The Economic Burden of Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

BackgroundSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC), the most aggressive form of lung carcinoma, represents approximately 15% of all lung cancers; however, the economic and healthcare burden of SCLC is not well-defined.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the impact of SCLC on healthcare costs through a systematic literature review (SLR).MethodsUsing the OVID search engine, the SLR was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE In–Process, EMBASE, EconLIT and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED). Searches were limited to studies published between January 2005 and 24 February 2016, and excluded preclinical studies. Additional internet-based searches were conducted. In total, 229 abstracts were retrieved and systematically screened for eligibility, with 17 publications retained.ResultsThe majority of publications provided data on limited and extensive disease of SCLC. The reported burden was categorised as direct costs and indirect costs, with the majority of the publications (n = 16) reporting on direct costs and one reporting on both direct and indirect costs. The only indirect costs reported for SCLC were lost productivity (premature mortality costs) and caregiver burden. Chemotherapy, diagnostic costs and treatment costs were identified as significant costs when managing SCLC patients, including the associated treatment costs such as hospitalisation, nurse visits, emergency room visits, follow-up appointments and outpatient care.ConclusionsSCLC and its treatment have a substantial impact on costs. The scarcity and heterogeneity of economic cost data negated meaningful cost comparison, highlighting the need for further research. Capturing the economic burden of SCLC may help patients and clinicians make informed treatment choices and improve SCLC management.

Structural characterization of centipede oligopeptides and capability detection in human small cell lung carcinoma: inducing apoptosis

“…As one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, SCLC represents about 15% of lung neoplasms. 33 Compared with conventional chemotherapy, the surgical treatment of SCLC is much more effective. However, the high recurrence rate is still a difficult problem.…”

Lifetime survival and medical costs of lung cancer: a semi-parametric estimation from South Korea

“…Forth, social costs, such as out-of-pocket money and loss of productivities, were not included. In many other studies on the costs of lung cancer treatment, the out-of-pocket expenses were not considered due to their high uncertainty [ 27 ]. As of 2015, the coverage of health insurance by Korean government for cancer patients was 76% [ 28 ]; therefore, the total medical expenses actually paid by patients would be 1.3 times higher than reported in this study.…”

Economic costs of terminal care for selected non-communicable diseases from a healthcare perspective: a review of mortality records from a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

“…13 14 There has been an increase in the numbers of studies documenting the cost of various NCDs, however, the overwhelming majority of these studies have been conducted in developed countries or in low-income and middleincome countries in Asia. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Data from existing studies confirm the immense economic burden from NCDs. Muka et al in their review of the global impact of NCDs on healthcare found that globally, cancer and CVDs had the highest reported mean annual total direct costs per patient of approximately US$197 772 and US$81 096, respectively.…”