LUNG CANCER HOSPITALISATION COSTS IN TASMANIA: A POPULATION-BASED COST-OF-ILLNESS STUDY...
Author(s)
Sofoora K. Usman, MSc, BBA1, Barbara de Graaff, PhD1, Pieter Van Dam, PhD2, Andrew Palmer, PhD1, Ingrid Cox, MSc, PhD, MD1.
1Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 2School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
1Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 2School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Australia and Tasmania has the second highest incidence nationally, yet jurisdiction-specific hospitalisation cost data remain scarce. This study aimed to quantify hospitalisation costs attributable to lung cancer in Tasmania and to identify key clinical, demographic, and system-level drivers of cost variation.
METHODS: A retrospective cost-of-illness study was conducted using linked Cancer Registry and administrative hospital data for lung cancer patients diagnosed in Tasmania between 2012 and 2022. Episode costs were estimated using the National Activity Based Funding framework and reported into 2024 Australian dollars. Total costs over the study period and mean annual costs were examined as outcomes. Univariable and stepwise multivariable generalised linear regression models with a log link function and gamma distribution were used to assess influential factors for cost variation.
RESULTS: A total of 2,031 patients were included. The median total cost per patient was $25,430 (IQR $12,721-$51,278), with a mean of $38,430 (95% CI $36,448-$40,412). The median annual cost per patient was $22,016 (IQR $10,972-$36,529), while the mean annual cost was $27,277 (95% CI $26,095-$28,459). Patients with surgical treatment, metastatic disease, chemotherapy, and treatment in the post-immunotherapy era, with radiotherapy and complications had higher total costs over the study period. Annual costs were primarily driven by advanced disease and metastatic status, while surgery and chemotherapy were associated with lower annual costs due to longer survival. Costs increased over time, with patients treated in the post-immunotherapy era incurring substantially higher adjusted total costs.
CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer hospitalisation costs in Tasmania are driven predominantly by disease severity, treatment intensity, and comorbidity burden. A small subset of patients with complex care trajectories accounts for a disproportionate share of expenditure. These findings provide the first jurisdiction-specific inpatient cost estimates for Tasmania, informing resource allocation and health service planning.
METHODS: A retrospective cost-of-illness study was conducted using linked Cancer Registry and administrative hospital data for lung cancer patients diagnosed in Tasmania between 2012 and 2022. Episode costs were estimated using the National Activity Based Funding framework and reported into 2024 Australian dollars. Total costs over the study period and mean annual costs were examined as outcomes. Univariable and stepwise multivariable generalised linear regression models with a log link function and gamma distribution were used to assess influential factors for cost variation.
RESULTS: A total of 2,031 patients were included. The median total cost per patient was $25,430 (IQR $12,721-$51,278), with a mean of $38,430 (95% CI $36,448-$40,412). The median annual cost per patient was $22,016 (IQR $10,972-$36,529), while the mean annual cost was $27,277 (95% CI $26,095-$28,459). Patients with surgical treatment, metastatic disease, chemotherapy, and treatment in the post-immunotherapy era, with radiotherapy and complications had higher total costs over the study period. Annual costs were primarily driven by advanced disease and metastatic status, while surgery and chemotherapy were associated with lower annual costs due to longer survival. Costs increased over time, with patients treated in the post-immunotherapy era incurring substantially higher adjusted total costs.
CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer hospitalisation costs in Tasmania are driven predominantly by disease severity, treatment intensity, and comorbidity burden. A small subset of patients with complex care trajectories accounts for a disproportionate share of expenditure. These findings provide the first jurisdiction-specific inpatient cost estimates for Tasmania, informing resource allocation and health service planning.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-09, ISPOR Asia Pacific 2026, Bangkok, Thailand
Value in Health, Volume 55, Issue S1
Code
EE24
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
SDC: Geriatrics, SDC: Oncology, SDC: Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)