Cost-consequence analysis of surgical and clinical treatment modalities of laryngeal cancer

Abstract

Background  Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) may be treated clinically or surgically as a therapeutic option with a curative intention. The aim of this study is to compare direct medical costs and overall survival associated with the treatment of LSCC.

Methods  Retrospective cost-consequence analysis, from the perspective of a Brazilian public hospital that included patients with LSCC, from 2014 to 2017. Unit costs were estimated using a macro-costing approach. The Propensity Score Matching method was used. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results  The therapeutic modalities were similar in terms of total costs: USD 32,259.65 for the clinical group and USD 34,385.87 for the surgical group (p = 0.215). Patients in the surgical group showed better overall survival than the clinical group (HR 0.53; p = 0.047).

Conclusion  Both therapeutic modalities for the treatment of LSCC showed similar total costs. Nevertheless, overall survival was better in the surgical group.