Cost-Effectiveness of Imatinib for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): Gordois A, Scuffham P, Warren E, Ward S
Primary Institution: York Health Economics Consortium Ltd, University of York
Hypothesis
This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of imatinib when used in the accelerated and blast crisis phases of chronic myeloid leukaemia compared with conventional therapies.
Conclusion
Imatinib offers considerable advantages over current treatments in both survival and quality of life for advanced stages of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- Imatinib treatment resulted in a median survival of 39.5 months compared to 13.1 months for conventional therapies in the accelerated phase.
- In the blast crisis cohort, imatinib led to a 1-year survival rate of 40.4%, significantly higher than the 15.7% for the comparator cohort.
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for imatinib in the accelerated phase was £29,344 per QALY.
- The ICER for imatinib in the blast crisis was £42,239 per QALY.
- Imatinib was associated with 2.09 additional QALYs in the accelerated phase compared to conventional treatments.
Takeaway
Imatinib is a medicine that helps people with a type of blood cancer called chronic myeloid leukaemia live longer and feel better, even though it costs more than other treatments.
Methodology
A Markov model was developed to simulate the transitions of a hypothetical cohort of 1000 CML patients through various health states over a 5-year period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the source of funding for the study (Novartis) was minimized by using conservative assumptions.
Limitations
The study's effectiveness data were derived from manufacturer reports and may not fully represent patient experiences.
Participant Demographics
Patients included in the study were primarily adults with chronic myeloid leukaemia, with a median age of approximately 50 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 15.0–29.0%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website