A systematic literature review of the economic implications of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and its impact on quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) diminishes physical performance, raises anxiety and depression levels, and increases healthcare resource utilization. OBJECTIVE: To understand the impact that CID has on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and on healthcare resource utilization. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, DARE, and the NHS EED databases. RESULTS: A total of 22 articles were retrieved for full review (n=17, HRQoL; n=5 healthcare resource utilization). Only 2 studies had assessed HRQoL in patients experiencing CID, while cost studies demonstrated that CID episodes are unnecessarily expensive and can be avoided if diagnosed and treated early. CONCLUSIONS: Better management of CID has the potential to reduce overall economic burden and improve patients' HRQoL. Available evidence also relays the need to conduct larger studies that assess HRQoL and consider cost beyond direct medical costs in order to understand the full impact of CID on HRQoL and healthcare resource utilization.