Cost-effectiveness of high-dose chemotherapy in first-line treatment of advanced multiple myeloma

The cost-effectiveness of high-dose chemotherapy in multiple myeloma was co nsidered as part of a UK National Health Service Executive regional evidenc e-based appraisal process. The use of high-dose chemotherapy supported by a utologous stem cell transplantation in patients under 65 years of age was s hown to provide a marginal benefit of 0.7 life-years over conventional chem otherapy. This corresponded to an incremental cost 'per life-year gained' f igure of approximately pound 15 000, based upon initial treatment costs and trial-period data only. The use of high-dose chemotherapy in the first-lin e treatment of advanced multiple myeloma improves event-free and overall su rvival and appears to be a cost-effective treatment option.