Financial toxicity in patients followed for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: the risk that arises from “too much” for nothing

Background: No data exist about financial toxicity (FT) for branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs). Methods: This prospective study analyzed patients with BD-IPMNs from 2023 to 2024. Demographics, clinical data of interest, and radiological and endoscopic information were recorded for each patient. The “Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity” (COST) patient-reported outcome measure was used to assess financial toxicity (FT). Lower COST values indicate greater FT. A multilevel, multivariate mixed-effects model was employed. Results: One hundred sixteen patients were interviewed during routine outpatient follow-up visits. Eighty patients agreed to complete the survey (68.9 %). The COST score was 18 (15–21, IQR), showing a fairly normal distribution (Shapiro–Wilk p = 0.054). The older the age at diagnosis, the greater the perception of FT (p < 0.001). As educational status increased, the FT burden also increased (−1.4 ± 0.6; p = 0.047). Private/self-employed patients (−3.7 ± 1.3; p = 0.004) and unemployed patients (−2.3 ± 1.0; p = 0.016) reported a higher perception of FT compared to pensioners or publicly employed individuals. WFs increase FT (−1.9 ± 0.8; p = 0.014). The longer the follow-up duration, the greater the FT (−0.3 ± 0.1; p = 0.043). Conclusion: FT can be seen in the BD-IPMN population. The patient's perspective must be taken into account during follow-up.