[Development of a predictive model for estimating healthcare costs in women with non-metastatic breast cancer].

Abstract

Objective: The justification for the research was the economic approach to breast cancer in order to introduce improvements. The objectives were to know the final cost in each subgroup of women with non-metastatic breast cancer, to know the average cost per patient, to predict the cost and to identify groups with the greatest economic impact for health systems.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in 411 women, after systematic random sampling, diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer and undergoing surgery in Abente y Lago Hospital (A Coruña) during 2010-2013. The information was obtained from medical records and databases. For cost evaluation, rates for health services in the Galician Health Service were taken into account. Univariates and multivariates analysis were performed.

Results: The average cost of non-metastatic breast cancer in women was €23,752.16±€16,015.82 and varied according to ten care profiles based on therapeutic management (p<0.001 in six of the profiles in relation to non-adjuvant surgery; in one, p=0.004; in one, p=0.022; not demonstrable in one with p=0.132). In the profiles with immunotherapy (14.6%) the cost was €54,190.54; €55,238; €69,278.45 and €57,364.81.

Conclusions: In non-metastatic breast cancer, ten care profiles according to therapeutic management best approximate the cost. In addition to having the average cost, the cost per patient can be predicted with a mathematical formula that includes age, origin of screening, infiltrated nodes and care profile. The groups with anti-HER2 treatment have a greater economic impact.