Abstract | BACKGROUND: Multidrug chemotherapy (CT) is still associated with relevant side-effects. We assessed, under current practice patterns, frequency and severity of CT-induced toxicity and its economic consequences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, observational cohort study with lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, receiving first- or second-line (immuno-) CT (excluding myeloablative CT). Data were collected from patient interviews and preplanned chart reviews. Costs in 2007 euros are presented from the provider perspective. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients (n = 153 LPD; n = 120 NSCLC) undergoing a total of 1004 CT cycles were assessable (age ≥65 years, 40%; female, 36%; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, 11%; tumour stage ≥III, 56%; history of comorbidity, 80%). Fifty percent of cycles were associated with grade 3/4 toxicity and 37% (n = 371) with at least one hospital stay (outpatient/ day care n = 154; intensive care n = 19). Mean (median) toxicity-related costs amounted to €1032 (€86) per cycle. Costs rose exponentially with the number of grade 3/4 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and were highest in cycles affected by more than four ADRs, €10 881 (€5455); in cycles with intensive care, €14 121 (€8833); and in cycles affected by grade 3/4 infections and febrile neutropenia/ leukopenia, €7093 (€4531) and €5170 (€2899), respectively. Five percent of CT cycles accounted for 56% of total expenses. CONCLUSIONS: Individualised supportive care strategies are needed. Future research should focus on identifying toxicity clusters and patient characteristics predictive for high costs.
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Authors | B J Paessens, C von Schilling, K Berger, M Shlaen, C Müller-Thomas, R Bernard, C Peschel, A Ihbe-Heffinger |
Journal | Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
(Ann Oncol)
Vol. 22
Issue 10
Pg. 2310-9
(Oct 2011)
ISSN: 1569-8041 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 21343378
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(adverse effects, economics, therapeutic use)
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
(drug therapy, economics)
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Germany
- Health Care Costs
- Health Resources
(economics, statistics & numerical data)
- Humans
- Longitudinal Studies
- Lung Neoplasms
(drug therapy, economics)
- Lymphoproliferative Disorders
(drug therapy, economics)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
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