A retrospective analysis illustrating the substantial clinical and economic burden of prostate cancer.

The aim of this study was to determine the treatment patterns and resource utilization of various prostate cancer treatments, and quantify the economic and clinical impact of each. In a retrospective analysis of medical and pharmacy claims between 2000 and 2005, using the PharMetrics database, male patients aged > or =40 years with prostate cancer diagnosis were identified. The costs of medical and prostate cancer-related expenditures for the treatment options were determined for three periods: from diagnosis to first treatment, during and after treatment. A total of 9035 patients were included. The mean age of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer was 61.4 years. Patients aged 50-59 years represented the highest proportion at 51%. The majority received some form of treatment. Watchful waiting (WW) was the primary means of management for 30%. The average 2-year cost for WW was $24 809 and for active treatment was $59, 286. Surgery was the most common treatment among younger men. Non-cancer-related costs were similar among those receiving treatment or WW, but prostate cancer costs were over five times greater in the treated patients. With or without treatment, prostate cancer is a significant clinical and economic burden to society. New strategies for treatment or cancer prevention could play a role in reducing this burden.