Evidence, economics, and emotions: the case for temozolomide.
Temozolomide, given as part of first line therapy in the treatment of grade IV astrocytoma, has been shown to improve survival in the short term. The financial cost of the treatment is considerable in New Zealand. This drug provides a good example in the field of oncology of a modern expensive pharmaceutical being a clear improvement over its cheaper predecessors, but it raises the question of what price should be paid to prolong survival in an incurable illness?
Hamilton
David
D
Blood and Cancer Centre, Wellington Hospital, Wellington South. david.hamilton@ccdhb.org.nz
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017277:Drug Approval / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics; D009520:New Zealand; D000077204:Temozolomide
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D003606:Dacarbazine; D000077204:Temozolomide