Cost analysis of different phases of acute myeloid leukaemia

Priority lists have been formulated in several countries and cut-backs can be a threat to leukaemia treatment. We analysed the costs in different phases of disease for 54 conventionally treated patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Thirty-two patients reached CR 1, seven patients are still alive as of May 1994. We found a cost per week and patient of 17,334 Swedish Crowns (SEK) (U.K. 1 pound = 10.57 and U.S. $1 = 5.91, 1990) in induction phase, 1854 in remission phase and 10,529 SEK in relapse phase. In the terminal phase 10% of the total cost was spent. The quality of life of the patients in relapse is discussed and palliative treatment is emphasized.