Loss of Productivity
Last November, a study appeared in Blood Magazine which I thought was quite interesting. It was done by several researchers at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto and its aim was to assess the impact of diagnosis on indolent lymphoma patients' productivity.
Prior to diagnosis, 61% of the patients were working full-time and 14% were retired. Following diagnosis and at the end of the study, only 33% were able to continue working full time; 37% had retired; 7% were working part-time; and 10% required disability. Those who still worked full time missed an average of 2.1 days during the preceding 4-week period. Additionally, caregivers missed an average of 11.3 days of work during the term of the study.
The researchers concluded that "many were unable to continue full time employment, needed to miss days from work due to illness, or imposed a significant burden on caregivers. The greatest impact on productivity is apparent in patients...who are currently receiving systemic therapy."
This study proves that months-long chemotherapy treatment diminishes patients' and caregivers' ability to work. I wonder what a study of RIT patients would reveal. A very different conclusion, I suspect.
Because RIT is given in two doses a week apart and side effects are minimal, patients can return to work immediately. This is just one more benefit of the treatment.
Betsy