Under 15% of Cancer Survivors with AUD Receive Treatment Within a Year

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that less than 15% of U.S. adult cancer survivors diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) initiate treatment within one year of their diagnosis. The retrospective analysis utilized Merative MarketScan claims data spanning 2011 to 2021 to evaluate the uptake of psychosocial therapy or FDA-approved medications for AUD among cancer survivors. Out of over 6.6 million cancer survivors identified, approximately 71,875 had received an AUD diagnosis in the prior 12 months. Treatment initiation rates showed only 14.3% began any form of AUD intervention within a year, with fewer than half starting within 30 days post-diagnosis.

Detailed findings indicate 12.6% started psychosocial therapy and 2.8% initiated pharmacological treatment approved by the FDA within a year. Notably, under 1% of patients engaged in both treatment modalities concurrently in that timeframe. The study also highlighted demographic disparities: women and patients younger than 65 were more likely to seek treatment compared to men and older patients, respectively.

The low treatment uptake points to systemic and patient-level barriers, including limited provider knowledge about medication-assisted treatment for AUD and patients' beliefs regarding the disorder resolving without intervention, compounded by stigma. These insights underscore the need for enhanced provider education and patient engagement strategies to improve AUD treatment rates among cancer survivors.

The research focuses on commercially insured individuals and those with supplementary Medicare coverage, providing valuable data on treatment patterns in insured populations. The study's implications are significant for healthcare payers, providers, and policymakers aiming to optimize integrated care approaches and address comorbid conditions in cancer survivorship.

Future research directions include exploring specific obstacles hindering treatment initiation and examining the impact of tailored interventions to increase acceptance and initiation of AUD therapies. Despite the critical health risks associated with untreated AUD in cancer survivors, treatment engagement remains minimal, signaling a gap in addiction care integration within oncology settings.