ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S2334

Interdisciplinary – Health economics & health services research

ESTRO 2025

Conclusion: Cross collaboration between all IRROG sites brings together a critical mass of Radiation Oncology PIs and research staff, enabling greater opportunities for mentorship and portfolio expansion. PPI engagement in all clinical activity enables us to design IITs which are attractive and accessible, hence accruing higher numbers of patients. By opening trials at all centres in Ireland, patients have equal access to high quality clinical trials across the country.

Keywords: Trials, Radiation Oncology, Equitable Research

References: 1. Acuña-Villaorduña, A., Baranda, J. C., Boehmer, J., Fashoyin-Aje, L., & Gore, S. D. (2023). Equitable Access to Clinical Trials: How Do We Achieve It?. American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Annual Meeting, 43, e389838. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_389838 2. Guerra CE, Fleury ME, Byatt LP, et al: Strategies to advance equity in cancer clinical trials. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 42:127-137, 2022

4220

Digital Poster When radiotherapy weighs on the wallet: A study of financial burden

Nejla Fourati, Eya Moalla, Oumaima Bouabidi, Mariem Frikha, Wicem Siala, Wafa Mnejja, Jamel Daoud Radiation Oncology, University of Sfax – Faculty of Medicine, EPS Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia

Purpose/Objective: The financial implications of radiotherapy extend beyond direct medical expenses, including costs related to transportation, accommodation, lost income from work interruptions, and unforeseen expenses for supportive care. This study aims to evaluate the financial challenges faced by patients during radiotherapy and identify factors influencing their severity. Material/Methods: A survey was conducted with 77 patients undergoing curative radiotherapy in our department. The median age was 59 years [26–78], with a sex ratio of 0.79. Most patients were married (n=63, 82%), and 40 patients (52%) lived away from their usual residence during treatment. Free accommodation was available for 18 patients (45%), with 8 staying with relatives and 10 supported by a cancer patient association. Forty-five patients (58%) had personal financial resources, while 64 (83%) were covered by social insurance. The most frequent cancers were breast cancer (n=30, 39%) and prostate cancer (n=15, 19%). Locally advanced tumors were observed in 38 patients (49%). Prior to radiotherapy, 39 patients (51%) had undergone chemotherapy, and 15 (19%) received concurrent chemotherapy. All patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 quality-of-life questionnaire. Financial difficulties were assessed using Question 28: "Has your physical condition or medical treatment caused you financial difficulties?" Responses, scored from 1 (not at all) to 4 (very much), were converted to a scale ranging from 0% (no financial issues) to 100% (severe financial issues). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Fifty patients (65%) reported low financial difficulty scores (1–2), while 27 patients (35%) reported higher scores (3–4). The median financial difficulty score was 33.33% [0–100]. Financial difficulties were significantly higher among patients without social insurance coverage (p=0.04). Other factors, including sex, age (<60 vs ≥60), marital status (married vs unmarried), and residence (home vs other), were not statistically significant.