Economic Burden of treated Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes in France: A Population-Based Study

Updated data are needed to understand the current implications of Low-risk Myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) on healthcare resource use (HCRU) and associated costs. Objectives of this study were to describe these outcomes over time but also to compare costs according to transfusion dependency at baseline.

A retrospective observational study was carried out using the ESND ("Echantillon National du SNDS") database. All incident adults newly treated for MDS were included between 2018 and 2022. Patients were followed from the start of specific treatment to death, the end of the study period, or loss to follow-up (FU). HCRU and related costs were described according to French National Health Insurance perspective in euro 2022. Reimbursed total costs per patient were computed per year of follow-up and according to transfusion status.

Over the study period, 267 patients newly treated for LR-MDS were included. Median total costs related to HCRU/patient for the entire FU period were estimated at €41,698 (IQR: 19,093; 84,111) with a median cost/patient/year of FU ranging from €26,693 (Y1) to €20,418 (Y3). Main cost drivers were hospitalizations and use of specific drugs. TD patients had more hospitalizations (94.4% vs 89.3%) and transfusions (77.5% vs 47.4%), leading to statistically significantly higher costs after treatment initiation.

This nationwide study is the largest describing the economic burden of treated LR-MDS patients in France using administrative claims data. Elevated costs and substantial burden for treated patients and the health care system were observed. Transfusion dependence was associated with incremental health care resource utilization and related costs. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of emerging therapies in this indication.