Financial Toxicity and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Gastrointestinal (GIT) Cancer Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy
Author(s)
Nisar M. Shaikh, Master.
Student, NIPER, vaishali, India.
Student, NIPER, vaishali, India.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of financial toxicity among gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy
To assess the impact of financial toxicity on health related quality of life and predictor of financial toxicity
To identify demographical, Clinical and treatment related factor among gastrointestinal cancer patients
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center in India (Sept 2024 - Apr 2025). Patients with histologically confirmed GIT cancer who had completed radiation therapy, either standalone or as part of multimodal treatment. We assessed financial toxicity and HRQOL using subjective financial distress questionnaire (SFDQ) and functional assessment of cancer therapy. Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between financial toxicity and HRQOL.
RESULTS: Among 201 participants, 92.5% lacked health insurance, 95.5% required financial help and 85.6% reported moderate-to-severe FT (Grade 3-4). The chi-square test indicated a significant association between financial toxicity and sociodemographic factors. The median SFDQ and FACT-G score were 20 + 9, and 32 + 4respectively. Higher FT correlated with poorer HRQOL (r = 0.503, p < 0.001). Key predictors included health insurance (β = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4 - 5.5, p <0.001), education status (β = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.723 -1.65; p <0.001) and family size (β = 0.817; 95% CI, 0.14 - 1.74; p<0.001). Indirect cost (Travel/accommodation) exacerbated financial strain for 86.6% of rural patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Financial toxicity is prevalent among Indian GIT cancer patients and negatively associated with HRQOL. To address this issue, it is crucial to implements Policy interventions that target gaps in health insurance coverage, improve access to healthcare in rural areas and established financial safety nets for patients.
To assess the impact of financial toxicity on health related quality of life and predictor of financial toxicity
To identify demographical, Clinical and treatment related factor among gastrointestinal cancer patients
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center in India (Sept 2024 - Apr 2025). Patients with histologically confirmed GIT cancer who had completed radiation therapy, either standalone or as part of multimodal treatment. We assessed financial toxicity and HRQOL using subjective financial distress questionnaire (SFDQ) and functional assessment of cancer therapy. Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between financial toxicity and HRQOL.
RESULTS: Among 201 participants, 92.5% lacked health insurance, 95.5% required financial help and 85.6% reported moderate-to-severe FT (Grade 3-4). The chi-square test indicated a significant association between financial toxicity and sociodemographic factors. The median SFDQ and FACT-G score were 20 + 9, and 32 + 4respectively. Higher FT correlated with poorer HRQOL (r = 0.503, p < 0.001). Key predictors included health insurance (β = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4 - 5.5, p <0.001), education status (β = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.723 -1.65; p <0.001) and family size (β = 0.817; 95% CI, 0.14 - 1.74; p<0.001). Indirect cost (Travel/accommodation) exacerbated financial strain for 86.6% of rural patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Financial toxicity is prevalent among Indian GIT cancer patients and negatively associated with HRQOL. To address this issue, it is crucial to implements Policy interventions that target gaps in health insurance coverage, improve access to healthcare in rural areas and established financial safety nets for patients.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE470
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Work & Home Productivity - Indirect Costs
Disease
Oncology