Cost-effectiveness analysis of granisetron-based versus standard antiemetic regimens in low-emetogenic chemotherapy: a hospital-based perspective from Malaysia.
BACKGROUND
In a prospective cohort study of antiemetic therapy conducted in Malaysia, a total of 94 patients received low emetogenic chemotherapy (LEC) with or without granisetron injections as the primary prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This study is a retrospective cost analysis of two antiemetic regimens from the payer perspective.


METHODS
This cost evaluation refers to 2011, the year in which the observation was conducted. Direct costs incurred by hospitals including the drug acquisition, materials and time spent for clinical activities from prescribing to dispensing of home medications were evaluated (MYR 1=$0.32 USD). As reported to be significantly different between two regimens (96.1% vs 81.0%; p=0.017), the complete response rate of acute emesis which was defined as a patient successfully treated without any emesis episode within 24 hours after LEC was used as the main indicator for effectiveness.


RESULTS
Antiemetic drug acquisition cost per patient was 40.7 times higher for the granisetron-based regimen than for the standard regimen (MYR 64.3 vs 1.58). When both the costs for materials and clinical activities were included, the total cost per patient was 8.68 times higher for the granisetron-based regimen (MYR 73.5 vs 8.47). Considering the complete response rates, the mean cost per successfully treated patient in granisetron group was 7.31 times higher (MYR 76.5 vs 10.5). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with granisetron-based regimen, relative to the standard regimen, was MYR 430.7. It was found to be most sensitive to the change of antiemetic effects of granisetron-based regimen.


CONCLUSIONS
While providing a better efficacy in acute emesis control, the low incidence of acute emesis and high ICER makes use of granisetron as primary prophylaxis in LEC controversial.
Department of Pharmacy, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia E-mail : huankeat123@yahoo.com.
Chan Huan
CH
Keat
Norazila Abdul
NA
Ghani
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017829:Granisetron / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008787:Metoclopramide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone; D017829:Granisetron; D008787:Metoclopramide