Objective:

N/A

Background:

Historically marginalized groups often face significant barriers when it comes to cancer treatment. These barriers are exacerbated in patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The intersection of the social determinants of health with neuropsychiatric, cognitive, motor, sensory, and language deficits makes it especially challenging to adhere to cancer treatment. To address this, we enrolled patients in the Integrated Cancer Care Access Network (ICCAN), a multi-institutional program through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service (IHCD). 

Design/Methods:

Participants are provided with patient navigation services and resource navigation to assist with barriers to treatment adherence and completion. This pilot program specifically looked at neuro-oncology patients with socioeconomic needs. A total of 39 patients were enrolled in the program. Patients were eligible if they were 18 years or older and receiving active treatment or under active surveillance. Participants were asked a series of questions regarding their essential needs such as food access, housing, and financial needs. The interviews were mainly done via phone with some in-person and took approximately 60 minutes to complete. The interviews consisted of demographics, the Alliance Distress Screening Tool, Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) Assessment, Essential Needs Assessment, Patient Satisfaction with Cancer Care, and ICCAN-CNS specific questions. After initial feedback caregivers were permitted to assist patients in completing the survey questions. 

Results:

Patients were matched with resources based on need and were followed at the 2, 4, and 6-month mark to see if any new needs emerged. The top needs expressed among these participants were income, employment issues, food access, and transportation to appointments. 

Conclusions:

Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we are now protocoling a randomized controlled clinical trial for patients with glioblastoma using the ICCAN intervention. Outcomes will include treatment adherence, completion, quality of life measures, and patient reported outcomes.