Baseline and short-term financial burden (FB) in colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with curative intent: Early results of ECOG-ACRIN EAQ162CD.

Abstract

1518 Background: Cancer therapy costs continue to rise, resulting in FB. FB in CRC treated with curative intent remains unexplored, particularly in the community oncology setting. We assess baseline FB and 3-month change, including predictors. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed CRC treated with curative intent were enrolled through NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Community Sites in a longitudinal study and completed the validated FACIT Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) instrument at baseline and 3 months. Higher COST score (range 0-44) indicates greater financial well-being. Pearson correlation compared baseline and 3-month measurements. Effects of patient demographics, clinical, self-efficacy variables (Table) and practice safety net affiliation were assessed using linear regression for baseline COST and COST difference at 3 months. F-tests identified covariates significantly predicting FB. Results: 450 and 296 participants completed the baseline and 3-month survey with a mean COST score 23.5 ± 11.9 and 24.6 ± 12.4, respectively (r=0.80, p<0.001), considered grade 1 or mild. Financial resource indicators such as income, insurance type, high-deductible insurance and savings, along with self-efficacy strongly predicted baseline FB (Table). No assessed covariates predicted COST difference. Safety-net affiliation (54/450, 12%) did not predict COST outcomes. Conclusions: Among those with CRC treated with curative intent in community settings, FB at treatment initiation and 3-month follow-up are highly correlated. Financial resources predict FB at treatment initiation. Self-efficacy to manage finances predicted FB, suggesting interventions such as financial counseling and navigation delivered early in the treatment course may minimize downstream FB. Clinical trial information: NCT03516942. [Table: see text]