  Objectives: Lung cancer remains a significant global public health challenge
and is still one of the leading cause of cancer-related death in Argentina.
This study aims to assess the disease and economic burden of lung cancer in the
country.
  Study design: Burden of disease study
  Methods. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the disease burden
and direct medical cost attributable to lung cancer. Epidemiological parameters
were obtained from local statistics, the Global Cancer Observatory, the Global
Burden of Disease databases, and a literature review. Direct medical costs were
estimated through micro-costing. Costs were expressed in US dollars (US$),
April 2023 (1 US$ =216.38 argentine pesos). A second-order Monte Carlo
simulation was performed to estimate the uncertainty.
  Results: Considering approximately 10,000 deaths, 12,000 incident cases, and
14,000 5-year prevalent cases, the economic burden of lung cancer in Argentina
in 2023 was estimated to be US$ 556.20 million (396.96 -718.20), approximately
1.4% of the total healthcare expenditure for the country. The cost increased
with a higher stage of the disease and the main driver was the drug acquisition
(80%). 179,046 Disability-adjusted life years could be attributable to lung
cancer representing the 10% of the total cancer.
  Conclusion: The disease and economic burden of lung cancer in Argentina
implies a high cost for the health system and would represent 19% of the
previously estimated economic burden for 29 cancers in Argentina.
