Access to New Clinic Appointments for Patients With Cancer.

Importance: Racial and ethnic disparities have been observed in the outpatient visit rates for specialist care, including cancer care; however, little is known about patients' experience at the critical step of attempting to access new clinic appointments for cancer care. Objective: To determine simulated English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patient callers' ability to access new clinic appointments for 3 cancer types (colon, lung, and thyroid cancer) that disproportionately impact Hispanic and Asian populations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional audit study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2023 using 479 clinic telephone numbers that were provided by the hospital general information personnel at 143 hospitals located across 12 US states. Using standardized scripts, trained research personnel assigned to the roles of English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patients called the telephone number for a clinic that treats colon, lung, or thyroid cancer to inquire about a new clinic appointment. Data analysis was conducted from June to September 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was whether the simulated patient caller was able to access cancer care (binary variable, yes or no), which was defined to include being provided with a clinic appointment date or scheduling information. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with simulated patient callers being able to access cancer care. Results: Of 985 total calls (399 English calls; 302 Spanish calls; 284 Mandarin calls), simulated patient callers accessed cancer care in 409 calls (41.5%). Differences were observed based on language type, with simulated English-speaking patient callers significantly more likely to access cancer care compared with simulated Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking patient callers (English, 245 calls [61.4%]; Spanish, 110 calls [36.4%]; Mandarin, 54 calls [19.0%]; P < .001). A substantial number of calls ended due to linguistic barriers (291 of 586 Spanish or Mandarin calls [49.7%]) and workflow barriers (239 of 985 calls [24.3%]). Compared with English-speaking simulated patient callers, the odds of accessing cancer care were lower for Spanish-speaking simulated patient callers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.25-0.46) and Mandarin-speaking simulated patient callers (aOR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.09-0.19). Compared with contacting clinics affiliated with teaching hospitals, callers had lower odds of accessing cancer care when contacting clinics that were affiliated with nonteaching hospitals (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.40-0.70). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional audit study, simulated patient callers encountered substantial barriers when attempting to access clinic appointments for cancer care. These findings suggest that interventions focused on mitigating these barriers are necessary to increase access to cancer care for all patients.

Survival Prognostication in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Distant Metastases: A SEER Population-Based Study.

Background: For patients with thyroid cancer, distant metastasis is a significant predictor of poor outcome. Since distant metastasis occur in less than 10% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, correlates of survival in this vulnerable patient population remain understudied. This study aimed to identify prognostic groups among patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and distant metastases; and to determine the role of, and interactions between, patient and tumor characteristics in determining survival. Methods: We identified adult patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases from the U.S. SEER-17 cancer registry (2010-2019). Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression, survival trees, and random survival forest. Relative importance of patient and tumor factors important for disease-specific and overall survival was assessed based on the random survival forest analyses. Results: Cohort consisted of 2,411 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases followed for a median of 62 months. Most common histopathologic subtype (86.0%) was papillary thyroid cancer, and the most common sites of distant metastasis were the lungs (33.7%) and bone (18.9%). Cox proportional hazards model illustrated significant associations between survival and: patient age (P<0.001), tumor size (P<0.01), and site of distant metastasis (P<0.05). Survival tree analyses identified three distinct prognostic groups based on disease-specific survival (DSS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 92%, 64%, and 41%; P<0.001) and four distinct prognostic groups based on overall survival (OS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 96%, 84%, 57%, and 31%; P<0.001). The first split in the survival trees for DSS and OS was by age at diagnosis (<57 years vs >58 years) with subsequent splits based on presence/absence of lung metastases, tumor size (<4 cm vs >4 cm), and patient age. A total of 558 patients (23.1%) died from thyroid cancer, and 757 patients (31.4%) died from all causes during the study period. Conclusions: This study identifies distinct prognostic groups for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases and highlights the importance of patient age, lung metastases, and tumor size to determining both disease-specific and overall survival. These findings inform risk stratification and treatment decision-making in this understudied patient population.

Time-varying associations of patient and tumor characteristics with cancer survival: an analysis of SEER data across 14 cancer sites, 2004-2017.

PURPOSE: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries provides information about survival duration and cause of death for cancer patients. Baseline demographic and tumor characteristics such as age, sex, race, year of diagnosis, and tumor stage can inform the expected survival time of patients, but their associations with survival may not be constant over the post-diagnosis period. METHODS: Using SEER data, we examined if there were time-varying associations of patient and tumor characteristics on survival, and we assessed how these relationships differed across 14 cancer sites. Standard Cox proportional hazards models were extended to allow for time-varying associations and incorporated into a competing-risks framework, separately modeling cancer-specific and other-cause deaths. For each cancer site and for each of the five factors, we estimated the relative hazard ratio and absolute hazard over time in the presence of competing risks. RESULTS: Our comprehensive consideration of patient and tumor characteristics when estimating time-varying hazards showed that the associations of age, tumor stage at diagnosis, and race/ethnicity with risk of death (cancer-specific and other-cause) change over time for many cancers; characteristics of sex and year of diagnosis exhibit some time-varying patterns as well. Stage at diagnosis had the largest associations with survival. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that proportional hazards assumptions are often violated when examining patient characteristics on cancer survival post-diagnosis. We discuss several interesting results where the relative hazards are time-varying and suggest possible interpretations. Based on the time-varying associations of several important covariates on survival after cancer diagnosis using a pan-cancer approach, the likelihood of the proportional hazards assumption being met or corresponding interpretation should be considered in survival analyses, as flawed inference may have implications for cancer care and policy.

Hidden Disparities: How Language Influences Patients' Access to Cancer Care.

BACKGROUND: Patients with limited English proficiency, a vulnerable patient population, remain understudied in the literature addressing cancer disparities. Although it is well documented that language discordance between patients and physicians negatively impacts the quality of patient care, little is known about how patients' preferred spoken language impacts their access to cancer care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2021 and June 2022, we conducted an audit study of 144 hospitals located across 12 demographically diverse states. Using a standardized script, trained investigators assigned to the roles of English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patients called the hospital general information telephone line seeking to access care for 3 cancer types that disproportionately impact Hispanic and Asian populations (colon, lung, and thyroid cancer). Primary outcome was whether the simulated patient caller was provided with the next steps to access cancer care, defined as clinic number or clinic transfer. We used chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis to test for associations between the primary outcome and language type, region type, hospital teaching status, and cancer care requested. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with simulated patient callers being provided the next steps. RESULTS: Of the 1,296 calls, 52.9% (n=686) resulted in simulated patient callers being provided next steps to access cancer care. Simulated non-English-speaking (vs English-speaking) patient callers were less likely to be provided with the next steps (Mandarin, 27.5%; Spanish, 37.7%; English, 93.5%; P<.001). Multivariable logistic regression found significant associations of the primary outcome with language spoken (Mandarin: odds ratio [OR], 0.02 [95% CI, 0.01-0.04] and Spanish: OR, 0.04 [95% CI, 0.02-0.06] vs English) and hospital teaching status (nonteaching: OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.56] vs teaching). CONCLUSIONS: Linguistic disparities exist in access to cancer care for non-English-speaking patients, emphasizing the need for focused interventions to mitigate systems-level communication barriers.

Investigating potential disparities in clinical trial eligibility and enrollment at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Although barriers to trial accrual are well-reported, few studies have explored trial eligibility and trial offers as potential drivers of disparities in cancer clinical trial enrollment. METHODS: We identified patients with gastrointestinal (GI) or head/neck (HN) malignancies who were seen as new patients at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center in 2016. By exhaustive review of the electronic medical record, we assessed the primary outcomes: (1) eligibility for, (2) documented offer of, and (3) enrollment in a clinical trial. All 41 of the clinical trials available to these patients were considered. Independent variables included clinical and non-clinical patient-related factors. We assessed associations between these variables and the primary outcomes using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Of 1446 patients, 43% were female, 15% were over age 75, 6% were Black. 305 (21%) patients were eligible for a clinical trial. Among eligible patients, 154 (50%) had documentation of a trial offer and 90 (30%) enrolled. Among the GI cohort, bivariate analyses demonstrated that older age was associated with decreased trial eligibility. Bivariate analyses also demonstrated that Black race was associated with increased trial offer. After adjustment, patients 75 or older were less likely to be eligible for a clinical trial in the GI cohort; however, we found no significant associations between race and any of the outcomes after adjustment. Among eligible GI patients, we found no significant associations between non-clinical factors and enrollment. Among the HN cohort, bivariate analyses demonstrated that female sex, older age, Black race, and unpartnered marital status were associated with decreased likelihood of trial offer; however, we found no significant associations between race, age, and marital status and any of the outcomes after adjustment. We found no significant associations between non-clinical factors and eligibility after adjustment; however, women were less likely to be offered and to enroll in a clinical trial in the HN cohort. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with eligibility, documented offer, and enrollment differed between disease site cohorts at our institution. Future work is needed to ensure the equitable inclusion of women and elderly patients in clinical trials.

Financial Toxicity and Its Association With Health-Related Quality of Life Among Partners of Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

Importance: Partners of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors play a critical role in diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. While financial toxicity (FT) is well documented among patients with CRC, little is known about long-term FT and its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among their partners. Objective: To understand long-term FT and its association with HRQoL among partners of CRC survivors. Design, Setting, and Participants: This survey study incorporating a mixed-methods design consisted of a mailed dyadic survey with closed- and open-ended responses. In 2019 and 2020, we surveyed survivors who were 1 to 5 years from a stage III CRC diagnosis and included a separate survey for their partners. Patients were recruited from a rural community oncology practice in Montana, an academic cancer center in Michigan, and the Georgia Cancer Registry. Data analysis was performed from February 2022 to January 2023. Exposures: Three components of FT, including financial burden, debt, and financial worry. Main Outcomes and Measures: Financial burden was assessed with the Personal Financial Burden scale, whereas debt and financial worry were each assessed with a single survey item. We measured HRQoL using the PROMIS-29+2 Profile, version 2.1. We used multivariable regression analysis to assess associations of FT with individual domains of HRQoL. We used thematic analysis to explore partner perspectives on FT, and we merged quantitative and qualitative findings to explain the association between FT and HRQoL. Results: Of the 986 patients eligible for this study, 501 (50.8%) returned surveys. A total of 428 patients (85.4%) reported having a partner, and 311 partners (72.6%) returned surveys. Four partner surveys were returned without a corresponding patient survey, resulting in a total of 307 patient-partner dyads for this analysis. Among the 307 partners, 166 (56.1%) were aged younger than 65 years (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [11.1] years), 189 (62.6%) were women, and 263 (85.7%) were White. Most partners (209 [68.1%]) reported adverse financial outcomes. High financial burden was associated with worse HRQoL in the pain interference domain (mean [SE] score, -0.08 [0.04]; P = .03). Debt was associated with worse HRQoL in the sleep disturbance domain (-0.32 [0.15]; P = .03). High financial worry was associated with worse HRQoL in the social functioning (mean [SE] score, -0.37 [0.13]; P = .005), fatigue (-0.33 [0.15]; P = .03), and pain interference (-0.33 [0.14]; P = .02) domains. Qualitative findings revealed that in addition to systems-level factors, individual-level behavioral factors were associated with partner financial outcomes and HRQoL. Conclusions and Relevance: This survey study found that partners of CRC survivors experienced long-term FT that was associated with worse HRQoL. Multilevel interventions for both patients and partners are needed to address factors at individual and systemic levels and incorporate behavioral approaches.

A dyadic survey study of partner engagement in and patient receipt of guideline-recommended colorectal cancer surveillance.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether partner (spouse or intimate partner) engagement in colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance is associated with patient receipt of surveillance. METHODS: From 2019 to 2020 we surveyed Stage III CRC survivors diagnosed 2014-2018 at an academic cancer center, a community oncology practice and the Georgia SEER registry, and their partners. Partner engagement was measured across 3 domains: Informed about; Involved in; and Aware of patient preferences around surveillance. We evaluated bivariate associations between domains of partner engagement and independent partner variables. Analysis of variance and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare domains of engagement with patient-reported receipt of surveillance. RESULTS: 501 patients responded (51% response rate); 428 had partners. 311 partners responded (73% response rate). Partners were engaged across all domains. Engagement varied by sociodemographics. Greater partner involvement was associated with decreased odds of receipt of composite surveillance (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.93) and trended towards significance for decreased odds of receipt of endoscopy (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.34-1.03) and CEA (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55-1.04). Greater partner awareness was associated with increased odds of patients' receipt of endoscopy (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.15-4.12) and trended towards significance for increased odds of receipt of composite surveillance (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.91-2.04). CONCLUSION: Partners are engaged (informed, involved, and aware) in CRC surveillance. Future research to develop dyadic interventions that capitalize on the positive aspects of partner engagement may help partners effectively engage in surveillance to improve patient care.

Divergent Patterns in Care Utilization and Financial Distress between Patients with Blood Cancers and Solid Tumors: A National Health Interview Survey Study, 2014-2020.

Introduction: Important differences exist between the presentation, treatment, and survivorship of patients and survivors with blood cancers. Furthermore, existing research in financial toxicity has not fully addressed the relationship between medical care utilization and patient-reported outcomes of financial barriers and distress. We answered these questions by using a nationally representative survey. Methods: Respondents with blood cancers and solid tumors from the National Health Interview Survey were identified (2014−2020). We identified 23 survey questions as study outcomes and grouped them into three domains of medical care utilization, financial barriers to care, and financial distress. Associations between the three domains and associations of study outcomes between cancer types were examined using weighted univariate analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regressions. Results: The final study group consisted of 6248 respondents with solid tumors and 398 with blood cancers (diagnosed ≤ 5 years). Across all respondents with cancer, higher medical care utilization is generally associated with increased financial barriers to care. Compared to respondents with solid tumors, respondents with blood cancers had a higher level of medical care utilization (ß = 0.36, p = 0.02), a lower level of financial barriers to care (ß = −0.19, p < 0.0001), and a higher level of financial distress in affording care (ß = 0.64, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Patients and survivors with blood cancers and solid tumors demonstrate divergent patterns in care utilization, financial barriers, and financial distress. Future research and interventions on financial toxicity should be tailored for individual cancer groups, recognizing the differences in medical care utilization, which affect the experienced financial barriers.

Employment outcomes in family supporters of patients with early stage breast cancer and their association with patients' health-related quality of life and financial burden.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about how cancer impacts the employment status of patients' family supporters, or about associations between patients' health-related quality of life, perceived financial burden, and supporters' employment trajectory. METHODS: We surveyed patients with early stage breast cancer reported to the Georgia and Los Angeles SEER registries in 2014-15, and their spouse/partner or other family supporters. Patients and supporters were asked about employment impacts of the patient's cancer, and descriptive analyses of supporters' employment trajectories were generated. We measured patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the PROMIS scale for global health. We measured patients' perceived financial burden attributed to cancer by asking them two questions regarding (i) their financial status since their breast cancer diagnosis and (ii) how much it was impacted by their breast cancer and treatment. Associations between patients' HRQoL, perceived financial burden, and supporters' employment status were assessed using linear mixed model regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 2502 patients (68% response rate) and 1203 supporters (70% response rate) responded; 1057 paired patient-supporter dyads were included. Similar proportions of spouse/partner and other family supporters reported missed work and lost employment due to patients' cancer. After adjustment, lower HRQoL and an increased odds of perceived financial burden among patients were associated with changes in other family supporters' employment (both p < 0.05), but not with changes in spouses'/partners' employment. Lower HRQoL was also associated with changes in patients' own employment among patients with both types of supporters (both p < 0.001). An increased odds of perceived financial burden among patients was associated with changes in patients' employment only in those supported by other family members (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both spouse/partner and other family supporters faced adverse employment outcomes due to patients' cancer. This contributes to worse HRQoL and greater perception of financial burden among patients, especially those whose supporter is not a spouse/partner.

Characterizing Out-of-Pocket Payments and Financial Assistance for Patients Prescribed Abiraterone and Enzalutamide at an Academic Cancer Center Specialty Pharmacy.

PURPOSE: Abiraterone and enzalutamide are commonly used oral cancer therapies for patients with prostate cancer, both with potentially high out-of-pocket costs for patients. We investigated the prevalence of financial assistance mechanisms used to alleviate out-of-pocket costs and the association of these mechanisms with timing of treatment initiation of abiraterone or enzalutamide. METHODS: Using data from the medical center's specialty pharmacy, we identified first prescriptions for abiraterone or enzalutamide between January 1, 2017, and March 31, 2019. Prescriptions dispensed at an external pharmacy or that were discontinued for reasons unrelated to cost were excluded. Patient demographics, insurance coverage, out-of-pocket cost, and number of days between prescribed date and pill-to-mouth date were collected. RESULTS: Among 220 prescriptions in our final cohort, 185 were filled through our internal specialty pharmacy, 23 through a manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance program (PAP), and 12 were never filled because of cost. One third of the prescriptions in our final cohort (n = 66) were filled with financial assistance: PAP (10%), copay cards (9%), and grants (11%). The median amount of assistance received for the first fill was $2,860 US dollars (USD) (interquartile range $1,856-$10,717 USD). Prescriptions with an out-of-pocket cost < $100 USD were filled in the shortest time (median 5 days), whereas those filled through a PAP had the longest time to initiation (median 30.5 days). CONCLUSION: Among patients prescribed oral therapies for prostate cancer at a single institution, one third of patients received financial assistance. Although receiving assistance is likely to improve financial toxicity, waiting for assistance may lead to longer time to initiation of medication.

Partners' engagement in surveillance among survivors of colorectal cancer: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Following treatment of Stage III colorectal cancer, guidelines recommend 3-5 years of surveillance for recurrence. However, over half of the 1.2 million U.S. survivors of colorectal cancer fail to receive guideline-concordant surveillance. In light of growing recognition that members of couples are interdependent and influence each other's health behaviors, we sought to describe, in their own words, the perspectives of spouses/partners on their engagement in patients' surveillance. METHODS: We conducted in-person, semi-structured interviews with 10 survivors of stage III colorectal cancer and their partners, together and separately. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, iteratively coded, and analyzed to identify emergent themes pertaining to partner engagement. Findings were validated through triangulation between study team members and triangulation between dyadic and individual interviews, and through an extensive search of transcripts for disconfirming evidence. RESULTS: We identified three overarching domains of partner engagement in surveillance. First, psychosocial engagement included promoting patient participation in surveillance, showing care and concern, and attending to partner self-care. Second, information-seeking and dyadic communication focused on gathering information, staying informed about test results, and communicating about surveillance. Third, instrumental engagement referred to any explicit, objective activities such as scheduling appointments, attending appointments, and managing responsibilities at home. Participants shared strategies, examples, and in some cases unmet needs. CONCLUSIONS: This study generated new, clinically meaningful knowledge about the ways in which partners engage in patients' surveillance. Opportunities to leverage partners as informal resources in surveillance include development of dyadic interventions to help partners engage most effectively.

Financial Hardship Among Hispanic Women with Thyroid Cancer.

Background: Little is known about financial hardship among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of financial hardship and to identify correlates of financial hardship in this understudied patient group. Methods: We surveyed Hispanic women who had diagnoses of thyroid cancer reported to the Los Angeles Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry in 2014-2015, and who had previously completed our thyroid cancer survey in 2017-2018 (N = 273; 80% response rate). Acculturation was assessed with the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Patients were asked about three outcome measures since their thyroid cancer diagnosis: (i) financial status, (ii) insurance status, and (iii) material measures of financial hardship, collapsed into a single composite measure of financial hardship. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify correlates of financial hardship. Results: Patients' median age at diagnosis was 47 years (range 20-79 years); 49% were low-acculturated and 47% reported financial hardship. Since their thyroid cancer diagnosis, 31% and 12% of the cohort reported being worse off regarding financial and insurance status, respectively. In multivariable analysis, high-acculturated older women were less likely to experience financial hardship compared with high-acculturated 20-year-old women. While financial hardship decreased with age for high-acculturated women (p = 0.002), financial hardship remained elevated across all age groups for low-acculturated women (p = 0.54). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that across all age groups, low-acculturated Hispanic women with thyroid cancer are vulnerable to financial hardship, emphasizing the need for tailored patient-focused interventions.

A population-based study of invitation to and participation in clinical trials among women with early-stage breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Although many studies clearly demonstrate disparities in cancer clinical trial enrollment, there is a lack of consensus on potential causes. Furthermore, virtually nothing is known about associations between patients' decision-making style and their participation in clinical trials. METHODS: Women with newly diagnosed, stage 0-II breast cancer reported to the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries in 2013-2014 were surveyed approximately seven months after diagnosis. We investigated two primary outcome variables: (1) invitation to participate in a clinical trial, (2) participation in a clinical trial. We evaluated bivariate associations using Chi-squared tests and used multivariable logistic regression models to investigate associations between patient variables, including decision-making style, and the primary outcomes. RESULTS: 2578 patients responded (71% response rate); 30% were > age 65, 18% were black, 18% were Latina, 29% had ≤ high school education. 10% of patients reported invitation to participate in a clinical trial; 5% reported participation in a clinical trial. After adjustment younger age, receipt of chemotherapy or radiation, disease stage, and a more rational (versus more intuitive) decision-making style were associated with a higher odds of invitation to participate. Being married was associated with a higher odds of participation; having an annual family income ≥ $40,000 was associated with a lower odds of participation. CONCLUSIONS: 10% of patients reported invitation to participate in a clinical trial, and half of these reported participation. Invitation to participate varied by age and decision-making style, and participation varied by marital status and income.

Unmet Emotional Support Needs Among Diverse Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Social support, which is partly emotional support, is associated with adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, quality of life, and survival. We hypothesized that the needs, sources, and availability of emotional support would vary by race and income among CRC patients and sought to quantify the emotional support and the perceived adequacy of support reported by patients. METHODS: We surveyed CRC patients from Detroit and Georgia Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries about the quantity and quality of emotional support received from different sources. We tested differences using the chi-square test, t-tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 1909 patients who met inclusion criteria and 1301 (68%) completed surveys. Among respondents, 68% were white, 25% black, and 7% other. Black patients were more likely to be female and younger and reported lower annual income and education. Patients reported high support from several sources. Among those with a spouse/partner (58%), 95% reported high levels of support; however, older, black, female, or lower income patients were less likely to have spouses/partners (P < .001). Patients also endorsed high support from family (88.6%), important others (82.9%), and clinicians (71.3%). Black patients were less likely than white patients to report support that was "just right" (P < .001). DISCUSSION: Most patients reported high emotional support from at least 1 source. Black patients were most at risk for low support or unmet support needs. Spouse/partner support was important but only available to 58% of respondents. Patients at risk for unmet emotional support needs may benefit from additional support resources.

Partnered status and receipt of guideline-concordant adjuvant chemotherapy among patients with colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Partnered status is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes, including overall survival, among patients with cancer. However, the mechanisms by which partnered status impacts survival are not fully understood and to the authors' knowledge the associations between partnered status and the specific attributes of chemotherapy have not been studied to date. METHODS: The current study was an observational study of patients with resected American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III colon cancer diagnosed from 2008 through 2015 and recruited from an academic cancer center and 2 large community oncology practices. Outcome measures were specific attributes of adjuvant chemotherapy. Partnered status (partnered vs unpartnered) was the primary independent variable. Bivariate comparisons between independent variables and the primary outcomes were performed. Associations between partnered status and the outcomes also were analyzed using multivariable generalized estimating equations using a logit link. RESULTS: Data were collected from 436 patients. Of these patients, approximately 65% were from community oncology practices. Approximately 62% were partnered (married or living with a partner), and approximately 86% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Among these individuals, 87% received multiagent chemotherapy and 65% completed 6 months of therapy. Partnered patients were found to have a higher odds of completing chemotherapy (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.04-3.77). CONCLUSIONS: In this innovative investigation of the associations between partnered status and specific attributes of curative-intent chemotherapy, approximately 35% of patients terminated chemotherapy early. Having a partner increased the odds of completing therapy, which may be one mechanism through which having a partner improves disease-specific outcomes among patients with colon cancer. Identifying those aspects of partner support that can be reproduced with community or clinical personnel may help unpartnered patients to complete the recommended course of curative-intent chemotherapy.

Translating IDEA to Practice and Beyond: Managing Stage II and III Colon Cancer.

Adjuvant fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy has been the standard of care for resected stage III colon cancer since the 1990s; the evolution from 12 to 6 months of fluoropyrimidine therapy and the addition of oxaliplatin to fluoropyrimidine therapy have led to the current accepted standard. However, controversies remain. What is the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II disease, and in whom? What is the optimal duration of adjuvant chemotherapy? How should patients with early-stage colon cancer be followed after surgery and adjuvant treatment? Recent evidence has emerged to help inform these important questions, including the International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant therapy (IDEA) collaboration, which is the largest, prospective study in colon cancer with 12,834 patients. This review discusses current and future risk stratification strategies in stage II disease: the optimal duration of adjuvant oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy in stage II and III disease according to the IDEA study, and the recent evidence and updated recommendations for surveillance of early-stage colon cancer after resection.

Understanding the engagement of key decision support persons in patient decision making around breast cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Patients with breast cancer involve multiple decision support persons (DSPs) in treatment decision making, yet little is known about DSP engagement in decision making and its association with patient appraisal of the decision process. METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer reported to Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries in 2014-2015 were surveyed 7 months after their diagnosis. The individual most involved in each respondent's decision making (the key DSP) was surveyed. DSP engagement was measured across 3 domains: 1) informed about decisions, 2) involved in decisions, and 3) aware of patient preferences. Patient decision appraisal included subjective decision quality (SDQ) and deliberation. This study evaluated bivariate associations with chi-square tests between domains of DSP engagement and independent DSP variables. Analysis of variance and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare domains of DSP engagement with patient decision appraisal. RESULTS: In all, 2502 patients (68% response rate) and 1203 eligible DSPs (70% response rate) responded. Most DSPs were husbands/partners or daughters, were white, and were college graduates. Husbands/partners were more likely to be more informed, involved, and aware (all P values < .01). English- and Spanish-speaking Latinos had a higher extent of (P = .02) but lower satisfaction with involvement (P < .01). A highly informed DSP was associated with higher odds of patient-reported SDQ (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.08; P = .03). A highly aware DSP was associated with higher odds of patient-reported deliberation (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.47; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based study, informal DSPs were engaged with and positively contributed to patients' treatment decision making. To improve decision quality, future interventions should incorporate DSPs.

Emerging Systemic Therapies for Colorectal Cancer.

Despite advances over the past 20 years in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, diagnosis, and treatment, survival outcomes remain suboptimal. Five-year survival for patients with locally advanced CRC is 69%; 5-year survival drops to 12% for patients with metastatic disease. Novel, effective systemic therapies are needed to improve long-term outcomes. In this review, we describe currently available systemic therapies for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic CRC and discuss emerging therapies, including encouraging advances in identifying novel targeted agents and exciting responses to immunotherapeutic agents.

The accuracy of chemotherapy ascertainment among colorectal cancer patients in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry program.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) public research database does not include chemotherapy data due to concerns for incomplete ascertainment. To compensate for perceived lack of data quality many researchers use SEER-Medicare linked data, limiting studies to persons over age 65. We sought to determine current SEER ascertainment of chemotherapy receipt in two relatively large SEER registries compared to patient-reported receipt and to assess patterns of under-ascertainment. METHODS: In 2011-14, we surveyed patients with Stage III colorectal cancer reported to the Georgia and Metropolitan Detroit SEER registries. 1301/1909 eligible patients responded (68% response rate). Survey responses regarding treatment and sociodemographic factors were merged with SEER data. We compared patient-reported chemotherapy receipt with SEER recorded chemotherapy receipt. We estimated multivariable regression models to assess associations of under-ascertainment in SEER. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of patients reported chemotherapy receipt. Among those, 10% (n = 104) were under-ascertained in SEER (coded as not receiving chemotherapy). In unadjusted analyses, under-ascertainment was more common for older patients (11.8% age 76+ vs. < 9% for all other ages, p = 0.01) and varied with SEER registries (10.2% Detroit vs. 6.8% Georgia; p = 0.04). On multivariable analyses, chemotherapy under-ascertainment did not vary significantly by any patient attributes. CONCLUSION: We found a 10% rate of under-ascertainment of adjuvant chemotherapy for resected, stage III colorectal cancer in two SEER registries. Chemotherapy under-ascertainment did not disproportionately affect any patient subgroups. Use of SEER data from select registries is an important resource for researchers investigating contemporary chemotherapy receipt and outcomes.