Economic evaluation of therapeutic sequences in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and coexisting conditions

Abstract

Economic evaluation of therapeutic sequences in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and coexisting conditionsIntroductionChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative syndrome and it is the most common hematological malignancy in Western countries. It has a tendency to develop subsequent relapses, so affected patients are likely to undergo more than one line of treatment.MethodsRather than evaluating the cost-effectiveness of individual therapeutic agents, it becomes therefore recommendable for decision-makers to identify an optimal sequencing of such agents. A four-year cost-consequence analysis was conducted, comparing three alternative strategies for the first-line treatment of patients with previously untreated CLL and coexisting conditions: i) obinutuzumab with chlorambucil (Obi-Clb), ii) rituximab with chlorambucil (Rtx-Clb), and iii) ofatumumab with chlorambucil (Ofa-Clb). Only drug costs were considered in the analysis.ResultsIn two trials, median time to next treatment (TTNT) was longer in Obi-Clb (51.1 months) as compared to Rtx-Clb (38.2 months) or to Ofa-Clb (39.8 months). Therefore, during a 48-month time horizon, patients treated with Obi-Clb would maintain on average the first line treatment; on the contrary, patients treated with Rtx-Clb or with Ofa-Clb would receive on average a second line treatment consisting in the majority of cases of ibrutinib monotherapy, or rituximab with idelalisib or rituximab with bendamustine. The sequence using Obi-Clb regimen in first line showed the lower mean cost of treatment: €22,958 over the 48-month time horizon. Sensitivity analyses on a couple of scenarios provided similar conclusions in terms of overall costs.ConclusionObi-Clb as first-line treatment appears a recommendable strategy in terms of drug costs in the treatment of patients with previously untreated CLL and coexisting conditions.