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Liver Cell Carcinoma in Poland: Data Reported to the National Health Fund in the Years 2008-2012

Mariusz Piechota, Anna Piechota, Andrzej Sliwczynski and Michal Marczak

Introduction: Liver cell carcinoma includes primary malignant liver neoplasms originating from epithelial cells. Liver cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers and is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, the epidemiology and the various available treatment options have not been sufficiently studied in Poland. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of use of various liver cell carcinoma treatments in Poland based on data reported by service providers to the National Health Fund in the years 2008-2012.

Patients and methods: Data concerning patients with liver cell carcinoma were obtained by querying the National Health Fund databases. The data were collected from the databases using SQL tools and a filter in accordance with the accepted scope of ICD-10 diagnoses. The analysis was conducted using Excel and Statistica 10. The demographic data were collected from the Central Statistical Office’s website.

Results: Data on the number of patients and the type of medical services available for patients with a diagnosis of liver cell carcinoma financed by NFZ in the years 2008-2012 are described.

Conclusions: The health care system in Poland does not provide liver cell carcinoma patients with rapid access to required health care services, which decreases patient survival. Treatment of advanced stage liver cell carcinoma with Sorafenib, with public payer financing, represents a real and accessible alternative treatment option for this group of patients.