Inpatients Costs of Cancer Treatment Among Children and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Researchers at the ASH Annual Meeting 2018 in San Diego presented that young adult patients diagnosed with accute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) being treated at specialized cancer centers (SCCs) are spending more for inpatient care and experiencing longer terms of stay. 

Theresa Keegan, Ph.D., MS, Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training presented with colleagues on survival outcomes for ALL patients and concluded, “that receiving all cancer treatment at specialized cancer centers (vs community hospitals) through end of therapy is associated with better leukemia-specific survival in children (0-18 years) and young adults (YA; 19-39 years) diagnosed with ALL in California.”

The new study examined costs associated with the respective age groups’ treatments, length of stays, and procedures and compared them to the data of patients in SCC and community hospitals. 

Researchers “determined the number of inpatient days and cumulative inpatient costs within 3 years of diagnosis. Mean and median costs overall and per day by age group and location of care were compared using t-tests and Kruskal Wallace tests.”

The study found that the mean cost for children receiving all care at SCCs vs. non-SCCs was $216,439 vs $191,082. Broken down, the cost of each day of treatment was higher. The mean cost for YA patients receiving all treatment at SCCs was $380,556 vs $346,706 at non-SCCs. 

The researchers concluded, “As inpatient costs do not reflect the total burden associated with cancer care, future studies should consider how location of care impacts outpatient, emergency department and out-of-pocket costs. Given findings of better outcomes among children and YAs receiving all care at SCCs, we believe the marginal increased cost should be considered in view of the better outcomes at SCCs.”.

—Edan Stanley