https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6239-1666
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Abstract
Purpose
To measure financial toxicity and explore its association with quality of life (QOL) in an emerging population of survivors: advanced melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy.
Design
Cross-sectional survey and medical record review.
Sample
106 survivors (39% response). Median time since start of immunotherapy was 36.4 months (range: 14.2–133.9).
Methods
The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity measured financial toxicity, and the EORTC-QLQ30 assessed QOL and functioning across five domains. Data were collected online, by phone, or in clinic.
Findings: Younger patients (<65 years) reported higher financial toxicity (p < .001) than older patients. Controlling for age, financial toxicity was correlated with QOL (p < .001), financial difficulties (p < .001), and EORTC-QLQ30 functioning subscales.
Conclusions
Given the demonstrated association between financial toxicity and QOL, our study highlights the importance of addressing financial toxicity, particularly among patients receiving high-cost treatments.
Implications for Psychosocial Providers: Providers should educate patients and their caregivers about cost-management techniques, link them with available resources, and provide psychosocial counseling to alleviate related distress.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank Drs. Michael A. Postow, Jedd A. Wolchok, and Jun J. Mao for their contributions to the larger study from which these data were drawn.
Disclosure statement
The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Data availability
De-identified data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, BT. The data are not publicly available due to the privacy of research participants.