Impact médico-économique du cancer du poumon

The purpose of this article is to review the economics of lung cancer treatments. The cost of lung cancer management doubled in 10 years, essentially due the availability of new molecules. The cost efficiency ratio of these molecules is acceptable more particularly in specifics clinically or biologically well defined populations. Several studies analyzed the cost efficacy of maintenance strategy by continuation of the chemotherapy associated with the cisplatin in induction or with a “switch” drug. Histology, quality of induction chemotherapy response, performans status and the cost of the used molecule impact the cost efficiency ratio of this strategy. In second line setting the use of licensed medicines appears acceptable, more particularly in patients with a good performans status. In the elderly population and in patients with PS2 few economics data's are available. Finally the early use of supportive cares seems, in a randomized study to have an important economic impact, but supplementary studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.