Novel anticancer agents for multiple myeloma: a review of the evidence for their therapeutic and economic value

Abstract

Recent advances in oncology treatment have improved patient outcomes at the expense of increasing healthcare costs. The indication multiple myeloma is especially characterized by a recent and continuing flood of expensive novel agents. A review encompassing all elements necessary to perform an economic evaluation of novel agents for multiple myeloma was conducted for thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide. Improvements in efficacy have led to a switch from conventional therapy to novel agents as standard therapy. Incremental cost–effectiveness ratios for novel agents alone or in combination with conventional agents were generally regarded to be within acceptable ranges. Conflicting results were reported for the incremental cost–effectiveness of bortezomib versus lenalidomide, as unresolved questions remain regarding their comparative effectiveness. Future economic evaluations will require an assessment of the cost–effectiveness of these agents in terms of sequence within the treatment paradigm and in combination with one another.