Impact of Guideline‐Discordant Treatment on Cost and Health Care Utilization in Older Adults with Early‐Stage Breast Cancer

Conclusion.One in six patients with early‐stage breast cancer received guideline‐discordant care, predominantly related to undertreatment, which was associated with higher costs and rates of health care utilization. Additional randomized trials are needed to test lower‐toxicity regimens and guide clinicians in treatment for older breast cancer patients.Implications for Practice.Previous studies lack details about types of deviations from chemotherapy guidelines that occur in older early‐stage breast cancer patients. Understanding the patterns of guideline discordance and its impact on patient outcomes will be particularly important for these patients. This study found 16% received guideline‐discordant care, predominantly related to reduced intensity treatment and associated with higher costs and rates of health care utilization. Increasing older adult participation in clinical trials should be a priority in order to fill the knowledge gap about how to treat older, less fit patients with breast cancer.
Source: The Oncologist - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer, Health Outcomes and Economics of Cancer Care, Geriatric Oncology Source Type: research