Cost-utility analysis of recombinant human erythropoietin in anemic cancer patients induced by chemotherapy in Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a cost-utility analysis on recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) for treating anemic cancer patients induced by chemotherapy compared to blood transfusion alone under the Thai health care setting.


METHODS
A health care provider's perspective was used to examine relevant costs and outcomes using the Markov model. Cost data were estimated based on the reference price set by the Ministry of Public Health. The effectiveness data were obtained from a systematic review of published literature. The results were presented in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in Thai Baht per Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) gained. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis method was performed.


RESULTS
The ICERs of rHuEPO compared to blood transfusion alone were 3.7 and 2.7 millions Baht per QALY for patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dl and 8-9 g/dl, respectively. The rHuEPO required additional resources (more costly) with less benefit compared to blood transfusion for patients with hemoglobin 9-10 g/dl.


CONCLUSIONS
The rHuEPO may be cost-ineffective for the treatment of anemia caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients in Thailand.
Roungrong
Jirapan
J
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand.
Teerawattananon
Yot
Y
Chaikledkaew
Usa
U
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008390:Markov Chains; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011336:Probability; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013785:Thailand
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin