48 research outputs found
Cost minimization analysis of Herceptin subcutaneous versus Herceptin intravenous treatment for patients with HER2+ Breast cancer in Greece
Aim: To conduct an economic evaluation comparing Herceptin subcutaneous
formulation (Herceptin-SC) with Herceptin intravenous formulation
(Herceptin-IV), in the treatment of patients with human epidermal growth
factor receptor 2-positive (HER2 +) early and metastatic breast cancer
(EBC-MBC), in the Greek health care setting.
Methods: A cost-minimization model was developed to compare the total
cost of care, from the hospital perspective, for new and existing
patients, over 18 cycles therapy course. Total cost of therapy reflects
drug acquisition cost, consumables dispensed, hospital overheads,
physician and other staff time. Costing data were obtained from official
Government sources (in 2014) and resource utilization data from a local
validation of an international time and motion study.
Results: The mean total cost of therapy per patient on Herceptin-IV was
estimated at (sic)23,118 compared to (sic)21,870 per patient receiving
Herceptin-SC. Drug acquisition costs accounted for (sic)22,311 and
(sic)21,738 of total therapy costs for Herceptin-IV and Herceptin-SC,
respectively. Following drug acquisition costs, the administration cost
was (sic)267 and (sic)64 for Herceptin-IV and Herceptin-SC,
respectively. Moreover, the central venous access device cost was
(sic)290 and (sic)0 of the total costs of Herceptin IV and Herceptin SC,
respectively.
Conclusion: Whilst drug costs are even, from an economic perspective
treatment with Herceptin-SC is associated with a lower economic burden
in comparison to Herceptin-IV in the management of patients with HER2 +
EBC and MBC. Hence, the substitution of Herceptin-IV with Herceptin-SC
can produce valuable savings for the Greek health care system,
especially in the current economic environment where resources are
scarce