Increased financial burden among patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia receiving imatinib in Japan: a retrospective survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The financial burden of medical expenses has been increasing for cancer patients. We investigated the relationship between household income and financial burden among patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) who have been treated with imatinib.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to 1200 patients between May and August 2009. We retrospectively surveyed their household incomes, out-of-pocket medical expenses, final co-payments after refunds, and the perceived financial burden of their medical expenses in 2000, 2005 and 2008.

Results

A total of 577 patients completed the questionnaire. Their median age was 61 years (range, 15-94). A financial burden was felt by 41.2 % (28 of 68) of the patients treated with imatinib in 2000, 70.8 % (201 of 284) i

SUBMITTER: Kodama Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3502305 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature