Hospitalized cancer patients with opioid dependence stayed in the hospital longer and developed bloodstream infections more often than patients without the condition, according to a study published Sept. 5 in Medical Oncology.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo (N.Y.) and Duarte, Calif.-based City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center analyzed national inpatient data of more than 350,000 hospitalizations to examine how opioid dependence affects outcomes for patients with renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer and cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx.
Here are five things to know:
- Opioid dependence affected 610 of 88,105 renal cell carcinoma patients, 1,115 of 209,410 prostate cancer patients, and 495 of 54,265 patients with cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx.
- Patients with opioid dependence stayed in the hospital longer: 6.01 days versus 4.35 days among prostate cancer patients, and 6.35 days versus 5.06 days among renal cell carcinoma patients.
- Prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma patients with opioid dependence were screened less often for mental illness and had higher rates of emergency department involvement, fluid and electrolyte disorders, bloodstream infections, anxiety and depression.
Results were comparable among patients with cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx, who also had higher hospital costs at an average of $91,369 versus $80,861 for patients without opioid dependence.
- Hispanic patients had higher rates of bloodstream infections than white patients, and Black patients had longer hospital stays than white patients, across all three cancer types.
- The authors called for clearer protocols to manage cancer pain safely in patients at high risk of opioid dependence, along with more consistent mental illness screening.
Read the full study here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
