Breast cancer research and treatment
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Breast Cancer Res. Treat. · Mar 2008
Epidemiology and economic burden of brain metastases among patients with primary breast cancer: results from a US claims data analysis.
To estimate the incidence, prevalence, and economic burden of secondary breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) among a US-based population of patients with primary breast cancer. ⋯ Secondary BCBM is a common occurrence among breast cancer patients, with rates increasing over time. Breast cancer patients with secondary BCBM incurred significantly more health care resources following diagnosis compared to those with breast cancer but no BCBM. Mean total costs for BCBM patients were more than double those of patients without BCBM at 6 and 12 months. The increasing prevalence and economic burden associated with BCBM suggests an unmet need that could be filled with newer treatments that improve breast cancer outcomes, including the prevention or delay of BCBM.