Beschreibung:
<jats:p> 383 </jats:p><jats:p> Background: 80% of HCC pts present with advanced disease, treatment for such pts is palliative in nature. It is important to ascertain cost associated with such palliative therapy, considering modest survival benefit afforded by these treatments. Methods: Utilizing a non-Medicare national claims database (MarketScan), we analyzed a cohort of pts with HCC diagnosis (Dx). Consistent with literature, pts selected had at least two claims with HCC code (155.0) between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2013, at least 2 claims with chronic liver condition within 1 year of the HCC Dx, no claims for other malignancies for 1 year before HCC Dx, and excluded hepatectomy or transplant. Follow up was from date of first HCC claim to end of continuous insurance coverage (EOC) with prescription drug claim tracking, or 12/31/2015. Pts were divided into 4 groups based on receipt of S, LDT, combined therapy (LDT+S), or best supportive care (BSC) after HCC Dx. Costs obtained by adding payment (Pmt) amounts for all inpatient, outpatient, and drug claims over follow-up period. Demographics and costs were summarized using means for continuous and frequencies for categorical variables. No adjustment for censoring was done, as no reason available for EOC. Average monthly cost was computed for each pt, and then averaged over pts. Results: Data were available for 6,987 patients over specified period, 67% were males, mean age was 60.2 years. Cost data by therapy received are summarized in the table below. Conclusions: Majority of HCC pts in this database were treated with BSC. Time to EOC tracked was significantly shorter for pts treated with S, compared to other 3 groups. Monthly cost associated with LDT, LDT+S, and S were not substantially different, but higher than cost associated with BSC. Prospectively collected survival, quality of life and cost data are important to ascertain true impact of palliative therapy in pts with advanced HCC. [Table: see text] </jats:p>