Resource Use and Costs Associated to the Initial Phase of Treatment for Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Post-Surgery Chemotherapy: A Cost Analysis from a Healthcare Perspective

Background: to estimate the resource use and costs associated to the initial phase of treatment for colorectal cancer in iran. methods: a retrospective study was conducted using routinely collected data within electronic health records system (sepas), a national database representing public hospitals in iran between march 20, 2016 and march 19, 2017. primary end points included healthcare resource use, direct medical and non-medical costs of care in the 12-month study period. results: the study population included 657 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery and the follow-up chemotherapy. we estimated a total direct cost of $21,407 per patient. the results indicated that direct medical costs were primarily driven by inpatient hospital care, followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and diagnostic services. conclusion: the initial 12-month of treatment for colorectal cancer, including surgery and the follow-up chemotherapy, is resource intensive. the total direct costs associated to the disease are remarkable, with inpatient hospital services being the main contributor followed by surgery and chemotherapy.