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Published on: April 6, 2016
Economic impact of gefitinib for refractory non-small-cell lung cancer: a Markov model-based analysis
Christos Chouaid1, Isabelle Monnet, Gilles Robinet
1Inserm unit U707, APHP, Paris, France. christos.chouaid@sat.ap-hop-paris.fr
Unlabelled:
Few data are available on the economics of target therapy or refractory non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Objective:
To determine the mean global management costs (MC) per patient treated with gefitinib for NSCLC, and the costs of the different management phases.
Method:
A Markov approach was used to model treatment costs in a cohort of 106 patients treated with gefitinib as part of a compassionate-use program (third-line treatment) in six public-sector teaching hospitals. The economic analysis adopted the health care payer's perspective, and only direct costs were taken into account.
Results:
The mean duration of gefitinib treatment was 4.6 +/- 5.8 months (1-29 months); median survival was 4 months, 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 12.3% and 4.7%, respectively. The mean total management cost was 39,979 euros +/- 20,279. The model showed that first- and second-line treatments accounted for respectively 29.5% and 44.1% of this cost, while gefitinib periods represented 10.7%, periods of remission 1.25%, and terminal care 14.5%. A sensitivity analysis showed that the price of gefitinib had little influence on the total cost.
Conclusion:
The cost of third-line gefitinib therapy for NSCLC appears acceptable from the healthcare payer's perspective, but this needs to be confirmed in dedicated cost-effectiveness studies.
Insights
The mean management cost for third-line gefitinib therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was €39,979. Early-line treatments and terminal care represented the largest cost components, not the gefitinib therapy itself.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Limited economic data exist for target therapy in refractory non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Understanding treatment costs is crucial for healthcare system planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mean global management costs (MC) per patient treated with gefitinib for NSCLC.
- To analyze the costs associated with different management phases of NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- A Markov model was employed to assess treatment costs in 106 patients receiving third-line gefitinib via a compassionate-use program.
- The economic analysis adopted a healthcare payer's perspective, focusing solely on direct medical costs.
Main Results:
- The mean total management cost was €39,979 per patient.
- First- and second-line treatments constituted 29.5% and 44.1% of total costs, respectively.
- Gefitinib treatment periods accounted for 10.7% of costs, with terminal care at 14.5%.
Conclusions:
- Third-line gefitinib therapy for NSCLC appears economically acceptable from a healthcare payer's viewpoint.
- Further cost-effectiveness studies are recommended to validate these findings.
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