Estimated number of prevalent cases of metastatic bone disease in the US adult population

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of metastatic bone disease in the US population is not well understood. We sought to estimate the current number of US adults with metastatic bone disease using two large administrative data sets.MethodsPrevalence was estimated from a commercially insured cohort (ages 18–64 years, MarketScan database) and from a fee-for-service Medicare cohort (ages ≥65 years, Medicare 5% database) with coverage on December 31, 2008, representing approximately two-thirds of the US population in each age group. We searched for claims-based evidence of metastatic bone disease from January 1, 2004, using a combination of relevant diagnosis and treatment codes. The number of cases in the US adult population was extrapolated from age- and sex-specific prevalence estimated in these cohorts. Results are presented for all cancers combined and separately for primary breast, prostate, and lung cancer.ResultsIn the commercially insured cohort (mean age = 42.3 years [SD = 13.1]), we identified 9505 patients (0.052%) with metastatic bone disease. Breast cancer was the most common primary tumor type (n = 4041). In the Medicare cohort (mean age = 75.6 years [SD = 7.8]), we identified 6427 (0.495%) patients with metastatic bone disease. Breast (n = 1798) and prostate (n = 1862) cancers were the most common primary tumor types. We estimate that 279,679 (95% confidence interval: 274,579–284,780) US adults alive on December 31, 2008, had evidence of metastatic bone disease in the previous 5 years. Breast, prostate, and lung cancers accounted for 68% of these cases.ConclusionOur findings suggest that approximately 280,000 US adults were living with metastatic bone disease on December 31, 2008. This likely underestimates the true frequency; not all cases of metastatic bone disease are diagnosed, and some diagnosed cases might lack documentation in claims data.

The Surgical Treatment of Pelvic Bone Metastases

“…However, this has resulted in an increase in number of patients at risk of developing bone metastases or experiencing a pathological fracture [4]. These patients demand a more reliable and stable reconstructive technique.…”

Numb chin syndrome as a sign of mandibular metastasis: A case report

“…Moreover, tumors rarely metastasize only to bone [9]. Thorough investigations should rule out accompanying soft tissue metastasis.…”

Dental health status and patient-reported outcomes at baseline in patients participating in the osteonecrosis of the jaw registry study, SWOG S0702

“…It is estimated that over a quarter million patients in the US have metastatic bone disease 3 and the S0702 study population sheds insight into the oral health of this patient population. If the overall population with metastatic bone disease has a similar frequency of poor oral hygiene (6%), then approximately 15,000 patients would be affected.…”

“…2 Data generated from Medicare and MarketScan databases indicate that in 2008 there were approximately 280,000 adults in the US with metastatic bone disease within the previous five years. 3 Metastases are the major cause of death from advanced cancer. 4 …”