Cost burden of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Health Economics
• Oncology

Background:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, characterized by clinical heterogeneity.
• Treatment strategies for DLBCL are varied, incorporating both traditional and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the economic burden associated with DLBCL.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of current and emerging DLBCL management strategies, including precision and cellular medicine.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords.
• The search targeted the MEDLINE database (PubMed) for English-language articles published up to June 2019.
• Keywords focused on cost, cost burden, cost-of-illness, and cost-effectiveness related to DLBCL management.

Main Results:

• DLBCL therapies, while improving outcomes and offering cures, incur significant financial costs.
• The overall cost burden of DLBCL management is substantial for both patients and the healthcare system.
• Emerging personalized medicine approaches, such as CAR T-cells and targeted therapies, present promising treatment avenues but may increase overall costs.

Conclusions:

• Cost and cost-effectiveness analyses are essential for guiding DLBCL treatment pathways.
• Identifying cost-reduction strategies is vital to ensure broad access to appropriate DLBCL therapies.
• Balancing treatment efficacy with financial sustainability is key for future DLBCL care.