Cost, Cost-effectiveness and Survival Impact Assessment for A Better Management of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Single Centre Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Background & Aims: The world healthcare systems are currently challenged by the accumulating burden of colorectal cancer (CRC), and cancer registries represent an important segment for prevention and developing management plans, being useful in providing data regarding incidence, mortality, survival, exposure to carcinogens, lifestyle. Retrospective data from CRC patients in Romania was used to assess survival impact, costs, and cost-effectiveness considering three crucial aspects: pharmacology, chemo-/radio-therapy, and hospitalization for care and management of these patients. Methods: 423 CRC patients from the Institutional Cancer Registry of the Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Institute of Oncology in Cluj-Napoca, Romania were included in the cost analysis. For the assessment of cost efficiency of the primary treatment strategy, we collected data regarding direct medical costs associated with surgery, radiotherapy and medication, as well as the afferent day or continuous hospitalization, for each patient. For the cost-effectiveness analysis we used the method of estimation of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Results: No compelling differences regarding survival time were observed in different therapeutic options per CRC stage. Substantial differences in cost effectiveness among therapeutic options in the same stage of several thousand Euros in stages I-III, while for stage IV, the ICER was more than 100,000 Euros per life saved. Conclusions: Systematic evaluation of costs, cost-effectiveness, and survival impact, helps healthcare systems can make informed decisions to improve the management of colorectal cancer patients, optimizing outcomes while minimizing financial burden.