Cost of non-small cell lung cancer in Italy. Results of the longitudinal study ALCEA (Advanced Lung Cancer Economic Assessment)

Abstract

8265 Background: Lung cancer is extremely common and its cost for society is not extensively studied. ALCEA (Advanced Lung Cancer Economic Assessment) -an observational cost-of-illness study -has generated economic data on patients affected by NSCLC in an advanced stage, exploring both direct and indirect costs determined by this pathology in Italy. Methods: A total of 189 patients treated with first line chemotherapy (1st L), second line chemotherapy (2nd L) or supportive therapy (ST) were observed for a six-month period or until death. Direct costs were measured according to consumption of healthcare resources (hospitalisations, specialist visits, drugs, diagnostic tests and laboratory tests) and costed according to current Italian tariffs. A sample of total costs and an average per patient cost were produced and analysed for the 1st L, 2nd L and supportive therapy. Indirect costs were evaluated only in terms of reduced or lost productivity due to morbidity or mortality of patients. Results: In 1st and 2nd line treatments the highest direct costs were determined by hospitalisations due to chemotherapy -with a mean cost per patient of € 4,350 and € 2,417 respectively - and by hospitalisations due to adverse eventsother disease related reasons–€ 3,819 and € 5,108 respectively. For ST the highest costs were generated by hospitalisations occurred for reasons other than chemotherapy with a mean per patient cost of € 6,211. The productivity loss was estimated to be a total of 369 years, which means about €11,390,000 and an average per patient cost of € 60,263. Conclusions: ST may be a suggested strategy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC when chemotherapy appears to have a limited efficacy and worsening of patient performance status. The management of NSCLC imposes a considerable burden on society. Infact, it implies a high level of utilization of healthcare resources and a significant productivity loss, despite many patients have already retired at the time of first diagnosis. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration AstraZeneca AstraZeneca AstraZeneca