Cost-effectiveness of a transplantation strategy compared to melphalan and prednisone in younger patients with multiple myeloma

Cost-Effectiveness of Novel Agent Regimens for Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients in India

BACKGROUND

Survival outcomes for multiple myeloma have improved dramatically since the introduction of novel therapeutic agents. While these drugs are highly effective in improving survival outcomes and quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma, they come at a significant cost. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of bortezomib-based triplet or quadruplet drug regimens in isolation and followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in the Indian context.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to assess the health and economic outcomes of novel drug regimens with and without AHSCT for the treatment of NDMM in India. We estimated the lifetime quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs in each scenario. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were computed and compared against the current willingness-to-pay threshold of a one-time per capita gross domestic product of ₹146,890 (US$1,927.70) for India. Parameter uncertainty was assessed through Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Among seven treatment sequences, the VCd (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone) alone arm has the lowest cost and health benefits as compared to four treatment sequences, namely VTd (bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone) alone, VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) alone, VRd plus AHSCT and DVRd (Daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) plus AHSCT. It was found that VTd plus AHSCT and VCd plus AHSCT arms were extendedly dominated (ED) by combination of two alternative treatments. Among the five non-dominated strategies, VRd has a lowest incremental cost of ₹ 2,20,093 (US$2,888) per QALY gained compared to VTd alone followed by VRd plus AHSCT [₹3,14,530 (US$4,128) per QALY gained] in comparison to VRd alone. None of the novel treatment sequences were found to be cost-effective at the current WTP threshold of ₹1,46,890 (US$1,927.7).

CONCLUSION

At the current WTP threshold of one-time per capita GDP (₹ 146,890) of India, VRd alone and VRd plus AHSCT has 38.1% and 6.9% probability to be cost-effective, respectively. Reduction in current reimbursement rates of novel drugs, namely VRd, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone under national insurance program and societal cost of transplant by 50%, would make VRd plus AHSCT and VTd plus AHSCT cost-effective at an incremental cost of ₹40,671 (US$34) and ₹97,639 (US$1,281) per QALY gained, respectively.

Cryopreserved versus non-cryopreserved stem cell autografts in multiple myeloma a restrospective cohort study

The use of non-cryopreserved hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can be an alternative to the traditional cryopreserved infusions of HSCs in autologous stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). After high-dose melphalan conditioning (HDM), we sought to compare time to engraftment, overall survival, and safety in multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing a first aHSCT after high-dose melphalan conditioning (HDM). We conducted a cohort study from March 2018 to December 2019. Of all autologous transplants performed during this period, 105 were for MM as the first consolidation. Fifty-one patients received a cryopreserved graft; the remaining 54 patients received a fresh infusion. General clinical characteristics were similar between these two groups. Cell viability was higher in non-cryopreserved grafts (95% vs. 86% p < 0.01). Four deaths occurred during hospitalization in the cryopreserved group, one in the non-cryopreserved group. The cumulative incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment on D + 25 was higher in the non-cryopreserved compared to the cryopreserved group (98% vs 90% p < 0.01 and 96.2% vs 72.54% p < 0.01 respectively). Additionally, the hospital length of stay was reduced by 4 days for patients for the non-cryopreserved cohort. In summary, the use of non-cryopreserved HSCs after HDM is safe and effective compared to patients who received a cryopreserved graft.

Impact of cytomegalovirus complications on resource utilization and costs following hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Objective: The impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) has not been well studied in the US. This retrospective, observational cohort study examined such outcomes in the first year following allo-HSCT.Methods: The IBM MarketScan administrative claims database was used to identify adults who underwent a first allo-HSCT between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2015. Patients were required to have continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment for ≥12 months before and after the allo-HSCT. HCRU and medical costs (2016 US$) were compared by the presence or absence of CMV infection over 1-year follow-up.Results: A total of 1825 adults met the inclusion criteria (57.5% male; mean age 50.8 years). During the follow-up period, 410 (22.5%) patients had a CMV-related claim. Patients with CMV infection were significantly more likely to have a 60-day-(31.2 vs. 19.4%), 100-day-(50.0 vs. 30.5%) or 365-day readmission (78.0 vs. 57.8%) compared to those without a CMV-related event (all p < .001). During follow-up, patients with CMV infection had significantly greater mean total costs, reflecting higher inpatient costs ($677,240 vs. $462,562), outpatient costs ($141,366 vs. $94,312) and prescription drug costs ($27,391 vs. $22,082) (all p < .001). Valganciclovir (59.8%) and ganciclovir (33.7%) were the most commonly utilized anti-viral agents in patients with CMV.Conclusions: CMV infection was associated with significantly higher healthcare resource utilization and costs during the first year post-allo-HSCT. Additional research is warranted to further evaluate the consequences of post-HSCT CMV infection, as well as cost-effective measures to minimize its occurrence.

Cost Effectiveness of Transplant, Conventional Chemotherapy, and Novel Agents in Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) have been rapidly evolving. Newly developed treatment regimens are likely to be more effective but also cost more than conventional therapies.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review to compare the cost effectiveness of different classes of MM treatment.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for studies published during 1990-2018 comparing the cost effectiveness of transplant, chemotherapeutic and novel MM treatments. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed for eligibility by two investigators. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the 16-item, validated Quality of Health Economics Studies instrument.

RESULTS

Twenty-four publications were included in the systematic review and summarized according to treatment regimen and line. For first-line treatment, transplant was the most cost-effective option for transplant-eligible MM patients [the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $4053-€45,460 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, and $3848-$72,852 per life-year gained (LYG)], and the ICER for novel agents compared with conventional chemotherapy was $59,076 per QALY and $220,681 per LYG. For second-line treatment, in comparisons of novel agent-based regimens, ICERs were inconsistent. However, bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone were each cost effective compared with dexamethasone alone (ICERs showed cost saving, £30,153 per QALY gained, and €39,911 per LYG, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

For transplant-eligible MM patients, transplant is a cost-effective first-line treatment. More cost-effectiveness analyses comparing novel agents in the first-line treatment regimen are warranted to determine which agent or regimen is the most cost effective. In the second-line setting, it is unclear which novel agent-based regimen is most cost effective, but bortezomib-based regimens, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone, and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone were each cost effective compared with dexamethasone alone.

Cost-Effectiveness of Autologous Stem Cell Treatment as Compared to Conventional Chemotherapy for Treatment of Multiple Myeloma in India

Recent innovations in treatment of multiple myeloma include autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) along with high dose chemotherapy (HDC). We undertook this study to estimate incremental cost per quality adjusted life year gained (QALY) with use of ASCT along with HDC as compared to conventional chemotherapy (CC) alone in treatment of multiple myeloma. A combination of decision tree and markov model was used to undertake the analysis. Incremental costs and effects of ASCT were compared against the baseline scenario of CC (based on Melphalan and Prednisolone regimen) in the patients of multiple myeloma. A lifetime study horizon was used and future costs and consequences were discounted at 5%. Consequences were valued in terms of QALYs. Incremental cost per QALY gained using ASCT as against CC for treatment of multiple myeloma was estimated using both a health system and societal perspective. The cost of providing ASCT (with HDC) for multiple myeloma patients was INR 500,631, while the cost of CC alone was INR 159,775. In the long run, cost per patient per year for ASCT and CC arms was estimated to be INR 119,740 and INR 111,565 respectively. The number of QALYs lived per patient in case of ASCT and HDC alone were found to be 4.1 and 3.5 years respectively. From a societal perspective, ASCT was found to incur an incremental cost of INR 334,433 per QALY gained. If the ASCT is initiated early to patients, the incremental cost for ASCT was found to be INR 180,434 per QALY gained. With current mix of patients, stem cell treatment for multiple myeloma is not cost effective at a threshold of GDP per capita. It becomes marginally cost-effective at 3-times the GDP per capita threshold. However, accounting for the model uncertainties, the probability of ASCT to be cost effective is 59%. Cost effectiveness of ASCT can be improved with early detection and initiation of treatment.

Cost Implications of Comorbidity for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma Using SEER-Medicare

Comorbidity is more common in older patients and can increase the cost of care by increasing toxicity. Using the SEER-Medicare database from 2000 to 2007, we examined the costs and life-year benefit of Auto-HSCT for MM patients over the age of 65 by evaluating the difference over time relative to comorbidity burden. One hundred ten patients had an Auto-HSCT in the early time period (2000–2003) and 160 in the late time period (2004–2007). Patients were divided by a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 0 or greater than 1 (CCI1+). Median overall survival was 53.5 months for the late time period patients compared to 40.3 months for the early time period patients (p = 0.031). Median costs for CCI0 versus CCI1+ in the early period were, respectively, $70,900 versus $72,000 (100 d); $86,100 versus $98,300 (1 yr); and $139,200 versus $195,300 (3 yrs). Median costs for late period were, respectively, $58,400 versus $60,400 (100 d); $86,300 versus $77,700 (1 yr); and $124,400 versus $110,900 (3 yrs). Comorbidity had a significant impact on survival and cost among early time period patients but not among late time period patients. Therefore, older patients with some comorbidities can be considered for Auto-HSCT depending on clinical circumstances.

Cost-Effectiveness of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Elderly Patients with Multiple Myeloma using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Database

In the past decade, the number of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants (Auto HSCT) for older patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has increased dramatically, as has the cost of transplantation. The cost-effectiveness of this modality in patients over age 65 is unclear. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to create a propensity-score matched sample of patients over age 65 between 2000 and 2007, we compared the survival and cost for those who received Auto HSCT to those who did not undergo transplantation but survived at least 6 months after diagnosis, and we calculated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Two hundred seventy patients underwent transplantation. Median overall survival from diagnosis in those who underwent transplantation was significantly longer than in patients who did not (58 months versus 37 months, P < .001). For patients living longer than 2 years, the median monthly cost during the first year was significantly different, but the middle and last year of life costs were similar. The median cost of the first 100 days after transplantation was $60,000 (range, $37,000 to $85,000). The resultant ICER was $72,852 per life-year gained. Survival after transplantation was comparable to that in those who underwent transplantation patients under 65 years and significantly longer than older patients who did not undergo transplantation. With an ICER less than $100,000/life-year gained, Auto HSCT is cost-effective when compared with nontransplantation care in the era of novel agents and should be considered, where clinically indicated, for patients over the age of 65.

Decision-analytic modeling studies: An overview for clinicians using multiple myeloma as an example

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to provide a clinician-friendly overview of decision-analytic models evaluating different treatment strategies for multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies evaluating MM treatment strategies using mathematical decision-analytic models. We included studies that were published as full-text articles in English, and assessed relevant clinical endpoints, and summarized methodological characteristics (e.g., modeling approaches, simulation techniques, health outcomes, perspectives).

RESULTS

Eleven decision-analytic modeling studies met our inclusion criteria. Five different modeling approaches were adopted: decision-tree modeling, Markov state-transition modeling, discrete event simulation, partitioned-survival analysis and area-under-the-curve modeling. Health outcomes included survival, number-needed-to-treat, life expectancy, and quality-adjusted life years. Evaluated treatment strategies included novel agent-based combination therapies, stem cell transplantation and supportive measures.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our review provides a comprehensive summary of modeling studies assessing treatment of MM and highlights decision-analytic modeling as an important tool for health policy decision making.

Long term evaluation of the impact of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Background

High-dose therapy with autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation represents today the standard approach for younger multiple myeloma patients. This study aimed to evaluate the long term economic impact of autologous transplantation with respect to conventional therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of multiple myeloma patients diagnosed at our department between 1986 and 2003 and treated according to the therapy considered standard at the time of diagnosis. Analysis of costs was done by assessing resource utilization and direct costs were measured and monetized before proceeding with the analysis, based on public health service tariffs.

Results

Group A including 78 patients treated with Melphalan and Prednisone was compared with Group B including 74 patients who received an autologous transplant. The median overall survival was 3.2 and 5.4 years respectively (p = 0.0002). Mean cost per patient was significantly higher in group B with respect to group A (102373€ vs 23825€; p<0.001). The final quality-adjusted-life-year gain in group B patients as compared to group A was 1.73 QALY, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 45460€. With a threshold of 75000€ per QALY gained, the cost effectiveness acceptability curve indicated that the probability that autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma is a cost-effective intervention is 90%.

Conclusions

The cost of autologous transplantation remains high. The calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, however, given the significant prolongation of overall survival obtained with autologous transplantation, is within an acceptable threshold. Notwithstanding, its high cost should be taken into account when considering the whole cost of multiple myeloma.

Costs and cost-effectiveness of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Interest is growing in economic and comparative effectiveness analyses, with increasing emphasis on optimizing healthcare resources and costs. Limited information is available on the economic aspects of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We review contemporary literature on the costs and cost-effectiveness of HCT in the United States and worldwide. Published studies confirm the high costs associated with HCT, although the reported costs are highly variable, related to the differing methodologies used across studies. We examine the challenges in reviewing costs and cost-effectiveness across studies specific to HCT and highlight factors identified as associated with higher costs of HCT. We also discuss opportunities for future research in this area.

Economics of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Given the rapidly rising healthcare costs, it is important to understand the economic costs of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a procedure that is being used more frequently in the treatment of various hematologic disorders. Studies have reported a wide range of costs for HCT, from $36 000 to $88 000 (USD) for a single autologous transplantation for the initial hospitalization, to $200 000 (USD) or more for a myeloablative allogeneic procedure involving an unrelated donor. Common posttransplantation complications, such as infections and GVHD, have been shown to be significant cost drivers. Comparisons across studies are limited by differences in patient populations, cost ascertainment methods, and length of follow-up. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge about costs and cost-effectiveness of HCT, highlighting the challenges in conducting these studies and identifying important areas for future research. We discuss the need for more value-based assessments of HCT using high-quality approaches to measuring costs and outcomes so that potential future efforts to contain costs are well informed and appropriate.

Critical review of economic evaluations in multiple myeloma: an overview of the economic evidence and quality of the methodology

Continued expansion in the availability of costly alternative therapies in multiple myeloma will enhance the role of economic evaluations in reimbursement decisions and amendments to the treatment guidelines. The quality of economic evaluations should be taken into account by clinicians involved in decision-making. A systematic review and critique of the methodology was performed to assess the trends and quality in economic evaluations in multiple myeloma to date. A literature search was conducted to identify full economic evaluations in multiple myeloma as of December 2009. Details of the economic evaluation methods applied were extracted. Each study underwent a quality assessment based on the Drummond checklist for appraisal of high-quality economic evaluations in health care. Eighteen published economic evaluations were identified. Stem cell transplantation in combination with intensive chemotherapy has been demonstrated to be cost-effective, while interferon alpha is generally ineffective at additional costs. Evaluations have become less frequent in the last decade, especially for newer therapies despite their important contribution to improvements in outcomes. The quality of the methodology applied and its documentation can be improved in many aspects. As users of the results of economic evaluations, clinicians involved in guiding decision-making should be critical of the quality of economic evaluations in multiple myeloma. To ensure access to and identification of high-quality studies, researchers conducting economic evaluations of future advances should strive towards evaluations that fulfil the Drummond criteria and are properly documented.

The costs and cost-effectiveness of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation versus bone marrow transplantation in pediatric patients with acute leukemia

In a retrospective study, we evaluated the cost and cost-effectiveness of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) (n = 30) compared with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (n = 110) in children with acute leukemia after 1 year of follow-up. Treatment success was defined as disease-free survival at 1 year posttransplantation. For patients at standard risk for disease, the treatment success rate was 57.1% for PBSCT recipients and 80.3% for BMT recipients (P = not significant [NS]). The average total cost per treatment success at 1 year in the standard-risk disease group was $512,294 for PBSCT recipients and $352,885 for BMT recipients (P = NS). For patients with high-risk disease, the treatment success rate was 18.8% for PBSCT recipients and 23.5% for BMT recipients (P = NS). The cumulative average cost was $457,078 in BMT recipients and $377,316 in PBSCT recipients (P = NS). Point estimates of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) indicate that in patients with standard-risk disease, allogeneic BMT had lower costs and greater effectiveness than PBSCT (ICER, -$687,108; 95% confidence interval [CI], $2.4 million to dominated). For patients with high-risk disease, BMT was more effective and more costly, and it had an ICER of $1.69 million (95% CI, $29.7 million to dominated) per additional treatment success. The comparative economic evaluation provides support for BMT in standard-risk patients, but much uncertainty precludes a clear advantage of either treatment option in patients with high-risk disease. More studies using larger and randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the long-term cost-effectiveness of each procedure.

An update: Health economics of managing multiple myeloma

Based on Medline search, a summary is provided of recent health economic evidence in published literature relating to the management of multiple myeloma. The following major components of current multiple myeloma treatments are discussed: induction chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (ASCT), long-term biphosphonates therapy to prevent skeletal events and recent advances for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and under evaluation in primary treatment (thalidomide and bortezomib). Our study shows that there still appears to be a need for health economic information to confirm the cost-effectiveness of stem cell support versus high-dose chemotherapy without stem cell support, as well as to assess optimal biphosphonate treatment regimens. There is also a clear need for peer reviewed economic evaluations of novel therapies such as thalidomide and Bortezomib in the treatment of multiple myeloma at different stages of the disease.

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma, for all practical purposes, remains an incurable malignancy; however, 5-year survival has improved substantially during the past 30 years. A major contribution to improved outcome is the use of high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. This multifaceted approach to therapy requires an understanding of appropriate induction therapy, techniques for stem cell mobilization, appropriate conditioning and supportive care. Also of importance are prognosis, features that predict outcome, the suitability of transplant candidates, and post-transplantation maintenance therapy.

Unfinished symphony: a tribute to the life and career of Bernie O'Brien (1959-2004)

The death of Bernie O'Brien in February 2004 brought a premature end to one of the most productive and influential careers in the area of health technology assessment and economic evaluation. A long-term member of the Society for Medical Decision Making, Bernie will be remembered for his research contributions in areas including outcome valuation, decision modeling, statistical methods in economic evaluation, and applied cost-effectiveness studies. He was also an excellent communicator and teacher and, above all, a fun guy to work with. In this article, the authors provide a review of Bernie's academic contributions.