Analysis of Socioeconomic Indirect Cost of Premature Death in Patients with HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) using Nationwide Claims Data

The premature deaths caused by human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 protein (HER2) positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) among working age groups result in significant socioeconomic losses. This study aims to quantify the socioeconomic burden of disease in female patients and provide evidence that can inform healthcare policy decisions. We identified deaths from HER2-positive MBC over the period from 2007 to 2021, using nationwide claims data of South Korea. Then, we estimated years of potential life lost (YPLL), years of potential productivity lost (YPPLL), and cost of productivity loss (CPL) to quantify socioeconomic burden of the disease. During the period from 2011 to 2020, a total of 3,576 patients died from HER2-positive MBC. The total YPLL over the period of 10 years from 2011 to 2020 was 128,605 years, corresponding to an average of approximately 36.0 years per deceased patient. The total YPPLL during the same period was 55,608 years, corresponding to an average of approximately 15.6 years per deceased patient. Additionally, total CPL of approximately 310 million won per deceased patient was incurred. All three disease burden indicators were highest among the age group of 40 to 54 years, which are individuals in their most productive time of life.