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.

MATERIALS AND 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.