Journal of Cancer Policy最新文献

{"title":"Longitudinal validation of the PROFFIT questionnaire to assess financial toxicity in cancer patients.","authors":"L Arenare, C Porta, D Barberio, S Terzolo, V Zagonel, S Pisconti, L Del Mastro, C Pinto, D Bilancia, S Cinieri, M Rizzo, G Migliaccio, V Montesarchio, L Del Campo, F De Lorenzo, E Iannellil, L Gitto, C M Vaccaro, L Frontini, D Giannarelli, J Bryce, M L Iacovino, M C Piccirillo, C Jommi, F Efficace, S Riva, M Di Maio, C Gallo, F Perrone","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Financial toxicity (FT) is a growing issue for cancer patients worldwide. The PROFFIT questionnaire was developed in Italy to measure FT and identify its determinants in cancer patients within a public health system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective study was conducted with 221 cancer patients from 10 Italian centres between March 2021 and July 2022 to validate the PROFFIT questionnaire in patients undergoing active treatment. The PROFFIT and EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaires were administered. Statistical analyses were performed on the PROFFIT-score (items 1-7), the financial difficulties item (Q28), and the global health status/quality of life (HR-QOL) scale from the EORTC-QLQ-C30. Geographic disparities were also analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1149 questionnaires were completed (83 % paper-based, 17 % electronically). The median observation period was 5 months (IQR 4.5-5.8). Missing phenomenon increased over time but was not affected by the baseline PROFFIT-score. PROFFIT-score remained stable throughout treatment, with patients in Southern Italy reporting higher (worse) values. Significant associations (p < 0.0001) were found between PROFFIT-score and Q28 at all time-points. Moderate inverse correlations were observed between PROFFIT-score and HR-QOL.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PROFFIT shows strong longitudinal validity for assessing FT in cancer patients. PROFFIT-score does not significantly change during treatment, but regional disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly in underserved areas. Further research will define cut-off values and explore FT dynamics across different patient populations.</p><p><strong>Policy summary: </strong>PROFFIT validation analyses make the instrument suitable to measure FT in cancer patients within public health systems. In addition, it may represent a valuable tool to plan specific local health policies being sensible to macro-regional variability. Finally, on the long run, it might be useful to test the impact of policies implemented against FT.</p>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":" ","pages":"100645"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145240040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seizing the opportunity to leverage home-based palliative care for cancer education and screening in high-burden and resource-limited settings in India.","authors":"Laxman Kumar Mahaseth, Subhadra Goala, Vidhubala Elangovan, Kathirvel Soundappan, Krishnakumar Rathnam, Bibha Thapa, Kanan Singha, Ravi Kannan","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100646","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100646","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite national screening efforts and a high cancer burden, the cancer screening rate is low in the northeast region of India. Seizing every opportunity for early detection is crucial in reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the outcomes of cancer education and symptom screening (CESS) among family members and neighbours of cancer patients on home-based palliative care (Home-PC) in Barak Valley of Assam, India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective cohort study based on record review. Trained lay health workers (TLHW) attached to a tertiary cancer hospital conducted CESS sessions (self-administered or facilitated questionnaire) during routine Home-PC visits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 916 individuals, 75 (8.2%) reported cancer-related symptoms and 33 (44%) attended the screening OPD of a tertiary hospital for assessment. Of them, 17 (51.5%) were diagnosed with cancer, predominantly oral, breast, and other cancers. The median (interquartile range) days from symptom screening to screening OPD visit was 10 (2.5, 49.5) days, while from screening OPD visit to diagnosis was 1 (0, 8) day.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integrating CESS into Home-PC is feasible and aids in prompt diagnosis in resource-limited settings. This strategy could be used as an opportunity for early cancer detection and management, especially in high-burden regions like Northeast India.</p>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":" ","pages":"100646"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time to rethink diffusion modality of preliminary results from industry-sponsored clinical trials in oncology: Considerations from the Italian Network of Cancer Patients (ROPI).","authors":"Stefania Gori","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100644","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100644"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145182312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promoting a research agenda for cancer treatment for intravenous devices with clinicians in Europe; the PRACTICE survey","authors":"Caitriona Duggan ,&nbsp;Orlaith Hernon ,&nbsp;Andrew J. Simpkin ,&nbsp;Viktor Manasek ,&nbsp;Julio C. de la Torre-Montero ,&nbsp;Paulo Santos-Costa ,&nbsp;Jonathan G. Moss ,&nbsp;Christina H. Ruhlmann ,&nbsp;Knut Taxbro ,&nbsp;Miguel Angel Rodriguez- Calero ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Oom ,&nbsp;Rita Barroca ,&nbsp;Onagh O. Grady ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Daly ,&nbsp;Ian Blanco-Mavillard ,&nbsp;Nikolina Dodlek ,&nbsp;Jiri Charvát ,&nbsp;Saloa Unanue-Arza ,&nbsp;Bibiana Krakovska ,&nbsp;Peter J. Carr","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>The <em>PRACTICE</em> survey aimed to characterize vascular access device (VAD) practices for systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) across Europe, addressing gaps in clinician decision-making, training, and complication management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Conducted as a cross-sectional survey from May to October 2024, the study engaged healthcare professionals (HCPs) from 18 European countries, with 403 completing demographic questions and 166 responding to procedural and training-related queries.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results revealed significant variability in VAD selection, influenced by institutional protocols, geographic location, and the presence of vascular access teams (VATs). Oncologists were identified as primary decision-makers (36 %), though nursing staff played a pivotal role in daily management. Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) dominated in Ireland and Finland (43–49 %), while tunnelled implantable devices (TIVADs) were preferred in Belgium (65 %). Barriers to optimal VAD selection included insufficient training (80 % sought further education) and inconsistent guideline adoption (51 % reported institutional protocols).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study underscores the need for standardised practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced training. Findings highlight opportunities for integrating VAD selection into cancer care certification metrics and fostering partnerships between oncology and vascular access societies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100643"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145139085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring experiences of reasonable adjustments in cancer care among patients with disabilities and their carers: A focus group study in South West England","authors":"Selin Siviş ,&nbsp;Andrew Turner ,&nbsp;Hannah Little ,&nbsp;Shamim Kholwadia ,&nbsp;Ruth Hendy ,&nbsp;Fiona Spence ,&nbsp;Gifty Markey ,&nbsp;Jon Banks","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The UK Equality Act 2010 mandates equal access to healthcare for people with disabilities. For those with disabilities who have also been diagnosed with cancer, addressing these needs is complex and multifaceted. Whilst existing research has primarily focused on reasonable adjustments for individuals with learning disabilities or autism, this study broadens the scope to include physical disabilities, cognitive or sensory impairments, and mental health conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed qualitatively explore and understand the experiences of individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable adjustments, who have direct or indirect exposure to cancer treatment within the cancer care setting, as well as the experiences of their carers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Qualitative study based on seven focus groups with 44 participants who have direct or indirect experience of cancer treatment and experience of one or more of a range of conditions that may require reasonable adjustments. Thematic analysis was used inductively to explore patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants described various care pathway adjustments but also noted their limited effectiveness. The main concern was a lack of alignment with individual needs. Three key areas for improvement emerged: (1) communication and coordination (e.g., clearer signposting, longer appointments, better understanding of needs); (2) support for family and carers (e.g., tailored adjustments for caregivers, clearer explanations); and (3) adherence to compassion and empathy (e.g., avoiding jargon, using accessible language, and ensuring patients feel heard).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Reasonable adjustments are necessary but not sufficient for equitable care. Participants emphasised the need for an integrated approach to individual needs to ensure adjustments are both accessible and effective.</div></div><div><h3>Policy summary</h3><div>An integrated understanding of individuals’ and their family carers’ needs should underpin approaches to reasonable adjustments by healthcare providers. A first step to achieving this is to develop training for healthcare professionals to encompass a broader understanding of reasonable adjustments beyond legal categories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145103086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparison of the cost-effectiveness of HPV (self-sampling and health care provider sampling) versus VIA for cervical cancer screening in India","authors":"Apourv Pant,&nbsp;Gowthaman Thangavel,&nbsp;Stany Mathew,&nbsp;Anita Nath","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most prevalent in India. Preventive measures, such as HPV vaccination and various screening methods, are essential. Despite these strategies, the economic burden of cervical cancer remains significant due to its long-term nature and treatment costs. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of three screening approaches—VIA, HPV physician sampling, and HPV self-sampling—for women aged 30–65. A Markov-based cost-utility analysis with a lifetime horizon and one-year cycle length was conducted. Model parameters were sourced from peer-reviewed literature, national cancer registries, and health economic studies. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the robustness of the results. Health Provider HPV sampling yielded the highest Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) at 5.97 (three years) and 4.28 (five years), compared to VIA’s 4.01 (three years) and 2.9 (five years), and HPV self-sampling’s 4.71 (three years) and 3.41 (five years). Over 30 cycles for 100,000 women, healthcare provider sampling achieved a maximum QALY gain of 13.40. Compared to other methods, it offered a gain of 2.94 QALYs at an incremental cost of 19,409 INR. While VIA screening is cost-saving, it provides reduced health benefits. HPV healthcare provider sampling is more cost-effective in terms of QALYs gained despite higher screening costs. A policy analysis is necessary to achieve 70 % cervical cancer screening coverage in India, focusing on current HPV screening strategies and identifying areas for improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145103065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psycho-oncology in India","authors":"J. Deodhar ,&nbsp;P. Nayak ,&nbsp;C.S. Pramesh ,&nbsp;A. Purushotham","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psychosocial care is essential for high-quality cancer care. Psycho-oncology is a developing discipline globally. A narrative review was conducted of studies published in India from 2000 to 2024 on psychosocial care in patients with cancer. Of 233 papers identified, 85 were included. Distress rates ranged from 22 % to 62 % with the highest being in head and neck and breast cancer. Seven tools for measuring distress have been validated in a few Indian languages. Cancer-related communication revealed high rates of collusion and use of euphemisms. There is a paucity of intervention studies. Few studies described psychosocial issues in children and adolescents and older adults.Therefore, future high-quality intervention and outcome studies are required. There is an urgent need for the inclusion of psycho-oncology in national cancer control policy globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":"46 ","pages":"Article 100640"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response to 'beyond virtual learning: Leveraging project ECHO to sustain and localize national cancer control plan implementation in LMICs'.","authors":"Linsey Eldridge, Kalina Duncan, Mishka Kohli Cira","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100639","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":" ","pages":"100639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145070951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond virtual learning: Leveraging project ECHO to sustain and localize national cancer control plan implementation in LMICs.","authors":"Nathkapach Kaewpitoon Rattanapitoon, Natnapa Heebkaew Padchasuwan, Nav La, Schawanya Kaewpitoon Rattanapitoon","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Project ECHO has emerged as a promising virtual peer-learning model to support National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It aligns with the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020, which underscores national coordination and multisectoral action [2]. In response to the recent evaluation by Eldridge et al., we offer additional insights highlighting the limitations of individual-level training when structural barriers remain unaddressed. Drawing lessons from cervical cancer prevention in Botswana and palliative care capacity-building in India, we argue that ECHO's full potential lies in national-level integration, cross-sector policy coordination, and localized implementation. This correspondence emphasizes a systems-level perspective to sustainably embed ECHO-based knowledge into cancer control programs across LMICs.</p>","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":" ","pages":"100638"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145070990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping the global oncology & policy research landscape.","authors":"Ajay Aggarwal, Richard Sullivan","doi":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100637","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38212,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cancer Policy","volume":" ","pages":"100637"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144972800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}