Use of Anticancer Therapies and Economic Burden Near the End of Life in Japan: Results From Claims Database

Abstract

PURPOSE In patients with cancer, aggressive treatment near the end of life (EOL) may decrease quality of life and increase medical costs. In this study, we examined the use of anticancer therapies near the EOL in Japan. METHODS We used a commercial database of health insurance claims in Japan, to examine patient data on cancer and death until August 2020. We assessed the proportion of patients using anticancer therapies within 14 days of death, associated factors, and medical costs from the payer's perspective. RESULTS The database documented 5,759 patients with cancer who died between December 2013 and August 2020. Among them, 4.8% of patients and 3.9% of age-adjusted patients received anticancer therapy within 14 days of death. Patients age < 60 years were associated with a high probability of receiving anticancer therapy near the EOL. The estimated annual anticancer therapy and related costs were Japanese yen 1,296 million (US dollars 12.6 million). CONCLUSION We found the percentage of patients receiving anticancer therapies within 14 days of death in Japan, its associated factors, and economic burden. Our findings can serve as a benchmark for optimizing EOL care.