Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced-stage testicular cancer: cost-benefit analysis.
A cost-benefit analysis of the impact of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy for treatment of disseminated testicular cancer showed that the annual estimated economic value of this treatment innovation in the United States is approximately $150 million. The estimate was based on the human capital approach, which conservatively values a human life in terms of economic productivity. Because testicular cancer predominantly strikes young adult males, the savings reported were due to the future earning potential of the survivors. A comparison of relevant National Cancer Institute (NCI) costs for drug development and clinical trials versus annual savings realized indicated that the total costs over a 17-year period are recovered in less than 1 year. This report is an example of health care cost savings resulting from NCI support of biomedical research.
Shibley
L
L
Office of Program Operations and Planning, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Brown
M
M
Schuttinga
J
J
Rothenberg
M
M
Whalen
J
J
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001761:Bleomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics; D004341:Drug Evaluation / Q000191:economics; D004407:Dysgerminoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D001761:Bleomycin; D014747:Vinblastine; D002945:Cisplatin