An estimated 7.7 million Americans have lost their jobs and employer‐sponsored health insurance, and current evidence suggests that the pandemic worsens cancer‐related financial toxicity for cancer survivors. 15 , 16 Indeed, cancer survivors may be “doubly hit” as they face co‐occurring financial hardships from the pandemic and their cancer care. 17 Cancer survivors with transient or temporary employment, which is more likely in young adulthood, have been reported to be at higher risk for the negative economic effects of COVID‐19.…”

Patient-reported Experience of Diagnosis, Management, and Burden of Renal Cell Carcinomas: Results from a Global Patient Survey in 43 Countries

“…Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma, RCC) is the seventh most common cancer and has shown a sustained increase in global prevalence, thereby presenting an increasing burden on health systems, governments, and, most of all, individual patients and their families [1] , [2] , [3] . Although therapies have improved for both early-stage and late-stage RCC, little is known about variations in the patient experience and best practices among countries.…”