Cost implications of haematopoietic growth factors in the BMT setting

The emergence of novel medical therapies has impacted considerably on the treatment of a number of diseases. However, the application of these new modalities is often restricted by cost concerns. Haematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) accelerate haematopoietic reconstitution and may be used in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) allowing dose intensification. It is hoped that the use of HGFs to reduce morbidity and supportive care requirements may lead to cost savings. Studies to assess the cost-effectiveness of G-CSF and GM-CSF are currently being conducted. In one analysis in the USA, the use of HGF alone following BMT did not significantly reduce overall costs; however, when HGF-primed progenitor cells were used in conjunction with BMT, a quicker neutrophil recovery was noted, which translated into shorter hospitalisation and, therefore, lower costs. These results indicate the importance of economic analyses, and in the future such cost-effectiveness studies will become an integral component of research development.