Healthcare costs of terminal-stage lung cancer patients in the intensive care unit: a comparison with other critically ill patients

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to compare the costs, clinical features, and management strategies in the intensive care unit (ICU) between patients with terminal-stage lung cancer and those with non-malignant respiratory conditions. Additionally, factors associated with ICU costs and differences in clinical characteristics by in-hospital mortality status were evaluated.Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 250 patients monitored in the pulmonary ICU from January 2020 to December 2025. Of these, 190 had terminal-stage lung cancer, and 60 required ICU admission for non-malignant respiratory conditions. Retrospective analyses included demographic characteristics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores, ICU interventions, complications, in-hospital mortality data, and ICU-related costs.Results: The total ICU cost was higher for patients with terminal-stage lung cancer compared to the non-malignant patient group [1736.20 United States Dollar (USD) vs. 1161.02 USD, respectively; p=0.010]. The terminal-stage lung cancer group exhibited significantly higher rates of mechanical ventilation (MV) (88.4% vs. 60.0%; p