[Economic evaluation of prophylaxis with recombinant granulopoiesis stimulating factor]

The aim of the study was to economically evaluate the prophylactic use of the recombinant factor of the stimulation of granulocyte colonies (rG-CSF) for the prevention of episodes of febrile neutropenia (EFN) following antineoplasic chemotherapy.

The methods of economic evaluation used were those of cost analysis and cost-effectivity analysis. The probability of occurence of EFN was estimated by the application of the Delphi method and the costs were calculated.

The costs of EFN for the patients with solid tumors is situated between 236,000-377,000 pesetas according to hospitalary centers. For patients with acute leukemia the value was estimated as between 391,000-667,000 pesetas. The results of the cost analysis indicate that the net cost per patient prophylactically treated is between 4,000-64,000 pesetas. The results of the cost-effectivity analysis indicate that the cost per case of no incidence of EFN is between 20,000-320,000 pesetas.

Episodes of febrile neutropenia carry expansive hospital and antibiotic clinical treatment. The prophylactic use of new medication for patients between the first and second cycle of chemotherapy, in agreement with the estimates calculated, does not save health care costs but may improve the quality of life in these patients and permit the continuation of a therapeutic schedule without interruption which may improve the life expectancy of the patient.