Hepatocellular carcinoma: what are the differential costs compared to the general population?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 90% of all primary liver cancer cases, is the fifth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aims to analyse the differential costs of HCC-related hospital admissions compared to the general population in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study analyzed inpatient admissions from a Spanish national discharge database, covering 90% of hospitals between 2010 and 2022. HCC-related admissions were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes, while control admissions were selected from the general population in the same database without an HCC diagnosis. The direct hospitalization cost was included, covering medical examinations, procedures, medications, surgeries, personnel and equipment. Statistical methods, including nearest-neighbor matching, propensity score matching, and a generalized linear model, were used to estimate differential costs and to ensure comparability based on age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: propensity score matching, and €1,767.77 using nearest-neighbor matching. Total costs per HCC admission ranged between €1,000 and €31,000. CONCLUSIONS: HCC-related hospital admissions impose a significantly higher economic burden due to the complexity of care. Given the high mortality and resource utilization, advancements in early detection, treatment, and cost-effective interventions are needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Source: Journal of Medical Economics
Authors: Josep Darbà, Meritxell Ascanio
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408795964