A cross-country review of data collected on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in cancer registries, databases, retrospective and non-randomized prospective studies

Abstract

Introduction:

An increased number of pharmacotherapies exist to treat advanced NSCLC. This necessitates a review of the available information on routine-care treatment patterns, the outcome of treatment, and resource utilization for patients diagnosed and treated with advanced NSCLC that could inform evidence-based treatment decisions and aid decisions on the most cost-effective treatment alternatives.

Methods:

PubMed and the Health Economic Evaluations Database were searched for retrospective or non-randomized prospective studies between January 2000 and May 2012 that included information on treatment patterns, treatment outcomes including health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), and resource utilization. In addition, registries and databases were identified from retrieved publications and internet searches. Data collected in registries and databases was summarized for eight European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, the Netherlands, the UK), Australia, and Canada.

Results:

The literature search resulted in 410 studies, whereof 87 studies met the study inclusion criteria. In total, 49 were retrospective chart reviews or database analyses, 30 non-randomized prospective studies, and eight HRQoL studies. Two studies compared treatment patterns and/or treatment outcomes across countries. Altogether, 181 cancer registries in the countries studied were identified. Clinical cancer-specific patient registries were identified in Australia and Germany. Databases or linkage systems that enable retrieval of complete information of patient disease history were found in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK. Cancer registries and databases were found to collect information on NSCLC patient demographics, NSCLC or lung cancer diagnosis, disease stage, performance status, treatment, treatment outcomes, and resource use. Differences existed between country registries and databases in whether information was collected on each of these data points.

Conclusion:

The literature review revealed few published NSCLC studies on treatment, treatment outcomes, and resource use in routine clinical practice and on HRQoL. Registries and databases were found to collect some of this information, however not systematically.

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Treatment patterns
• HRQoL
• Literature review
• Registries
• Patient databases
• Retrospective and prospective studies

Transparency

Declaration of funding

Funding for this study was provided by Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

H.W.F. is employed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. A.D.G. and J.E. have disclosed they are employed by Optum Insight Life Sciences, a company that received funding by Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH to conduct the research pertinent to this study.

The peer reviewers on this manuscript have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Acknowledgements

No assistance in preparation of this article is to be declared.