Treatment costs for Glioblastoma Multiforme in Nova Scotia

Background: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor in adults. The median survival in patients harboring this neopl asm is 12 months irrespective of any form of therapy, Health case costs of illnesses with high mortality rates, such as GEM, are of particular interes t in times of constrained health care resources. No information regarding c osts for the treatment of patients with GEM is available in Canada. The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis of the costs of treatment of GEM in Nova Scotia, Methods: Patients with histologically proven GEM during a t hree year period (1996-1998) in Nova Scotia were included in the study. Ana lysis was based on hospital costs supplemented by data on additional medica l services received following discharge for the primary intervention. Resul ts: The mean cost of medical care per patient from the time of diagnosis to death was $17,149. The highest costs were related to hospitalization with ward costs alone accounting for 48% of all costs. Radiotherapy costs were 2 5%, surgery costs were 16% and chemotherapy costs were 7% of all costs. Cos ts for diagnostic procedures were 6% of the total costs. Conclusion: Our da ta reflect the costs and practice pattern in the treatment of GEM in Nova S cotia and may be of value as an initial attempt to analyze costs of treatme nt of GEM in Canada.