Cost-utility of darbepoetin alfa (DARBE) on an every-2 week (QOW) schedule in anemic non-myeloid hematologic malignancies: A positive overall impact on the healthcare system (HCS)

Abstract

8278 Background: DARBE is a long-acting erythropoietin approved for chemotherapy-induced anemia. It is preferentially prescribed at 200 mcg subcutaneously QOW. This administration has shown equal efficacy and appears to be cost effective and convenient to patients (pts) in comparison to recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO). The actual cost-utility benenfit of this schedule has not been reported. We conducted a cost analysis at our institution in patients with non-myeloid hematological cancers to assess the projected cost savings by using DARBE and to determine its potential overall impact on the HCS. Methods: This is a single institution study. All pts with multiple myeloma and lymphomas, treated with EPO between 1/1/02–12/31/02 were captured by a report generated through the pharmacy computer system. We projected that the number of pts treated with EPO 40,000 units QW would receive DARBE 200 mcg QOW. HCS cost was calculated based on acquisition cost of drug, travel costs based on IRS reimbursement rates, wages lost by patient and caretaker conservatively estimated based on national minimum wage, and nursing (RN), pharmacy (RPh), physician (MD) wages from the US Dept of Labor. Data was also collected for administration of each growth factor injection from the clinic including RN, RPh, MD time, wait time, appointment time, infusion chair time and drive time (see Table 1). Results: 300 doses of EPO were administered between 1/1/02 - 12/31/02. A summary of the financial and time costs is presented in Table 1. Conclusion: DARBE QOW is both more cost-effective and convenient for pts and clinical staff compared to EPO QW. Our limited analysis is suggestive of a global potential benefit to the HCS by use of longer acting HGF agents. No significant financial relationships to disclose.