Costs and consequences of different chemotherapy regimens in metastatic colorectal cancer
2002

Costs of Chemotherapy Regimens for Colorectal Cancer

Sample size: 68 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hale J P, Cohen D R, Maughan T S, Stephens R J

Primary Institution: University of Glamorgan

Hypothesis

What are the costs and consequences of different chemotherapy regimens in metastatic colorectal cancer?

Conclusion

The study found that the Lokich regimen offers the best value for money compared to de Gramont and raltitrexed, despite similar clinical benefits.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mean total societal costs were highest for de Gramont (£5051), followed by raltitrexed (£2616) and Lokich (£2576).
  • Statistically significant cost differences were found between de Gramont and both Lokich and raltitrexed.
  • The study showed that raltitrexed had similar response rates but increased toxicity compared to de Gramont.

Takeaway

This study looked at how much different cancer treatments cost and found that one treatment is cheaper and just as effective as another.

Methodology

An economic sub-study was conducted alongside a multi-centre randomised trial comparing three chemotherapy regimens, assessing costs from a societal perspective over a 12-week period.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in patient selection and representativeness of the sub-sample compared to the overall trial population.

Limitations

The study was limited to a sub-sample of patients from six centres, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Patients with advanced metastatic colorectal carcinoma, aged 18 and older, from six of the 45 centres in the main trial.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P<0.01

Confidence Interval

95%CI £914–£4037

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600273

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