[Cancer Therapy Analysis from the Viewpoint of DPC Data.]

DPC(Diagnosis Procedure Combination), Japanese specific prospective payment system, is gradually taking root in Japan. Hospitals under this system are required to submit nationally standardized electronic data to get reimbursed. DPC data include not only information for reimbursement but also details of medical records of each patient. We have tried to investigate actual situation of cancer treatment in Japan by analyzing DPC data. In this study, we have revealed actual situation of non-small cell lung cancer treatment in both Osaka prefecture and nationwide using girasol , the DPC-analysis-system, by Medical Architects Inc. Moreover, we report the significant variations in non-small cell lung cancer chemotherapy regimens and therapy protocols between the two hospitals in Osaka prefecture.