Financial toxicity (FT), quality of life (QoL), and medication adherence patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in CLL on first-line (1L) oral oncolytics.

Abstract

e23157 Background: While oral oncolytics have transformed CLL treatment, high costs may cause significant FT adversely impacting patients beyond direct out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. The association of FT with QoL and medication adherence has not been characterized with oral oncolytics in CLL. Methods: Electronic PRO surveys were longitudinally administered to patients initiating any 1L oral oncolytic therapy for CLL within the last 6 months at two academic centers. PROs included FACIT-COST (significant FT: score < 26), FACT-LEU QoL, MARS-5 (suboptimal adherence: score < 25) and PROMIS PMAS to assess medication adherence. PROs were administered at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after enrollment. Pearson’s correlation ( r) was calculated between PRO domains. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted after 3-month timepoints and analyzed. Results: 34 patients were enrolled: median age 65 yrs (range 33-80), 59% male, 6% Black, 9% Hispanic. Majority received BTK inhibitors (56%, acalabrutinib/zanubrutinib) followed by venetoclax (44%); 50% received concurrent obinutuzumab. Most had private insurance (50%) followed by Medicare (44%). Median time from 1L initiation to study enrollment: 1.5 months. PRO completion rates: 100% (baseline), 85% (3 mo) and 74% (6 mo). Summarized PRO and interview outcomes are displayed below. Conclusions: Patients with CLL on 1L oral oncolytics experienced worsening FT associated with poor medication adherence and worse QoL over time. PROs were discordant with qualitative interviews and suggested that FT may be driven by factors other than OOP costs. Although funding and patient assistance programs were beneficial, uncertainty over losing funding may be a long-term driver of FT and merits further study. [Table: see text]