A Survey of Financial Toxicity in Rural Cancer Patients

Financial Toxicity Clinical Trial

Official title: A Survey of Financial Toxicity of Radiation Treatment in Rural Cancer Patients

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This project aims to elucidate the prevalence of financial toxicity, identify significant risk factors for toxicity, and understand the burdens of the specific St. Johnsbury rural population. These data will drive future, larger studies to investigate how to alleviate the burden of financial toxicity, especially in vulnerable patient populations.

Clinical Trial Description

"Financial toxicity" refers to a side effect of cancer treatment that is financial in nature, and has become increasingly important to oncologists, patients, and researchers because of its implications in adverse social outcomes for patients. Financial toxicity in the context of cancer care is the monetary cost, and subsequent social implications of the cost, on patients undergoing cancer treatment. Although financial toxicity for patients undergoing cancer treatment has some research attention, financial toxicity associated with radiation therapy for cancer patients has not. There is preliminary data that has shown that there are two forms of financial toxicity: the direct cost of cancer therapy (medical services) and the indirect costs (gas for travel, lost wages for sick days, etc.). However, the degree of cost and sources have not been fully investigated. Specifically, financial toxicity in the context of cancer patients from rural populations (such as those at NCCC) has not been fully explored. This project will attempt to understand the salient factors, costs, and magnitudes of financial toxicity in radiation therapy that will allow for more targeted studies to investigate vulnerable patient populations who experience greater financial toxicity.

Study recruitment temporarily halted due to COVID-19. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Financial Stress
• Financial Toxicity

• NCT number: NCT04032483
• Study type: Observational
• Source: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
• Status: Completed
• Start date: January 8, 2020
• Completion date: March 1, 2024