Mathematical modeling and geo-mapping of Fertility Preservation

Protocol development– Full protocol, information sheets and consents available.

Ethics status – Multisite HREC approval and SSA approval

Study Team – Dr Anazodo Anazodo, Prof Catharyn Stern, Prof Robert McLachlan, Mrs Brigitte Gerstl, Ms Franca Agresta, Prof Richard Cohn, Dr Yasmin Jayasinghe, Prof Claire Wakefield, Dr Matthew Kermetzis, Dr Lisa Orme, Professor Handan Wand, Prof Rosalie Viney, Dr Rebecca Dean, Prof Michael Chapman, Prof William Ledger and Prof Elizabeth Sullivan.

Currently the cost of FP is a barrier for FP uptake, as the Medicare rebate system does not cover all aspects of FP and does not cover storage of any gonadal tissue. This means that access to FP is not equitable and those that undertake FP are left out of pocket. Leaving FP until completion of treatment may result in later difficulties in FP/ART and increased psychological distress, which may also incur a financial burden.

There are no data in Australia on access to fertility preservation by cultural and linguistically diverse communities or data from patients from lower socio economic backgrounds so using geo mapping techniques as well as a health economics analytical approach will be undertaken using mathematical modeling and geo mapping.

Hypothesis

Inequitable access exists for cancer patients based on cultural, religious or socio demographic differences.

Aims of the study

• To determine the cost of providing a FP program for cancer patients at diagnosis.
• To determine the cost of FP/ART in cancer survivors who have not had FP at diagnosis.
• To determine the access to FP by cultural, religious and socio-demographic correlates.

Method

Health economics modeling techniques will be used to forecast the costs of FP at diagnosis; the out of pocket costs to cancer patients who have explored FP options at diagnosis (medical and psychological); and the out of pocket expenses to cancer survivors who pursue FP after cancer treatment. We will use data collected from the registry and Medicare item numbers to analyze this data. The health economics study will lead to an application to DOHA for Medicare item numbers to be associated with FP strategies in cancer patients leading to equitable access of FP/ART.