Cost analysis of the treatment of acute childhood lymphocytic leukaemia according to Nordic protocols

Some attempts have been made to reduce the costs incurred in the therapy of leukaemia, but no studies are available regarding costs of the entire trea tment in children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL). We analysed all t he direct costs of treatment of Il children with ALL diagnosed and treated in Kuopio University Hospital. The follow-up continued from diagnosis until the end of treatment for each patient. Patient treatment on the ward laste d for 84-210 d and in the outpatient clinic for 24-66 d, depending on the r isk group. From 11-54 of the inpatient days were required for the treatment of infections. Total mean cost of the entire treatment was US $103 250 (US $55 196-166 039) per patient, 53% of which were basic hospital costs and 4 7% patient-specific costs. Laboratory tests and radiology accounted for 18% of all direct costs and cytostatic drugs for 13%. but blood products accou nted for only 4% of the total. infections were the most important extra cau se of costs, accounting for 18% of the mean total costs per patient. The complete treatment of a child with ALL came to a total of US $103 250. However, since 80% of children with ALL are long-term survivors, the cost m ust be regarded as a good investment.