Burden Of Renal Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Abstract 3665: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma molecular characteristics in Hispanic Americans compared to European Americans

Abstract Background: Hispanic Americans (HAs) have higher incidence and mortality rates of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) than European Americans (EAs). Despite the disparate burden of RCC, tumor molecular characteristics among HAs are unknown. This study explored clear cell RCC (ccRCC) molecular difference between HAs and EAs. Methods: Paraffin embedded surgical specimens of ccRCC patients who underwent nephrectomy for a treatment of RCC were obtained. Three exons of VHL gene were screened for somatic mutations in a total of 150 patients. 96 patients were included for TempO-Seq analysis. A centroid-based approach with 34 gene set was used to assign molecular subtype (ccA or ccB). DESeq2 was used for differential gene expressional analysis. Results: HAs were younger (mean age of 55.7 vs. 61.2) and had slightly higher mean Body Mass Index (BMI, 32.1 vs. 30.3). More HAs reported that they never smoked (71%) compared to EAs (46%). 73 somatic mutations in coding regions of VHL were found in 56 patients (37.3%), and 11 patients had more than 2 somatic mutations in coding regions. Mutations in coding regions were more common in EAs (41.5%) than HAs (35.5%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.49). When we focused on moderate or high impact mutations, EAs had mutations at higher frequency than HAs (40.2 vs. 27.4%; p=0.07 after adjusting for age and sex). Frequency of somatic mutations was also higher for former (30.3%) and current smokers (40.0%) compared to non-smokers (24.3%). After including smoking history in the regression model, HA ethnicity was not associated with presence of high/moderate impact somatic mutations. HAs had a higher frequency of ccA subtype than EAs (61.9% vs 45.8%). ccA subtype was also more common in patients with BMI>35 (65.2%) than patients with BMI<25 (45.0%). In the adjusted model, HAs had significantly increased odds of having ccA (OR 3.34, 95%CI: 1.17-9.52). Haptoglobin (HP) gene was most significantly over-expressed in high-grade compared to low-grade ccRCC in an analysis including all samples (log2 fold change 4.0, adjusted-p=1.7x10-12). HP was highly over-expressed in high-grade compared to low-grade ccRCC in EAs (log2 fold change 5.2, adjusted-p=4.9x10-9), but not in HA tumors (log2 fold change 2.5, adjusted-p=0.06). Conclusion: HA and EA tumors have different molecular characteristics potentially due to differences in prevalence of behavioral risk factors. Impact: Different molecular characteristics in racial/ethnic groups may impact clinical treatment in diverse patient populations. Citation Format: Ken Batai, Yuliang Chen, Brenna Rheinheimer, Ron Heimark, Nathan Ellis, Benjamin R. Lee. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma molecular characteristics in Hispanic Americans compared to European Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3665.

Socio-economic burden of disease: Survivorship costs for renal cell carcinoma.

The objective of this study is to assess the risk-stratified 10-year socio-economic burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) follow-up costs after initial treatment in Germany from 2000 to 2020. A micro-costing method considering direct and indirect medical expenditure associated with follow-up procedures was employed to calculate survivorship costs per patient. The frequencies of physician-patient visits, examinations and diagnostic tests were extracted from guidelines, whilst expenses were sourced from literature and official scales of tariffs. Societal costs were calculated based on three perspectives: patients, providers and insurers. Mean societal 10-year follow-up costs per patient amounted to EUR 3,377 (95%CI: 2,969-3,791) for low-risk, EUR 3,367 (95%CI: 3,003-3,692) for medium-risk and EUR 4,299 (95%CI: 3,807-4,755) for high-risk RCC in 2020. Spending increased by +32% from 2000 to 2020 for low-risk RCC, whilst medium-and high-risk RCC expenditure was cut by -39% and -22%, respectively. Patients shouldered 27%, providers 43% and insurers 35% of costs in 2020. Resources were consumed by medical imaging (52%), physician-patient consultations (31%), travel expenses (17%) and blood tests (1%). Results highlight the economic burden cancer survivorship poses for society. Cancer survivors require individualised, evidence-based and insurance-covered follow-up schedules to permit the early detection of side-effects, metastasis and secondary malignancies.

Patient-reported experience of diagnosis, management, and burden of renal cell carcinomas: Results >2,000 patients in 41 countries, with focus on older patients.

306 Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing in global prevalence, thereby increasing burden to health systems, and most of all, to individual patients and their families. Little is known about the variations in patient experience and best practices among countries. Here, we report on the second biennial Global Patient Survey on the diagnosis, management, and burden of Renal Cell Carcinomas conducted by the International Kidney Coalition (IKCC) worldwide in 13 languages. The aim of the survey was to improve collective understanding and to contribute toward the reduction of the burden of kidney cancer around the world. Methods: A 35-question survey on the diagnosis, management, and burden of RCC was designed by a multi-country steering committee to identify geographic variations in 6 topics: patient education, experience and awareness, access to care and clinical trials, best practices, quality of life, and unmet psychosocial needs. The survey was distributed to patients with kidney cancer and their caregivers in 13 languages, through IKCC’s 46 Affiliate Organisations and social media from 29 Oct 2020 to 5 Jan 2021. Results: 2,012 responses came from 41 countries. Survey results were analysed using cross-tabulations by an independent third-party organisation. The full global report is publicly available, as well as 7 individual country reports where at least 100 responses were received. 42% reported that the likelihood of surviving their cancer beyond 5 years was not explained Just over half (51%) reported that they were involved as much as they wanted to be in developing their treatment plan. 56% experienced barriers to their treatment 41% indicated that “No one” discussed cancer clinical trials with them 31% were invited to take part in a clinical trial 45% self-reported that they were insufficiently active 50% indicated that they ‘very often’ or ‘always’ experienced disease-related anxiety. 26% ‘very often’ or ‘always’ experienced stress related to financial issues 55% indicated that they ‘very often’ or ‘always’ experienced a fear of recurrence 52% reported having talked to their doctor/healthcare professional about their concerns 48% had been offered a biopsy in the past with only 3% refusing; 47% would be willing to undergo biopsy in the future Patients aged ≤65 experienced more barriers to quality care, understood their disease less well, and experienced a longer time to diagnosis. Conclusions: The IKCC and its global affiliates will be using the results to ensure that patients’ voices are heard. Actionable points will suggest future projects. Individual countries can use their reports to advance their understanding of patient experiences and to improve local care.

Abstract 2191: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma molecular differences between Hispanic Americans and European Americans

Abstract Background: Hispanic Americans (HAs) in Arizona have a heavy burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presenting at a younger age at diagnosis with higher incidence and mortality rates than European Americans (EAs). However, HAs are underrepresented in RCC research, and tumor molecular characteristics in this population are unknown. We report preliminary findings from a study of molecular differences between HAs and EAs exploring the molecular basis of early-onset clear cell RCC (ccRCC). Methods: Clinical records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for RCC between 2011 and 2020 at the University of Arizona Department of Urology was reviewed. A total of 539 patients were identified, and paraffin embedded surgical specimens of a subset of patients with ccRCC were selected for this study. Three exons of VHL gene, the most commonly altered gene in ccRCC, were screened for somatic mutations in a total of 117 patients. Thirty-three patients were included for TempO-Seq analysis to correlate molecular subtype with demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics. Results: Among 117 patients, 55 somatic mutations in coding regions of VHL were found in 42 patients (35.9%). Nine patients had more than 2 somatic mutations. There were 37 substitutions, 14 deletions, and 4 insertions. There was one patient with a mutation of an intron variant that was a splice acceptor. Mutations in the coding regions were more common in EAs (40.9%) than HAs (31%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.32). For moderate or high impact mutations, EAs had mutations at a significantly higher frequency than HAs (39.4% vs. 20.5%, P=0.04). Patients with high impact mutations tend to be diagnosed before the age of 50 (37.5%) compared to patients without high impact mutations (23.9%). We were able to assign 32 out of 33 patients into molecular subtypes (ccA and ccB). Molecular subtype could not be assigned to one HA patient with high grade and advanced stage ccRCC. Compared to patients with ccB subtype, patients who had ccA subtype were younger (mean age of 52.2 vs. 61.4) and tend to be obese (55.6% vs. 28.6% body mass index ≥30). Molecular subtype, ccA, was more common in HAs than EAs (64.3% vs. 41.2%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Somatic mutations within the VHL gene often altered in early during ccRCC pathogenesis were less common in HAs, but ccA associated with early age of diagnosis and obesity was more common in HAs. Impact: HAs and EAs have different molecular basis of early-onset ccRCC which may impact clinical managements. Citation Format: Yuliang Chen, Karleen M. Meiklejohn, Nathan Ellis, Erika R. Bracamonte, Benjamin R. Lee, Ken Batai. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma molecular differences between Hispanic Americans and European Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2191.

Abstract 1179: Renal cell carcinoma health disparities in American Indians Alaska Natives and Hispanic Americans: Comparison of National Cancer Database and Arizona Cancer Registry data

Abstract Background: American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) and United States (U.S.)-born Hispanic Americans (HAs) have higher kidney cancer mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), but kidney cancer burden among these racial/ethnic minority groups are not well understood. The aim of our study was to evaluate the burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) among these groups at a State (Arizona) and national level with a focus on advanced stage (stage III/IV) diagnosis, indicative of delayed diagnosis, and overall poorer survival. Methods: A retrospective analysis of National Cancer Database (NCDB) and Arizona Cancer Registry (ACR) was conducted. RCC patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 in NCDB and between 2007 and 2016 in ACR with known race/ethnicity information were included. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were performed to ascertain the effect of race/ethnicity stage and overall survival. Results: There were a total of 405,073 cases in NCDB and 9,743 cases in ACR. In NCDB data, advanced stage was more common in AIs/ANs (31.5%) and HAs (28.6%) compared to NHWs (27.7%), but associations were not statistically significant. Among HAs, Mexican Americans were more likely to have advanced stage (34.1%) and had higher odds of advanced stage diagnosis compared to NHWs (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.35). In ACR, advanced stage diagnosis was common in Mexican Americans (47.2%), particularly U.S.-born Mexican Americans (49.1%). Advanced stage diagnosis was also more common in AIs/ANs compared to NHWs (31.5% vs. 26.4%). AIs/ANs and Mexican Americans had increased odds of advanced stage diagnosis compared to NHWs (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08-1.79 and OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.65-2.62 respectively). Risk of mortality was assessed adjusting for stage, surgical treatment, and socio-demographic factors. In NCDB, HAs had reduced mortality risk (HR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.91). Among HAs, HAs of South or Central American origin had the greatest reduced risk of mortality (HR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59-0.92). In Arizona, AIs/ANs and HAs had significantly higher risk of mortality compared to NHWs (HR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.18-2.04 and HR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.14-1.64). The greatest risk of mortality was observed in U.S.-born Mexican Americans (HR 3.76, 95% CI: 2.97-4.76). Conclusion: Greater health disparities were observed in Arizona, at the State level than the national level. A Hispanic paradox was observed at the national level but not at the State level, Arizona. Impact: It is necessary to further investigate RCC health disparities at a State level, including regional variations in healthcare systems, rurality or distance to tertiary referral centers, and patient-related factors, such as access to care and co-morbidity, that contribute to racial health disparities. Citation Format: Ken Batai, Samer Asmar, Francine C. Gachupine, Juan Chipollini, Benjamin R. Lee. Renal cell carcinoma health disparities in American Indians Alaska Natives and Hispanic Americans: Comparison of National Cancer Database and Arizona Cancer Registry data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1179.

Renal cell carcinoma incidence rates and trends in young adults aged 20-39 years

BackgroundThe burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in young adults received marginal attention. We assessed contemporary gender, race and stage-specific incidence and trends of RCC among young adults (20–39 years-old) in the United States. MethodsWithin Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2000–2016), patients aged 20–39 years with histologically confirmed RCC were included. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR per 100,000 person-years) were estimated. Temporal trends were calculated through joinpoint regression analyses to describe the average annual percent change (AAPC). ResultsFrom 2000–2016, 7767 new RCC cases were recorded (ASR 0.6, AAPC + 5.0 %, p < 0.001). ASRs were higher in males than in females (0.7 and 0.5, respectively) and increased significantly in both genders (AAPC + 5.0 % and +4.7 % both p < 0.001, respectively). Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native had the highest incidence (ASR 1.0) vs. non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander the lowest (ASR 0.3). ASRs significantly increased in all ethnic groups. T1aN0M0 and T1bN0M0 stages showed the highest incidence and increase (ASR 0.3, AAPC + 5.9 %, p < 0.001 and ASR 0.1, AAPC + 5.7 %, p < 0.001, respectively). Also regional and distant stages increased (AAPC + 3.7 %, p = 0.001 and AAPC + 1.5 %, p = 0.06). The most frequent tumor characteristics were G2 (44.4 %, ASR 0.3, AAPC + 6.3 %, p < 0.001) and G1 (13.1 %, ASR 0.1, AAPC + 1.1 %, p = 0.2), as well as clear cell histology (54.8 %, ASR 0.3, AAPC + 7.6 %, p < 0.001). ConclusionsRCC in young adults is rare, but increasing. This is mainly due to T1aN0M0 tumors. Nonetheless, also regional diseases are significantly increasing. Differences between ethnic groups exist and may warrant further research.

Rising Economic Burden of Renal Cell Carcinoma among Elderly Patients in the USA: Part II-An Updated Analysis of SEER-Medicare Data.

The influx of new oncologic technologies has changed the treatment landscape of renal cell carcincoma (RCC) in the last decade. This study updated a previously published paper on the economic burden of RCC in the USA by using more recent data to examine the impact of various forms of new oncologic technologies on the economic burden of RCC. Using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we employed prevalence and incidence costing approaches to estimate RCC costs from the payer's perspective. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of cost data per patient per month for a prevalence cohort of patients with RCC to determine which category of new technology (surgery, radiation, or cancer drugs) was the major cost driver for RCC. We then applied the incidence costing approach to estimate costs related to RCC by care phase (initial, continuing, and terminal) and compared costs between two incidence cohorts to examine how new technology affected the economic burden of RCC over time. After controlling for demographic factors, clinical characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and time trend, we found that rising per patient per month costs were driven by new technologies in cancer drugs. Incidence-based analysis showed the annual net cost (2018 US$) for patients with distant-stage RCC diagnosed between 2002 and 2006 was $51,639, $19,025, $76,603, and $29,045 for the initial, continuing (year 1), terminal (died from RCC), and terminal (died from other causes) care phases, respectively. Costs increased to $70,703, $34,716, $107,989, and $47,538, respectively, for the incidence cohort diagnosed between 2007 and 2011. The rising economic burden of RCC was most pronounced among patients with distant-stage RCC, and driven primarily by new cancer drugs.

Analysing rising economic burden of renal cell carcinoma in USA

Analysing rising economic burden of renal cell carcinoma in USA

Economic burden of renal cell carcinoma among older adults in the targeted therapy era

ObjectiveThis study examined the economic burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) among older adults. The study also examined healthcare costs by types of resources used and stage at which RCC was diagnosed. MethodsThe study analyzed the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result—Medicare linked data. We included a prevalent cohort of RCC patients from 2013, diagnosed and continuously enrolled in Medicare from 2005 to 2013. RCC patients were matched to controls selected from a 5% sample of noncancer beneficiaries using propensity score matching to calculate incremental costs. Total healthcare costs (THC) were calculated using a phase-based approach, which classified patients into early, continuing, and late phases of care. Costs were also examined by types of resources used and stage at which RCC was diagnosed. Generalized linear models estimated annual incremental costs per patient. The number of older RCC patients was calculated using SEER-Stat and ProjPrev software. The average incremental THC was multiplied by the estimated number of RCC patients to calculate the total economic burden of RCC among older adults. ResultsThe study included 10,392 each of RCC and control patients. The average annual THC associated with RCC was $7,419 for all phases, $22,752 for the initial phase, $4,860 for the continuing phase, and $13,232 for the late phase of care. The average THC was $4,584 for patients diagnosed at stage I, $4,727 for stage II, $9,331 for stage III, and $31,637 for stage IV. For patients diagnosed at stages I to III, hospital cost (approximately $1,500–$3,400) was the largest component of THC. For stage IV patients, prescription drug cost ($11,747) was the largest component of THC. The projected number of older RCC patients in 2015 was 204,256. The annual economic burden of RCC after weighting for proportion of patients diagnosed at various stages was estimated to be $2.1 billion. ConclusionsRCC was associated with a significant economic burden on Medicare. Healthcare costs associated with RCC varied substantially between early stage and metastatic patients. This research provided a baseline that can be used to assess the economic value of emerging therapies among older RCC patients.

PCN212 - Economic Burden Of Renal Cell Carcinoma Among Older Adults In The Targeted Therapy ERA

Abstract Objective This study examined the economic burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) among older adults. The study also examined healthcare costs by types of resources used and stage at which RCC was diagnosed. Methods The study analyzed the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result—Medicare linked data. We included a prevalent cohort of RCC patients from 2013, diagnosed and continuously enrolled in Medicare from 2005 to 2013. RCC patients were matched to controls selected from a 5% sample of noncancer beneficiaries using propensity score matching to calculate incremental costs. Total healthcare costs (THC) were calculated using a phase-based approach, which classified patients into early, continuing, and late phases of care. Costs were also examined by types of resources used and stage at which RCC was diagnosed. Generalized linear models estimated annual incremental costs per patient. The number of older RCC patients was calculated using SEER-Stat and ProjPrev software. The average incremental THC was multiplied by the estimated number of RCC patients to calculate the total economic burden of RCC among older adults. Results The study included 10,392 each of RCC and control patients. The average annual THC associated with RCC was $7,419 for all phases, $22,752 for the initial phase, $4,860 for the continuing phase, and $13,232 for the late phase of care. The average THC was $4,584 for patients diagnosed at stage I, $4,727 for stage II, $9,331 for stage III, and $31,637 for stage IV. For patients diagnosed at stages I to III, hospital cost (approximately $1,500–$3,400) was the largest component of THC. For stage IV patients, prescription drug cost ($11,747) was the largest component of THC. The projected number of older RCC patients in 2015 was 204,256. The annual economic burden of RCC after weighting for proportion of patients diagnosed at various stages was estimated to be $2.1 billion. Conclusions RCC was associated with a significant economic burden on Medicare. Healthcare costs associated with RCC varied substantially between early stage and metastatic patients. This research provided a baseline that can be used to assess the economic value of emerging therapies among older RCC patients.

Therapy with transcutaneous administration of imiquimod combined with oral administration of sorafenib suppresses renal cell carcinoma growing in an orthotopic mouse model.

Imiquimod is an imidazoquinoline immune response modifier that is used in antiviral and antiallergic creams. Combination therapy using transcutaneous imiquimod and oral sorafenib was previously demonstrated to reduce the tumor burden of renal cell carcinoma growing cutaneously in a mouse model. In the present study, an orthotopic mouse model was used to investigate whether combined treatment with oral sorafenib and transcutaneous imiquimod inhibited renal cell carcinoma growing in the kidney. Kidneys of female BALB/c mice were orthotopically implanted with RENCA mouse kidney cancer cells, and the mice were transcutaneously treated with cream containing imiquimod and/or with orally administered sorafenib 5 days following cell implantation. Tumor burden and incidence were determined 28 days following the start of therapy. Splenocyte activity was quantified using the 51Cr release assay and the fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay with cluster of differentiation (CD) 4 and CD8 antibodies. Imiquimod, sorafenib and combination therapy were tolerated well. A combination of transcutaneous imiquimod and oral sorafenib inhibited the growth of RENCA tumors in the kidney significantly compared with the control. The 51Cr release assay demonstrated that transcutaneous imiquimod therapy significantly induced the release of 51Cr from RENCA cells compared with the control. The fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay demonstrated that transcutaneous imiquimod therapy induced CD8+ and CD4- splenocytes compared with the control. In summary, the results of the present study demonstrated that combined treatment with transcutaneous imiquimod and oral sorafenib may be a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Economic Burden of Renal Cell Carcinoma in the US

The economic burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) came into sharp focus when the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence denied coverage (later reversed) of sunitinib for metastatic RCC. Following an updated review of RCC-related economic studies, we supplemented the costs of RCC reported in the literature with estimates from the latest US databases that capture the utilization of several newly approved targeted agents. We conducted analyses using the 1991-2007 SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare and 1996-2007 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounter (CCAE) and Medicare Supplemental databases, and based our estimates on a prevalent cohort of patients with RCC or kidney cancer constructed from each database. All cost estimates were normalized to $US, year 2009 values. The incremental costing approach was applied to estimate the annual cost of RCC by treatment phases using a prevalent cohort of patients with RCC identified from the 2005 SEER-Medicare database. We used the method of extended estimation equations to estimate the impact of patients' use of targeted therapies on the annual costs of RCC, while controlling for confounding factors such as patients' age, sex, tumour characteristics, co-morbidity and geographic regions. The method was applied to two elderly cohorts of RCC patients identified from the SEER-Medicare and the MarketScan Medicare Supplemental databases and a non-elderly cohort of patients with RCC identified from the MarketScan CCAE database. Compared with the cost of treating an elderly, non-cancer patient in the matched sample, the average cost of treating an elderly patient with RCC was $US11,169 (95% CI 10,683, 11,655) more per year, based on our analyses of the latest SEER-Medicare data. The annual cost to treat patients with RCC who received targeted therapies was 3- to 4-fold greater than the cost to treat patients with RCC who received other therapies. Results from the multivariate analysis showed that, after controlling for potential confounders, the annual medical cost was $US31,000-65,000 higher for RCC patients treated with targeted therapies, with the largest increase observed among the non-elderly patients. The economic burden of RCC is likely to grow with an increasing use of targeted therapies. Future research is needed to understand the impact of various forces on the economic burden of RCC, such as increased disease incidence, use of minimally invasive surgical techniques and more prevalent adoption of emerging targeted therapies.

Economic Burden of Renal Cell Carcinoma

The economic burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) came into sharp focus when the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) denied coverage (later reversed) of sunitinib for metastatic RCC. In the first of two articles that provide updated reviews and analyses of the economic burden of RCC, we conducted an updated literature review of RCC-related economic studies. We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for English-language studies published from 1 January 2000 to 15 June 2010. We also performed a separate search for related studies in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reports published by the National Institute for Health Research HTA Programme in the UK. Identified articles were classified into three categories: cost studies, cost-effectiveness/cost-utility studies and cost-of-illness studies. All cost estimates were normalized to $US, year 2009 values. We identified 20 articles, including six cost, six cost-utility and eight cost-of-illness studies. In general, the studies found new surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, to be potentially cost saving (in the range of $US181-5842). Targeted agents, such as bevacizumab, sunitinib, sorafenib and temsirolimus, were associated with higher lifetime costs ($US8537-72 254) and were not always considered to be cost effective by authors of the cost-effectiveness studies included in this review (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER]: $US49 959-272 418 per QALY). The literature reported annual estimates of the US economic burden of RCC between $US0.60 billion and $US5.19 billion, with per-patient costs of $US16 488-43 805. RCC is associated with substantial economic burden, although the estimates are wide ranging. Comparisons of the estimates across studies were hindered by variations in study methodology, choice of database and the associated timeframe, and limitations inherent to each database. More research is needed to assess the quality of the economic studies of RCC and to understand why the estimated costs differ across studies.

Current and predicted cost of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in Finland

Information on detailed treatment costs and the economic burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare. The current study provides treatment costs and outcomes of patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC), as well as estimates of the future burden from the perspective of Finnish health care. These results offer a baseline against which the impact of emerging treatments may be evaluated. Materials and methods. Information on treatment modalities, survival, and the cost of treatment was retrospectively gathered from mRCC patients (n = 83) receiving first-line interferon-alpha (IFN). Predictions of the number of new cases, premature deaths, and productivity losses were made using local epidemiological data, which were projected to the future using population growth forecasts. The future costs of mRCC treatment and the budget impact of sunitinib were estimated through modeling. Results. Patients survived 11.9 months (median; 95% CI 9.2–14.7) after initiation of active IFN treatment, accruing an average total treatment cost of €951. Most of the treatment costs were due to hospitalization and active IFN treatment. The aging of the population leads to nearly a 2% increase in the absolute number of new diagnoses annually, while at the same time it results in declining productivity losses. The estimated five-year population cost of IFN-based treatment was €16M–€26M. Adding sunitinib to the first-line treatment protocol increased this cost by €13M–€41M. Conclusions. Despite the limited number of patients, metastatic renal cell carcinoma places a considerable economic burden on Finnish society. Treatment costs are likely to increase substantially due to the adoption of new and more expensive medications, the aging population, and enhanced survival times.

The burden of renal cell cancer: A retrospective longitudinal study on occurrence, outcomes and cost using an administrative claims database

ObjectiveTo assess the burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in epidemiologic and economic terms. MethodsRetrospective, naturalistic longitudinal study on the occurrence, outcomes and cost of RCC using an administrative database.We selected residents of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (FVG), a North-eastern Region of Italy, who had a RCC first hospital admission during the period 2000–2004, and we followed them up until: 30th June 2005, death or transfers. Direct medical costs were quantified in the perspective of FVG Regional Health Service. ResultsWe enrolled 1358 patients (63% male), the 18.8% presenting a metastatic-stage, leading to a crude incidence of 23/100.000 person-years. During the follow-up, 76% of the metastatic patients and 21% of the non-metastatic patients died.Total health care costs per-patient over the maximum of follow-up were 16,090€ for the localised stage group and 17,656€ in the metastatic-stage group. DiscussionRCC imposes a significant epidemiologic and economic burden to the healthcare-system and the society.

Cost of illness of renal cell carcinoma in Canada

15560 Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer. RCC patients have limited treatment options and low survival rates, particularly for advanced-staged patients. Despite its importance, data on the economic burden of RCC are limited. Methods: A prevalence-based approach was used to estimate the aggregate annual societal cost burden of RCC in Canada. Key relationships represented in the model include the annual number of patients treated for RCC by age group and cancer stage; utilization of cancer treatments; unit costs; work-days missed, and wage rates. Results: The annual prevalence of RCC in Canada in 2005 was estimated to be 17,845 cases. The associated annual burden of RCC (Canadian $2005) was approximately $357 million ($19,981 per patient). Health-care costs and lost productivity accounted for 65.6% ($234 million) and 34.4% ($123 million) of the total, respectively. Reflecting its higher prevalence, the total cost associated with Stage II RCC accounted for the greatest share (67%) followed by Stage I, Stage III, and Stage IV RCC, at 19.8%, 11.6% and 1.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The economic burden of RCC in Canada is substantial at a cost of $357M which represents 2% of the total cost of illness of cancer in Canada ($16.64B, inflated to $2005). Interventions to reduce the prevalence of RCC have the potential to yield considerable economic benefits. [Table: see text]

Burden of illness analysis of renal cell carcinoma

14548 Background: There were over 36,000 new cases of kidney cancer reported in the US in 2004, the most common being renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC patients have limited treatment options and low survival rates, particularly for advanced-staged patients. Despite the growing importance of RCC, data on its economic burden are limited. Methods: A prevalence-based approach was used to estimate the aggregate annual cost burden from a societal perspective, including costs of medical treatment and lost productivity, due to RCC in the U.S. Key relationships represented in the model include the annual number of patients treated for RCC by age group and cancer stage; utilization of cancer specific treatments; unit costs of these treatments; work-days missed by these patients, and wage rates. Data sources included the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the published literature. Results: The annual prevalence of RCC in the US was estimated to be 109,500 cases. The associated annual burden of RCC (US $2005) was approximately $4.8 billion ($43,749 per patient). Healthcare costs and lost productivity accounted for 84.9% ($4.1 billion) and 15.1% ($726 million) of the total, respectively. Reflecting its higher prevalence, the total cost associated with localized RCC accounted for the greatest share (78.2%) followed by regional, distant and unstaged RCC, which accounted for 18.3%, 2.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Sensitivity analyses resulted in a range in the estimated annual burden from $3.9 to $5.2 billion. Focusing only on newly diagnosed RCC cases (approximately 25,000 per year), the annual burden was estimated at $1.5 billion, with a per-patient cost of $62,340. Conclusions: The economic burden of RCC in the US is substantial. New therapies for RCC have the potential to yield considerable economic and societal benefits. [Table: see text]