Priority lists have been formulated in several countries and cut-backs
can be a threat to leukaemia treatment. We analysed the costs in diff
erent phases of disease for 54 conventionally treated patients with ac
ute myeloid leukaemia. Thirty-two patients reached CR 1, seven patient
s are still alive as of May 1994. We found a cost per week and patient
of 17,334 Swedish Crowns (SEK) (U.K.pound 1 = 10.57 and U.S.$1 = 5.91
, 1990) in induction phase, 1854 in remission phase and 10,529 SEK in
relapse phase. In the terminal phase 10% of the total cost was spent.
The quality of life of the patients in relapse is discussed and pallia
tive treatment is emphasized.