title: Use of decision analysis to evaluate the costs and benefits of filgrastim (G-CSF) therapy.
abstract: The FDA's approval of filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF]) for accelerated recovery of neutrophil counts following chemotherapy has prompted discussions regarding the cost and benefits associated with such expensive new therapies. One method to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a therapy is decision analysis, which provides a quantitative method of cost analysis. Using the principles of decision analysis, we created a decision-analysis tree for evaluating the cost effectiveness of G-CSF therapy. Based on data gathered from a retrospective review of ambulatory oncology patients, we found that routine administration of G-CSF to all outpatients receiving chemotherapy is not cost effective, although it would be justifiable for some patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Peroutka
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Mutnick
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003663:Decision Trees; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005334:Fever / Q000150:complications; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies