A retrospective analysis of treatment-related hospitalization costs of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Healthcare costs of cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To collate and critically review international evidence on the direct health system costs of children and adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer.

METHODS

We conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles were limited to studies involving people aged 0-39 years at cancer diagnosis and published from 2012 to 2022. Two reviewers screened the articles and evaluated the studies using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. The reviewers synthesized the findings using a narrative approach and presented the costs in 2022 US dollars for comparability.

RESULTS

Overall, the mean healthcare costs for all cancers in the 5 years post diagnosis ranged from US$36,670 among children in Korea to US$127,946 among AYA in the USA. During the first year, the mean costs among children 0-14 years ranged from US$34,953 in Chile to over US$130,000 in Canada. These were higher than the costs for AYA, estimated at US$61,855 in Canada. At the end of life, the mean costs were estimated at over US$300,000 among children and US$235,265 among adolescents in Canada. Leukemia was the most expensive cancer type, estimated at US$50,133 in Chile, to US$152,533 among children in Canada. Overall, more than a third of the total cost is related to hospitalizations. All the included studies were of good quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare costs associated with cancer are substantial among children, and AYA. More research is needed on the cost of cancer in low- and middle-income countries and harmonization of costs across countries.

Clinical use of polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulins during intensive polychemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is seen in almost 30% of cases of cancer among children. Drop in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and immunosuppression during chemotherapy are causing the significant increase in the risk of other complications, which can lead to prolonged hospitalization, higher costs of therapy and increased mortality.

METHODS

The analysis concerned 78 patients treated for ALL at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology. The indications for the use of immunoglobulins, the regimen of administration, the dose and adverse reactions were analyzed.

RESULTS

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) were used in 66 (85%) of 78 patients. The standard risk group (SR) was represented by 10 (15%) patients, intermediate (IR) - 29 (44%), and high (HR) - 27 (41%). The most common were 1 and 2-day administrations - 60% and 28%, respectively, of transfusions. The spread of the IVIG doses used ranged from 43 mg to 882 mg/kg body weight. In the SR and IR groups, preparations were transfused at the reinduction stage, while in the HR-consolidation. Among the indications for IVIG, the most common was hypogammaglobulinemia-117 (42%), neutropenia-69 (25%) and infection-62 (22%). During the implementation of 279 patterns of immunoglobulin preparations, 8 (3%) post-transfusion reactions were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of ALL patients required immunoglobulin substitution during polychemotherapy. The supply of preparations is safe, however, there are no unambiguous guidelines regarding their dosage.

Disparities in household material hardship, financial toxicity, and income loss in pediatric cancer

BACKGROUND

Based on previous reports of disparities in financial burden following a cancer diagnosis, this study aims to characterize mechanisms of disparities experienced by caregivers of children with cancer, including the impact of work flexibility and social support.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey (in English or Spanish) of caregivers of children with cancer that assessed household material hardship (HMH), financial toxicity, and income change.

RESULTS

Of 156 caregivers surveyed, 32% were Hispanic and 32% were low income. Hispanic caregivers were more likely to report HMH and financial toxicity compared to non-Hispanic White and Asian (HMH: 57% vs. 21% vs. 19%, p < .001; financial toxicity: 73% vs. 52% vs. 53%, p = .07). Low- and middle-income caregivers were more likely to experience HMH and financial toxicity compared to high-income caregivers (HMH: 68% low vs. 38% middle vs. 8.7% high, p < .001; financial toxicity: 81% vs. 68% vs. 44%, p < .001). All income categories demonstrated significant increases in HMH 1 year after diagnosis. Seventeen percent reported more than 40% income loss, more of whom were low income than high income (27% vs. 12%, p = .20). Work flexibility and social support were associated with income and financial toxicity.

CONCLUSION

HMH, financial toxicity, and income loss are prevalent after a child's cancer diagnosis, suggesting that screening should be incorporated into routine care. This financial burden disproportionately affects low-income and Hispanic caregivers. Further research is needed to elucidate the roles of work flexibility and social support, how safety net services are utilized by families, and how best to support families with HMH.

Treatment-related toxicities associated with hospitalization in children, adolescents, and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: population level analysis

Treatment-related toxicities (TRTs) are a potential cause of survival disparities in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We aimed to identify the most frequent TRTs associated with hospitalizations at a population level in children, adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We used the California Cancer Registry linked to a statewide hospital discharge database to identify children and AYAs with TRTs within 3 years of diagnosis. We assessed the frequency of TRTs, length of stay (LOS), admission rates associated with TRTs and TRTs impact on survival. Febrile neutropenia, hypertension, and thrombocytopenia were the most common TRTs for both children and AYAs. AYAs had longer median LOS compared to children for most toxicities. AYAs at non-specialized cancer centers (SCCs) had higher frequency of admissions associated with TRTs compared to non-SCC. Cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, and infectious TRTs were associated with worse survival. This study demonstrates the burden of TRTs in patients with ALL.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and reduced-dose chemotherapy for adult Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in combination with reduced-dose chemotherapy with those of standard induction chemotherapy, as well as the outcomes between chemotherapy and transplantation, in adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of Ph+ ALL treated with TKIs and combination chemotherapy. The patients were allocated to either the TKIs with reduced-dose chemotherapy group or the TKIs with standard chemotherapy group. In additions, patients were further stratified into either the transplant group or the non-transplant group.Results: The complete remission rate (88.7% vs. 83.9%, p = 0.372), major molecular response (58.9% vs. 56.0%, p = 0.750), molecular complete response (20.5% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.891), and early mortality rate (3.2% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.922) were similar between the TKIs with reduced-dose chemotherapy group and the TKIs with standard chemotherapy group. The proportions of lung infections, bloodstream infections, patients with >21 days of hospitalization, the total costs, transfusion costs, and antimicrobial costs were higher in the standard chemotherapy group than in the TKIs with reduced-dose chemotherapy group. The 3-year overall survival rates (59.0% [95% CI, 46.6-74.7%] vs. 38.4% [95% CI, 29.9-49.4%]) and disease-free survival rates (48.6% [95% CI, 34.2-69.1%] vs. 32.0% [95% CI, 23.5-43.7%]) were significantly better in the transplant group than in the non-transplant group.Conclusion: An induction regimen combining TKIs with reduced-dose chemotherapy and transplantation during the first complete remission remains a suitable and effective option for patients with Ph+ ALL.

Real-World Cost of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Care Among Commercially Insured Individuals in the United States: Effect of Era and Age at Diagnosis

PURPOSE

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy. Five-year survival is approaching 90%. In efforts to further improve outcomes, it is critical to consider the cost of ALL care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Commercial insurance data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse were used to identify patients with ALL, age 1-30 years, diagnosed in 1993-2017 in the United States, with 36 months of continuous insurance coverage. Patients treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation were excluded. Inpatient and outpatient utilization and cumulative reimbursements (inflation-adjusted to December 2020) were computed 8 and 36 months from diagnosis and stratified by age (1-9, 10-12, and ≥ 13 years) as proxies for National Cancer Institute risk groups. Regression models were constructed to assess associations with demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 927 patients (median age, 6 years; interquartile range, 3-12 years; 43% female), individuals age ≥ 10 years had 23-25 more inpatient days and 22 more outpatient encounters compared with younger patients. The 36-month median cost was $394,000 (USD) (interquartile range, $256,000-$695,000 [USD]), and 64% of the total cost was incurred during the initial 8 months. The 36-month cost was 1.5-fold higher for those age 10-12 years and 1.7-fold higher for those age ≥ 13 years compared with 1-9 years. The cost for those diagnosed in 2013-2017 was 70% higher compared with 1993-2002, and was not different on the basis of sex, race, or ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

Older age was associated with higher utilization and cost, and the cost of treatment increased significantly over time. These data provide valuable benchmarks for future studies examining the cost-benefit of ALL therapy modifications.

Systematic review of costs and cost-effectiveness of treatment for relapsed/refractory acute leukaemia in children and young adults

INTRODUCTION

Survival outcomes of children with relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute leukaemia remain poor. Novel expensive treatments have been developed to improve their outcomes, yet, limited evidence exists about cost-effectiveness of alternative treatment strategies.

AREAS COVERED

A systematic review was conducted to summarize the health-economic evidence about costs/cost-effectiveness of treating r/r acute leukaemia in children/young adults. We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases until August 13^th, 2021. Eligible articles included peer-reviewed original studies addressing r/r paediatric/young-adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Quality assessment was conducted using Consolidated Health Economics Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist.

EXPERT OPINION

The majority of papers focused on CAR-T cell therapy, which is still a novel treatment for r/r ALL, and was found to be cost-effective, yet, there remain concerns over its long-term effectiveness, affordability, and equity in access. The next best treatment option is Blinatumomab, followed by Clofarabine therapy, whereas FLA-IDA salvage chemotherapy provides least value for money. The quality of evidence is moderate to high, with limited generalizability of findings due to high variability in outcomes obtained from modelling studies. Limited studies evaluated r/r AML. We provide recommendations to deliver cost-effective treatments in real-world contexts, with implications for healthcare policy and practice.

Phase-specific risks of outpatient visits, emergency visits, and hospitalizations during Children's Oncology Group-based treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with substantial health care utilization and burden on families. Little is known about health care utilization during specific treatment phases.

PROCEDURES

We identified children with ALL diagnosed during 2002-2012 in Ontario, Canada and treated according to Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocols. Disease and treatment data were chart abstracted. Population-based health care databases identified all outpatient visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. In addition to comparing standard and intensified versions of treatment phases, we compared patients receiving different steroids (dexamethasone vs. prednisone) and different versions of interim maintenance (IM) (Capizzi vs. high-dose methotrexate [HD-MTX]).

RESULTS

Six hundred thirty-seven children met inclusion criteria. During intensified consolidation, 76.2% of patients were hospitalized at least once, compared to only 32.3% of patients receiving standard consolidation (p < .0001). Similarly, 72.9% of patients receiving intensified delayed intensification (DI) were hospitalized during this phase compared to 50.3% of patients receiving standard DI (p < .0001). Among patients receiving a four-drug induction, those receiving dexamethasone had an 85% higher rate of ED visits (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 1.85, 95th confidence interval [95CI] 1.14-3.00; p = .01) and a 44% higher rate of hospitalization (aRR 1.44, 95CI 1.24-1.68) compared to those receiving prednisone. Among high-risk B-ALL and T-ALL patients in IM, Capizzi MTX was not associated with an increased rate of ED visits versus HD-MTX.

CONCLUSIONS

These results can be used to inform anticipatory guidance for families, particularly those undergoing intensified therapy. Our results also suggest that increased toxicity rates associated with dexamethasone during Induction seen in clinical trials reflect real-world practice.

Hospitalization and mortality outcomes in the first 5 years after a childhood cancer diagnosis: a population-based study

PURPOSE

Children with cancer are frequently hospitalized. However, hospitalization and death by disease category are not well defined < 5 years from diagnosis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked cancer registry-hospital discharge-vital records to identify cancer cases < 20 years at diagnosis during 1987-2012 (n = 4,567) and comparison children without cancer, matched on birth year and sex (n = 45,582). Data linkage identified serious morbidities resulting in cancer- and non-cancer-related hospitalizations or deaths < 5 years from diagnosis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to compare relative hospitalization and mortality by disease category and after excluding cancer-related outcomes. Among cancer cases, relative risks of these outcomes for children with solid tumors compared with children with leukemia/lymphoma were also estimated.

RESULTS

Greater rates of all-cause hospitalization (281.5/1,000 vs. 6.2/1,000 person years) and death (40.7/1,000 vs. 0.15/1,000 person years) were observed in childhood cancer cases than comparators and across all diagnosis categories. Increased hospitalization (31.0/1,000 vs. 6.2/1,000 person years; HR 5.0, 95% CI 4.5-5.5) and death (1.0/1,000 vs. 0.15/1,000 person years; HR 10.4, 95% CI 5.6-19.1) rates remained when cancer-related outcomes were excluded. Although HRs for hospitalization and death did not differ greatly by treatment era, absolute rates of hospitalization were greater (1987-1999: 233.3/1,000; 2000-2012: 320.0/1,000 person years) and death were lesser (1987-1999: 46.3/1,000; 2000-2012: 36.8/1,000 person years) in the later treatment era among cases. Children with solid tumors were less likely to have a cancer-related hospitalization than were those with leukemia/lymphoma (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.98).

CONCLUSION

Even after excluding cancer-related diagnoses, children with cancer experience greater rates of hospitalization and death in all disease categories. Results may guide future toxicity mitigation initiatives and inform anticipatory guidance for families of children with cancer.

Health care utilisation and costs associated with different treatment protocols for newly diagnosed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A population-based study in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Although different treatment protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) all achieve high cure rates, their health care utilisation and costs have not been rigorously compared.

METHODS

Disease, treatment, and outcome data were chart abstracted for all children with ALL in Ontario, Canada, diagnosed 2002-2012. Linkage to population-based databases identified health care utilisation. Utilisation-associated costs were determined through validated algorithms. Chemotherapy-associated costs were calculated separately. Health care utilisation and costs were compared between patients receiving Children's Oncology Group (COG) versus Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI)-based treatment.

FINDINGS

Of 802 patients, 146 (18.2%) were treated on DFCI-based protocols. COG patients experienced significantly higher rates of emergency department (ED) visits (adjusted rate ratio [aRR]: 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-1.5; p = 0·01), whereas outpatient visit rates were 60% higher among DFCI patients (aRR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.5-1.7, p < 0.0001). In adjusted analyses, DFCI-associated cost intensity was 70% higher (aRR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5-1.9; p < 0.0001), mainly attributable to outpatient visit costs. Total chemotherapy costs were higher among COG-treated patients ($39,400 ± $1100 versus $33,400 ± $2800; p = 0.02). Among PEG-ASNase-treated patients, total chemotherapy costs were highest among DFCI patients (median $54,200 ± $7400; p = 0.003 versus COG patients).

INTERPRETATION

COG and DFCI treatments were associated with higher ED visit rates and higher outpatient visit rates, respectively. Overall utilisation-associated costs were increased in DFCI-treated patients. Administration of some intravenous chemotherapy at home and decreases in PEG-ASNase cost would decrease health care utilisation and costs for all patients and mitigate differences between COG and DFCI protocols.

FUNDING

C¹⁷ Research Network.

Incidence and Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmission after Inpatient Chemotherapy among Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients

Chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients is complex and intense, resulting in a high readmission rate. We aimed to identify the incidence, causes, and risk factors of readmission following inpatient chemotherapy among ALL patients, using 2016 National Readmission Database. We applied three different definitions of 30-day readmission: (1) nonelective readmission based on readmission type, (2) unplanned readmission defined by CMS, and (3) unintentional readmission, combining (1) and (2). We used unweighted multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimates for risk factors analysis, including patient-, hospital-, and admission-related characteristics. Percentage for nonelective, unplanned, and unintentional readmission were 33.3%, 22.4%, and 18.5%, respectively. The top three causes for unplanned readmissions were neutropenia/agranulocytosis (27.8%), septicemia (15.3%), and pancytopenia (11.5%). Risk ratios for unintentional readmission were 1.21 (1.08–1.36) for nonelective vs. elective admission, 1.19 (1.06–1.33) for public vs. private insurance enrollees, 0.96 (0.95–0.98) for each day of hospital stay, 0.77 (0.62–0.95) for large teaching and 0.87 (0.70–1.08) for small teaching vs. nonteaching hospitals. Possible strategies to reduce readmission among ALL patients could be shortening the gap in quality of care among teaching vs. non-teaching hospitals, understanding the difference between privately vs. publicly insured patients, and avoiding aggressive discharge after chemotherapy.

Estimation of Total Costs in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Receiving Tisagenlecleucel from a U.S. Hospital's Perspective

BACKGROUND

Tisagenlecleucel was approved for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) based on the pivotal ELIANA trial.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively evaluate the total costs associated with tisagenlecleucel treatment, including costs from pre- to postinfusion periods of tisagenlecleucel in addition to the cost of tisagenlecleucel.

METHODS

An economic model was developed to estimate total costs associated with tisagenlecleucel treatment from the time of leukapheresis to 2 months postinfusion from a U.S. hospital's perspective. Costs were estimated based on resource use and safety management from the ELIANA trial and were considered during the pretreatment, tisagenlecleucel infusion, and follow-up periods of treatment. Cost components included leukapheresis, lymphodepleting chemotherapy, tisagenlecleucel infusion and hospital administration, inpatient and intensive care unit admissions, medical professional visits, laboratory tests and procedures, and management of major adverse events. Scenario analyses were conducted by varying key assumptions related to adverse events and hospitalization.

RESULTS

The total cost associated with tisagenlecleucel treatment among pediatric and young adult patients with r/r ALL was estimated to be $612,779, of which $137,636 (22.5%) was in addition to the list price of tisagenlecleucel ($475,000) and the associated administration cost of $143.08. The top 3 drivers of the additional cost were adverse event management ($70,968; 51.6%), inpatient and intensive care unit admissions not attributed to adverse events ($57,952; 42.1%), and laboratory tests and procedures ($5,209; 3.8%). The costs incurred during the pretreatment, infusion, and follow-up periods were $29,002, $476,659, and $107,118, respectively. In the scenario analyses, the total costs ranged from $483,169 (tisagenlecleucel treatment in the outpatient setting without adverse events) to $672,373 (tisagenlecleucel treatment in the inpatient setting with grade 3/4 cytokine release syndrome and B-cell aplasia).

CONCLUSIONS

In this economic model, tisagenlecleucel treatment among pediatric and young adult patients with r/r ALL was estimated to cost $612,779. The cost of care in addition to the price of tisagenlecleucel accounted for 22.5% of the total, with adverse event management and inpatient and intensive care unit admissions being main drivers. Further studies are warranted to assess the cost of tisagenlecleucel treatment in the context of current standards of care in real-world clinical practice.

DISCLOSURES

This study was supported by Novartis. The study sponsor was involved in several aspects of the research, including the study design, the interpretation of data, the writing of the manuscript, and the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. Hao is an employee of Novartis and has stock/stock options. Yang, Chai, Qi, and Wu are employees of Analysis Group, which received consulting fees from Novartis for work on this study. Part of the material in this manuscript was presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting held December 7-10, 2019, in Orlando, FL.

Dronabinol Prescribing and Exposure Among Children and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer

Purpose: The therapeutic utility of Cannabis in cancer is a topic of intense interest. Dronabinol is synthetic Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, and is approved for treating refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Little is known about dronabinol prescribing in children and young adults, and no published concentration data are available. This study evaluated national level dronabinol use and assessed concentrations of THC and its primary metabolites in patients with cancer <27 years of age prescribed dronabinol. Methods: Observational review of records from the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) and a regional network of hospitals in the Intermountain West, including a tertiary care children's hospital, Primary Children's Hospital (PCH), for inpatients <27 years of age prescribed dronabinol. Prospective blood samples were collected from children with cancer at PCH. Results: Across PHIS institutions, overall dronabinol prescribing aligned with the pharmacy records for those with cancer (p < 0.0001), and of these, 10.4% received dronabinol as inpatients. Blood collected within 72 hours of dronabinol administration was available from 10 children with a median age of 12.5 (range 6-17) years. Quantifiable concentrations were found in 4 (13%), 6 (20%), and 1 (3%) samples assayed for THC, 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (COOH-THC), and 11-hydroxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (OH-THC), respectively. THC concentrations ranged between 0.100 and 0.128 ng/mL and were not associated with dose. Conclusion: Dronabinol prescribing appears exclusive to patients diagnosed with cancer, and its use has increased steadily in the past decade. In a small sample of children administered dronabinol, THC and metabolite concentrations were consistently low or undetectable.

Financial toxicity of childhood cancer and changes to parents' employment after treatment completion

OBJECTIVE

Childhood cancer can have short- and long-term impacts on parents' finances and employment. It is important to understand how families adjust to the financial and employment changes caused by childhood cancer, the ongoing impacts after treatment completion, and which families need more targeted support. Qualitative research is necessary to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the employment and financial impacts on families and to capture parents' complex and nuanced experiences and perspectives.

METHODS

We interviewed 56 parents of childhood cancer survivors (M = 2.13 years after treatment completion; 89% mothers) using the vocational and financial impact section of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Carer Interview Form. We analyzed interviews using content analysis.

RESULTS

Parents reported multiple sources of financial toxicity including travel to and from the hospital and needing to reduce their working hours during their child's cancer treatment. Workplace flexibility was an important factor to protect against unwanted vocational changes. After treatment completion, families living in low socioeconomic areas commonly reported ongoing financial difficulties. Mothers, particularly those who were on maternity leave when their child was diagnosed with cancer, reported ongoing employment impacts including unemployment.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical staff including social workers could more consistently assess families' financial distress and refer to professional services who can offer guidance for financial decision-making as standard care. Flexible workplace agreements appear important for parents of children with cancer. Our findings can assist organizations to understand that cancer-related disruptions are likely to continue after treatment completion, and therefore should offer benefits to parents where possible.

Supportive care medications coinciding with chemotherapy among children with hematologic malignancy

Pharmacokinetic (PK) conflicts can arise between supportive care medications (SCM) and chemotherapy in children with hematologic malignancy (HM). In this retrospective study, medical records for children (28 days-18 years) diagnosed with HM and receiving an SCM antimicrobial were collected from a hospital network between 1 May 2000 and 31 December 2014. PK drug-gene associations were obtained from a curated pharmacogenomics database. Among 730 patients (median age of 7.5 (IQR 3.7-13.9) years), primarily diagnosed with lymphoid leukemia (52%), lymphoma (28%), or acute myeloid leukemia (16%), chemotherapy was administered in 2846 hospitalizations. SCM accounted for 90.5% (n = 448) of distinct drugs with 93% (n = 679) of children, receiving ≥5 different SCM/hospitalization. Same-day SCM/chemotherapeutic PK gene overlap occurred in 48.3% of hospitalizations and was associated with age (p = 0.026), number of SCM, HM subtype, surgery, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (p < 0.0001). A high and variable SCM burden among children with HM receiving chemotherapy poses a risk for unanticipated PK conflicts.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of Erwinia asparaginase therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVES

Erwinia asparaginase is used as a second-line formulation after a neutralizing hypersensitivity reaction to the first-line formulation of asparaginase. Here, we have performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of Erwinia asparaginase treatment.

METHODS

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated according to the Dutch Childhood Oncology ALL-10 or ALL-11 protocol were included and initially treated with PEGasparaginase in the intensification phase. The total treatment costs of this treatment phase, quality of life (QoL), and life years saved (LYS) were studied for two scenarios: (a) patients were switched to Erwinia asparaginase treatment after a hypersensitivity reaction, or (b) asparaginase would have been permanently stopped.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were included. There was no difference in QoL between patients with and without a hypersensitivity reaction. The mean costs of the intensification phase per patient were $40,925 if PEGasparaginase could be continued, $175,632 if patients had to switch to Erwinia asparaginase, and $21,190 if asparaginase would have been permanently stopped. An extrapolation of the literature suggests that the 5-year event-free survival would be 10.3% lower without intensive asparaginase treatment if asparaginase is stopped after a reaction. Thus, the costs per LYS were $1892 for scenario 1 and $872 for scenario 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to Erwinia asparaginase increases the costs per LYS by $1020, which is modest in view of the total costs. Moreover, when asparaginase treatment can be completed by switching to Erwinia asparaginase, relapses-and consequential costs-will be avoided. Therefore, from a cost perspective, we recommend a switch to Erwinia asparaginase to complete asparaginase treatment.

Prevalence and Safety of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Administration During Maintenance Chemotherapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in First Complete Remission: A Health Maintenance Organization Perspective

CONTEXT

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first complete remission (CR1) experience hypogammaglobulinemia and are at risk of sepsis during maintenance chemotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used to try to circumvent this risk, but no data exist regarding its safety and prevalence in a health maintenance organization.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and safety of IVIG in children with ALL in CR1 during maintenance chemotherapy.

DESIGN

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of consecutive children with ALL in CR1 during maintenance chemotherapy from 2008 to 2014. Groups treated with or without IVIG were compared using nonparametric statistics. Multivariate logistic regression involved all variables available before maintenance therapy began.

RESULTS

One hundred eighteen patients were included (53% males), aged 9 months to 19 years. Thirty of 31 patients (97%) who had immunoglobulins analyzed before IVIG were hypogammaglobulinemic. Thirty-six patients (30%) received IVIG during maintenance chemotherapy. Patients received an average of 10.5 IVIG doses (range = 1-31). Ninety-seven percent of doses were administered without a transfusion reaction. Other factors associated with IVIG use were prior double-delayed intensification (odds ratio = 5.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-27.49, p = 0.026) and episodes of bacteremia or fungemia before maintenance chemotherapy (odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-7.51, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Use of IVIG in children with ALL in CR1 with hypogammaglobulinemia occurred in approximately 30% of patients and was well tolerated. Administration of IVIG significantly correlated with a history of double-delayed intensification and prior bacteremia or fungemia.

A cost analysis of individualized asparaginase treatment in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of asparaginase is necessary to respond to variability in asparaginase activity levels, detect silent inactivation, and distinguish between real allergies and allergic-like reactions with and without asparaginase neutralization, respectively. In this study, the costs of an individualized and fixed asparaginase dosing schedule were compared.

PROCEDURE

Patients, treated according to the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL-11 protocol (individualized PEGasparaginase treatment, starting dose: 1,500 IU/m² ) or ALL-10 protocol (native Escherichia coli asparaginase followed by 2,500 IU/m² PEGasparaginase), were included. To focus on TDM of PEGasparaginase, the costs were also calculated excluding patients treated with Erwinia asparaginase and compared to a hypothetical protocol with a fixed dose of 1,500 IU/m² PEGasparaginase. Direct asparaginase-related medical costs, including costs for asparaginase use (calculated with the absolute dose), TDM, laboratory tests, daycare treatment, and outpatient clinic visits, were calculated.

RESULTS

Eighty-three ALL-10 patients and 51 ALL-11 patients were included. The asparaginase-related costs were 30.8% lower in ALL-11 than in ALL-10 ($29,048 vs. $41,960). The ALL-11 costs of nonallergic patients were 20.4% lower, when using TDM, than the hypothetical protocol with a fixed dose of 1,500 IU/m² ($13,178 vs. $16,551). TDM accounted for 12.4% of the costs. Including asparaginase waste, TDM in ALL-11 will be cost saving if three doses can be prepared out of one vial compared to a fixed dose of 1,500 IU/m² .

CONCLUSIONS

TDM of asparaginase is cost saving if calculated with the absolute asparaginase dose and will be if the waste is minimalized by preparing multiple doses out of one vial.

Costs of cancer care in children and adolescents in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Cancer in children and adolescents presents unique issues regarding treatment and survivorship, but few studies have measured economic burden. We estimated health care costs by phase of cancer care, from the public payer perspective, in population-based cohorts.

METHODS

Children newly diagnosed at ages 0 days-14.9 years and adolescents newly diagnosed at 15-19.9 years, from January 1, 1995 to June 30, 2010, were identified from Ontario cancer registries, and each matched to three noncancer controls. Data were linked with administrative records describing resource use for cancer and other health care. Total and net (patients minus controls) resource-specific costs ($CAD2012) were estimated using generalized estimating equations for four phases of care: prediagnosis (60 days), initial (360 days), continuing (variable), final (360 days).

RESULTS

Mean ages at diagnosis were 6 years for children (N = 4,606) and 17 years for adolescents (N = 2,443). Mean net prediagnosis phase 60-day costs were $6,177 for children and $1,018 for adolescents. Costs for initial, continuing, and final phases were $138,161, $15,756, and $316,303 per 360 days for children, and $62,919, $7,071, and $242,008 for adolescents. The highest initial phase costs were for leukemia patients ($156,225 per 360 days for children and $171,275 for adolescents). The final phase was the most costly ($316,303 per 360 days for children and $242,008 for adolescents).

CONCLUSIONS

Costs for children with cancer are much higher than for adolescents and much higher than those reported in adults. Comprehensive population-based long-term estimates of cancer costs are useful for health services planning and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Risk of hospitalization among survivors of childhood and adolescent acute lymphoblastic leukemia compared to siblings and a general population sample

BACKGROUND

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) has a high survival rate, but cancer-related late effects in the early post-treatment years need documentation. Hospitalizations are an indicator of the burden of late effects. We identify rates and risk factors for hospitalization from five to ten years after diagnosis for childhood and adolescent ALL survivors compared to siblings and a matched population sample.

METHODS

176 ALL survivors were diagnosed at ≤22 years between 1998 and 2008 and treated at an Intermountain Healthcare facility. The Utah Population Database identified siblings, an age- and sex-matched sample of the Utah population, and statewide inpatient hospital discharges. Sex- and birth year-adjusted Poisson models with Generalized Estimating Equations and robust standard errors calculated rates and rate ratios. Cox proportional hazards models identified demographic and clinical risk factors for hospitalizations among survivors.

RESULTS

Hospitalization rates for survivors (Rate:3.76, 95% CI=2.22-6.36) were higher than siblings (Rate:2.69, 95% CI=1.01-7.18) and the population sample (Rate:1.87, 95% CI=1.13-3.09). Compared to siblings and population comparisons, rate ratios (RR) were significantly higher for survivors diagnosed between age 6 and 22 years (RR:2.87, 95% CI=1.03-7.97 vs siblings; RR:2.66, 95% CI=1.17-6.04 vs population comparisons). Rate ratios for diagnosis between 2004 and 2008 were significantly higher compared to the population sample (RR:4.29, 95% CI=1.49, 12.32), but not siblings (RR:2.73, 95% CI=0.54, 13.68). Survivors originally diagnosed with high-risk ALL did not have a significantly higher risk than siblings or population comparators. However, high-risk ALL survivors (Hazard ratio [HR]:3.36, 95% CI=1.33-8.45) and survivors diagnosed from 2004 to 2008 (HR:9.48, 95% CI=1.93-46.59) had the highest risk compared to their survivor counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Five to ten years after diagnosis is a sensitive time period for hospitalizations in the ALL population. Survivors of childhood ALL require better long-term surveillance.

A retrospective analysis of treatment-related hospitalization costs of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

This retrospective study examined the longitudinal hospital outcomes (costs adjusted for inflation, hospital days, and admissions) associated with the treatment of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Patients between one and 26 years of age with newly diagnosed ALL, who were treated at Primary Children's Hospital (PCH) in Salt Lake City, Utah were included. Treatment and hospitalization data were retrieved from system-wide cancer registry and enterprise data warehouse. PCH is a member of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and patients were treated on, or according to, active COG protocols. Treatment-related hospital costs of ALL were examined by computing the average annual growth rates (AAGR). Longitudinal regressions identified patient characteristics associated with costs. A total of 505 patients (46.9% female) were included. The majority of patients had B-cell lineage ALL, 6.7% had T-ALL, and the median age at diagnosis was 4 years. Per-patient, first-year ALL hospitalization costs at PCH rose from $24,197 in 1998 to $37,924 in 2012. The AAGRs were 6.1, 13.0, and 7.6% for total, pharmacy, and room and care costs, respectively. Average days (AAGR = 5.2%) and admissions (AAGR = 3.8%) also demonstrated an increasing trend. High-risk patients had 47% higher costs per 6-month period in the first 5 years from diagnosis than standard-risk patients (P < 0.001). Similarly, relapsed ALL and stem cell transplantations were associated with significantly higher costs than nonrelapsed and no transplantations, respectively (P < 0.001). Increasing treatment-related costs of ALL demonstrate an area for further investigation. Value-based interventions such as identifying low-risk fever and neutropenia patients and managing them in outpatient settings should be evaluated for reducing the hospital burden of ALL.