Cost analysis of a randomized stem cell mobilization study in multiple myeloma

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard for younger multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
• Stem cell mobilization typically involves cyclophosphamide plus G-CSF or G-CSF alone.
• Limited studies compare the costs of different mobilization strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the costs of two stem cell mobilization strategies in MM patients undergoing ASCT.
• To evaluate the economic impact of cyclophosphamide plus G-CSF versus G-CSF alone for mobilization.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 80 transplant-eligible MM patients (age ≤ 70).
• Patients received RVD induction and were randomized to cyclophosphamide + G-CSF (arm A) or G-CSF alone (arm B).
• Cost analysis included 69 patients who underwent mobilization and graft collection.

Main Results:

• Median mobilization costs were significantly higher in arm A (€3855) vs. arm B (€772).
• Cumulative costs for mobilization and collection were significantly lower in arm B (€8524) vs. arm A (€11,622).
• No significant difference in total ASCT costs between the arms (€34,997 vs. €31,981).

Conclusions:

• Mobilization with G-CSF alone is a preferable method for MM patients regarding mobilization and apheresis costs.
• G-CSF alone also requires less hospital resource utilization.
• This strategy offers a more cost-effective approach to stem cell mobilization in MM.