Source
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. havri001@mc.duke.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
We sought to estimate mean costs of chemotherapy treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer with or without use of a chemoresponse assay.
STUDY DESIGN:
We estimated mean costs for 3 groups: (1) assay assisted: 75 women who received oncologist's choice of chemotherapy following chemoresponse testing (65% adherence to test results), (2) assay adherent: modeled group assuming 100% adherence to assay results, and (3) empiric: modeled from market share data on most frequently utilized chemotherapy regimens. Cost estimates were based on commercial claims database reimbursements.
RESULTS:
The most common chemotherapy regimens used were topotecan, doxorubicin, and carboplatin/paclitaxel. Mean chemotherapy costs for 6 cycles were $48,758 (empiric), $33,187 (assay assisted), and $23,986 (assay adherent). The cost savings related to the assay were associated with a shift from higher- to lower-cost chemotherapy regimens and lower use of supportive drugs such as hematopoiesis-stimulating agents.
CONCLUSION:
Assay-assisted chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer may result in reduced costs compared to empiric therapy.
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