Financial Toxicity Among Families of Childhood Leukemia Patients

A recent study presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Orlando, Florida, reveals that nearly one-third of families with children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) face significant financial difficulties. The research, led by Dr. Daniel Zheng from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, indicates that families often experience a decline in household income and struggle to meet basic living expenses during treatment. Approximately 3,000 new cases of ALL are diagnosed annually in the U.S., and while over 90% of children survive, the treatment typically spans at least two years, involving numerous clinic visits and hospitalizations.

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The study surveyed 422 families participating in a clinical trial for ALL treatments from 2017 to 2021 across eight hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Findings show that by six months into treatment, 19% of families reported new difficulties in covering living expenses, and 20% had lost 25% or more of their annual income. By the end of the two-year treatment period, these figures rose to 30% and nearly 32%, respectively. Dr. Zheng noted that it was particularly striking that many families who initially reported no financial hardship experienced difficulties as treatment progressed.

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The study also highlighted demographic factors contributing to financial toxicity. Families of Hispanic or Black children, those who spoke a language other than English at home, single-parent households, families on public insurance such as Medicaid, and those with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line were more likely to experience financial difficulties during treatment. This suggests that socioeconomic status and cultural factors play a significant role in the financial burden of childhood cancer treatment.

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Dr. Zheng emphasized the urgency of addressing these financial challenges, stating, “It was striking to us that by 24 months, nearly a third of the families were unable to meet basic living costs at some point during their child’s ALL treatment.” Researchers are now exploring strategies to assist families in managing the financial toxicity associated with cancer treatment for children.

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The findings from this study are considered preliminary and will undergo further scrutiny before being published in a peer-reviewed journal. Ongoing research aims to identify effective interventions to alleviate the financial strain on families affected by childhood leukemia.

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“Many families reported experiencing financial difficulties as early as six months into treatment and nearly 1 in 4 families who reported no financial hardship at the time their child was diagnosed with cancer developed hardship during the child’s treatment,” — Dr. Daniel Zheng, Attending Oncologist, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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“It was striking to us that by 24 months, nearly a third of the families were unable to meet basic living costs at some point during their child’s ALL treatment,” — Dr. Daniel Zheng, Attending Oncologist, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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