COST IMPLICATIONS OF HEMATOPOIETIC GROWTH-FACTORS IN THE BMT SETTING

The emergence of novel medical therapies has impacted considerably on the treatment of a number of diseases. However, the application of the se new modalities is often restricted by cost concerns. Haematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) accelerate haematopoietic reconstitution and ma y be used in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) allowi ng dose intensification. It is hoped that the use of HGFs to reduce mo rbidity and supportive care requirements may lead to cost savings. Stu dies to assess the cost-effectiveness of G-CSF and GM-CSF are currentl y being conducted. In one analysis in the USA, the use of HGF alone fo llowing BMT did not significantly reduce overall costs; however, when HGF-primed progenitor cells were used in conjunction with BMT, a quick er neutrophil recovery was noted, which translated into shorter hospit alisation and, therefore, lower costs. These results indicate the impo rtance of economic analyses, and in the future such cost-effectiveness studies will become an integral component of research development.