New program supports cancer patients during pandemic

Research shows that cancer patients had a 5.2 percent higher risk of dying from a COVID-19 infection than those in remission or with no evidence of disease.¹ It is no surprise then that the pandemic has had a profound impact on patients receiving infused treatment for cancer. In April 2020 alone, chemotherapy treatments fell by 33 percent while other immunotherapies fell by 56 percent.

Continued access to care is critical in helping improve cancer outcomes. CVS Health today announced an innovative program with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) to increase access to infusion treatment at home for eligible patients while minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19 in inpatient or hospital outpatient settings. The program will combine Coram’s home infusion (based on Oncology Nursing Society guidelines) with CTCA’s expertise as a leading oncology care provider to allow patients the flexibility to receive treatment from the safety and comfort of home.

Our innovative program will increase access to infusion treatment at home for eligible patients while minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19 in inpatient or hospital outpatient settings.

Why At-Home Treatments

Delays in cancer treatment led to increased mortality rates in 13 of the 17 conditions analyzed in one study, as well as worse outcomes across surgical, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy approaches.² Researchers are warning that a delay of just one month could lead to a 6 to 13 percent higher mortality risk. The findings were based on a review of 34 studies across 17 cancer types.

Offering patients who avoid seeking treatment due to COVID-19 concerns a safe and convenient option could help ensure continuity of care and reduce potential mortality risk.

Eligible patients on infusion treatment can be transitioned to a home setting after the first cycle, if it is well tolerated.

How It Works

Our program brings together CTCA’s approach to quality and safe care, coupled with more than 35 years of infusion expertise, and Coram’s ability to reach 97 percent of the U.S. population.

Clinically eligible patients on certain chemotherapy/immunotherapy medications will begin their first cycle of infused treatment in the hospital or outpatient care center. Patients who tolerate the treatment can be transitioned to home for continued infusions. Once transitioned, Coram nurses will visit the patient’s home to administer the therapy. Patients will also have regular telehealth visits and digital therapeutic check-ins with their CTCA clinician, care team, pharmacists, and other clinical staff as needed. The program — which will be piloted with fully insured patients in Atlanta before expanding to other areas/regions — covers a range of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancers, and some genitourinary cancers.

For more information about the program, visit www.cancercenter.com/oncology-clinic-at-home

Image source: Licensed from Getty Images, 2021.