Abstract
BACKGROUND: Swallowing dysfunction is common among older adults and the presence of a malignant brain tumor (primary or metastatic) may compound the existing burden of dysphagia in this population. We aimed to characterize the dysphagia-specific healthcare utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with malignant brain tumors. METHODS: Using a Medicare 5% limited dataset (2013-2018) and ICD-9/10 codes, we identified beneficiaries (≥ 65 years) with primary malignant brain tumors (PMBTs) as well as the five most common solid tumors metastasizing to the brain (lung, breast, melanoma, renal, and colorectal). Those with disorders predisposing to dysphagia were excluded. Healthcare utilization was quantified using CPT codes for hospitalizations, gastroenterology services (endoscopy [EGD]), nutrition consultation, speech language management, radiographic testing, and enteral feeding access, occurring after cancer diagnosis. Comparisons of utilization by dysphagia status were made using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Among 79,926 beneficiaries, we identified 3,184 (4.0%) with malignant PBTs and 1,033 (1.3%) with brain metastases. Of the total cohort, 4.7% (n=3,777) experienced dysphagia. Whereas, 11.0% (n=349) of those with PMBTs and 7.9% (n=82) with brain metastases experienced dysphagia. Those with PMBTs were diagnosed with dysphagia significantly earlier in their disease course compared to other groups (median 20 vs. 36 vs. 58 days for PMBTs, brain metastases, and no brain metastases, respectively; p< 0.01). Speech pathology services use was highest among PMBT patients compared other groups (36.1%; n=126; p< 0.001). Gastroenterology services utilization overall was high among all groups and enteral feeding tube placement was significantly higher among PMBTs (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia increases with age and older patients with brain malignancies are at particularly high risk. Those with PMBTs experience dysphagia earlier in their disease course and dysphagia-related healthcare utilization is higher when compared to other cancers. Our findings have important implications as the number of Medicare beneficiaries is expected to increase.