Economic Evaluation of Third-Line Treatment with Alemtuzumab for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

Authors: Scott, W. Guy; Scott, Helen M.

Source: Clinical Drug Investigation, Volume 27, Number 11, 2007 , pp. 755-764(10)

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Abstract:

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the potential economic efficiency of third-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with alemtuzumab versus fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR).

Methods: The target population for this study were patients with CLL who were able to tolerate third-line treatment with either FCR or alemtuzumab. The perspective used was that of the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC)/District Health Board. Health outcomes considered were survival time from commencement of treatment and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Average costs and outcomes and incremental cost per patient treated, per survival month and per QALY gained, were calculated. All costs were presented in 2006 New Zealand dollars.

Results: Base-case direct medical costs for alemtuzumab per treatment regimen per patient were $NZ15 303 lower than those for FCR. The average direct medical cost per survival month gained for alemtuzumab was $NZ3144 and for FCR was $NZ4101, and the average direct medical cost per QALY gained was $NZ46 016 and for FCR was $NZ60 012.

Conclusion: Third-line treatment of eligible patients with alemtuzumab was found to be $NZ15 303 less costly than FCR per patient.

Keywords: Alemtuzumab; Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; Cost analysis; Cost effectiveness

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: 1 ScottEconomics, Wellington, New Zealand

Publication date: 2007-01-01