A Dutch study
suggests that drainage may be less expensive in the long run than a
surgical procedure for treating one of the most common side effects of
mesothelioma.
Pleural effusion is an excess of fluid that builds up between the layers of the pleura, or lining around the lungs. It is a common side effect in mesothelioma and several other cancers and can severely limit a patient's ability to breathe freely. Many mesothelioma patients with pleural effusion undergo pleurodesis, a procedure that closes the pleural space, making it impossible for fluid to continue to build up there.
But a team of Dutch researchers say that implanting a catheter to drain the fluid may be just as effective at managing the problem, and more cost effective than pleurodesis. The catheter, called an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), stays in place and allows the mesothelioma patient to drain excess lung fluid himself at home. About three quarters of patients in the study needed no specialized help to manage the drainage procedure and most experienced no complications.
The average cost of an IPC for a mesothelioma patient, including the costs associated with adverse events or help from a home care nurse, was EUR 4,028 (approximately $5,343 dollars). As a more invasive and extensive hospital procedure, pleurodesis, whether achieved through chemicals or surgery, tends to be more costly.
Although four IPC patients in the study had to be admitted to the hospital because of complications, the cost of IPC placement was determined to be "acceptable" when compared with the hospitalization costs for pleurodesis treatment. Insurance companies in The Netherlands do not typically pay for IPC placement for mesothelioma patients, either as a first-line treatment or as a treatment after failed pleurodesis, making cost effectiveness even more critical for patients. The study's authors say a randomized controlled trial will have to be performed to confirm the results of their cost-comparison.
Pleural effusion is an excess of fluid that builds up between the layers of the pleura, or lining around the lungs. It is a common side effect in mesothelioma and several other cancers and can severely limit a patient's ability to breathe freely. Many mesothelioma patients with pleural effusion undergo pleurodesis, a procedure that closes the pleural space, making it impossible for fluid to continue to build up there.
But a team of Dutch researchers say that implanting a catheter to drain the fluid may be just as effective at managing the problem, and more cost effective than pleurodesis. The catheter, called an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), stays in place and allows the mesothelioma patient to drain excess lung fluid himself at home. About three quarters of patients in the study needed no specialized help to manage the drainage procedure and most experienced no complications.
The average cost of an IPC for a mesothelioma patient, including the costs associated with adverse events or help from a home care nurse, was EUR 4,028 (approximately $5,343 dollars). As a more invasive and extensive hospital procedure, pleurodesis, whether achieved through chemicals or surgery, tends to be more costly.
Although four IPC patients in the study had to be admitted to the hospital because of complications, the cost of IPC placement was determined to be "acceptable" when compared with the hospitalization costs for pleurodesis treatment. Insurance companies in The Netherlands do not typically pay for IPC placement for mesothelioma patients, either as a first-line treatment or as a treatment after failed pleurodesis, making cost effectiveness even more critical for patients. The study's authors say a randomized controlled trial will have to be performed to confirm the results of their cost-comparison.
About 50 percent of patients with metastatic (spreading) cancer such as mesothelioma experience pleural effusion. If left untreated, pleural effusion can not only inhibit a mesothelioma patient's ability to breathe but can lead to lung collapse, pneumonia, or other complications.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. This article was written by a third party and its content reflects the views of the third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. This article was written by a third party and its content reflects the views of the third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly.
No comments:
Post a Comment