Economic analysis of the use of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor in autologous bone marrow transplantation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the economic impact of the use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (RHu-G-CSF) in patients treated by autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) for lymphomas. Demographic, clinical and economic data were collected retrospectively from a random sample of 55 patients in four French centres who underwent ABMT (usual care) without or with administration of RHu-G-CSF over a period of 100 days post-ABMT. The patients treated with RHu-G-CSF had a shorter period of infection, neutropenia and severe neutropenia (P < 0.05) when compared with usual care recipients. Compared to usual care, the use of G-CSF was associated with a 3% reduction in total cost of care for ABMT over 100 days post-ABMT or US$1316, including RHu-G-CSF cost. This cost reduction was mainly due to a reduced length of stay in hospital and fewer laboratory tests.