Costs of Treating Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): M.A. Richards, S. Braysher, W.M. Gregory, R.D. Rubens
Primary Institution: Guy's Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the costs and resource usage associated with treating advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
The mean cost of treatment for patients with advanced breast cancer was found to be £7,620, with significant variation among patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean duration of advanced disease was 17 months.
- Patients spent a total of 1,677 nights in hospital.
- Cytotoxic drugs accounted for 9% of the total cost.
- Mean duration of in-patient stay was 32 days.
- Most time as in-patients was due to complications rather than treatment.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much it costs to treat people with advanced breast cancer and found that it can be very expensive, with some patients costing much more than others.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of medical records of 50 patients with advanced breast cancer was conducted to assess resource usage and costs.
Potential Biases
There may be underrecording of resource usage.
Limitations
The study may have incomplete records and does not account for all costs, such as patient transport.
Participant Demographics
Mean age at first diagnosis was 58 years, with a range from 32 to 85 years.
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