Healthcare cost by primary tumour, functioning status and treatment among patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumours: The LyREMeNET study

Abstract

The annual prevalence of metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (mNETs) is rising, leading to significant healthcare costs. The present study aimed to describe healthcare resource use (HRU) and the corresponding costs among patients with mNETs, according to primary tumour location, functioning status and type of treatments. The LyREMeNET study included consecutive mNET patients with a diagnosis performed between January 2010 and December 2017, who were seen at least once in the ENETS center of excellence in Lyon. The median HRU and costs per patient were estimated, up to 3years before and after the diagnosis. The Cancer database of the center was linked to the French national health data system. HRU and related costs were described per person per month (PPPM). Among 316 patients presenting with a mNET, 48.4% had a small-intestinal mNET, 32.3% had a pancreatic mNET and 39.2% had carcinoid syndrome. The mean overall cost increased from €615 to €2875 PPPM between the years preceding and following the diagnosis, and remained above €2500 in the two subsequent years. The two main cost drivers of total healthcare expenditure were drugs (€1161) and hospital stay (€662). Median costs of mNETs arising from pancreas and small intestine were €2325 and €2540 PPPM, respectively. Costs were higher in patients with a functional mNET (€2807 PPPM for carcinoid syndrome) and during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) (€8835 PPPM). The highest overall cost was found during the first year following the diagnosis. Cost of care was higher for small intestine mNETs, for functional mNETs and during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.