Therapeutic use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors for established febrile neutropenia: effect on costs from a hospital perspective.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Cosler, Leon E; Eldar-Lissai, Adi; Culakova, Eva; Kuderer, Nicole M; Dale, David; Crawford, Jeffrey; Lyman, Gary H

Source:

PharmacoEconomics, Volume 25, Issue 4, p.343-51 (2007)

Keywords:

Costs and Cost Analysis, Fever, Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor, Hospital Mortality, Hospitalization, Humans, Length of Stay, Models, Economic, Monte Carlo Method, NEUTROPENIA, Patient Discharge, Survival Analysis, Time Factors

Abstract:

The prophylactic use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) reduces the severity and duration of neutropenia and reduces the incidence of febrile neutropenia after cancer chemotherapy. However, the use of G-CSFs, particularly filgrastim, to treat established neutropenia remains controversial. A recent meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating G-CSF treatment for established febrile neutropenia demonstrated a reduction in prolonged hospitalisations. Because more than one-third of patients in the analysis were hospitalised for at least 10 days, this finding has broad pharmacoeconomic and clinical significance. This analysis presents the potential cost implications of G-CSF treatment for established neutropenia among hospitalised patients.