International Research and OpJnion

Parnidronic acid prevents bone complications of cancer, at a cost

Pamidronic acid is effective in the reduction of bone complications in patients with metastatic breast cancer, but its cost-effectiveness ratio is high, say researchers from Massey Cancer Center in Richmond, US.

The cost per event avoided was $US44 600 for patients receiving chemotherapy and $US 128 800 for those receiving hormone therapy [see table]. This retrospective study used data from 2 clinical trials, in which either chemotherapy or hormone therapy was used as initial systemic treatment. Patients (n = 752) received IV pamidronic acid over 4 hours every 4 weeks.

Cost effectiveness and cost utility of pamidronic acid ($US)

P~ldronlc .cld + Pamldronlc ~~eld + chem hormone thet"apy

Coatlpadent 18 705 21927

eo.tlewnt rtOidecl 44600 128800

eo.tiQAL Y*_galned 105100 316200

• QAL Y = quality-adjusted Ufe year

The study was conducted from the perspective of the health insurer, and costs included those associated with acquisition and administration of pamidronic acid ($US775/month, based on average wholesale price) and the treatment of adverse events. Hillner BE, Weeks JC, Smith TJ. Desch CE. Pamidronate in prevention of bone complications in metastatic breast cancer: a post-hoc cost-effectiveness analysis. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 50: 234, No. 3, 1998 r abstract 1 1!00733035

1173-550319910201·0007/$01.00c Adia International Limited 1999. All rights reserved PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 27 Feb 1999 No. 201

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