Analysis of economic efficiency of iron deficiency anemia therapy in patients with malignant tumors

Abstract

Introduction. Correction of iron deficiency anemia in patients with malignant neoplasms is an important aspect affecting the quality of life and the effectiveness of special treatments. At the same time, the therapy of comorbid conditions significantly increases the cost of treating cancer patients.The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of the two most common methods for correcting iron deficiency anemia in cancer patients: transfusion of erythrocyte suspension and intravenous iron preparations using iron carboxymaltose as an example.Materials and methods. An observational, analytical, cohort study was carried out, which included 120 cancer patients. The patients underwent laboratory examination. The tests were assessed: a general blood test with an assessment of the morphological characteristics of erythrocytes, serum iron, ferritin, CRP, total protein. An analysis of the costs of iron deficiency anemia therapy was carried out, taking into account the procurement cost of drugs.Results. It is economically more profitable to use intravenous iron preparations in comparison with transfusion of erythrocyte suspension for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with malignant neoplasms. The cost of correcting iron deficiency anemia per patient was: when treated with carboxymaltosate iron (Ferinject): 7943.96 rubles, with transfusion of erythrocyte suspension: 16856.40 rubles.Conclusion. In the treatment of anemia in patients with malignant neoplasms with blood preparations (erythrocyte suspension), an improvement in hematological parameters is noted earlier and to a greater extent than with the use of iron preparation carboxymaltozate («Ferinject»). Nevertheless, the duration of the clinical effect when using erythrocyte suspension is lower than that of a parenteral iron preparation.