Financial toxicity in pediatric and adolescent neurosurgical oncology
摘要
Financial toxicity (FT) encompasses the negative impact of medical costs on patients. In-depth analysis of FT in pediatric and adolescent neurosurgical oncology has not been performed. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of FT in this population.
DesignA retrospective review of medical and financial services data was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of patients under 21 years of age who underwent neurosurgery for a cancer-related diagnosis from 2016 to 2020.
Results294 surgical procedures across 202 patients were analyzed. 16% (33/202) of patients experienced FT in the two years prior to the first neurosurgical procedure, and the most common toxicity identifier was utilization of the financial assistance program (45%). For all 202 patients, the 2-year cumulative incidence of FT following first neurosurgical procedure was 19% (CI:14%,24%). Among patients who survived for at least 2 years after surgery, 34% (29/86) experienced FT with the most common toxicity being having bills sent to collections (34%). Most patients who experienced FT had at least one commercial insurance policy. Presence of pre-operative FT was associated with a significantly higher cumulative incidence of post-operative FT (2-year estimates: pre-operative FT 61% (95%CI: [41%,75%]) vs. no pre-operative FT 11% (95%CI: [7%,16%]), p < 0.001).
ConclusionFT poses challenges in the pediatric neurosurgical oncology population. Pre-operative FT significantly influences post-operative FT. Most patients who experienced FT had at least one commercial insurance plan, providing evidence that even patients with insurance are not immune to FT.