Cost-effectiveness of Oral Clodronate Compared with Oral Ibandronate, Intravenous Zoledronate or Intravenous Pamidronate in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effects of different bisphosphonates in reducing skeletal-related events, and to determine whether there are any differences in their cost-effectiveness, taking into account their efficacy, safety profile and administration routes. A systematic literature search of databases, such as PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, supplemented by the latest congress abstracts from meetings of the European Hematology Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncology was conducted up to November 2006. Important references in reviews published by peer-reviewed journals were also taken into consideration. Our base-case cost-effectiveness analysis for Germany and the UK showed cost savings for oral clodronate therapy compared with other bisphosphonate therapies. In Germany, costs per patient of treatment with oral clodronate were euro1092.38, euro2360.40 and euro2500.29 less than with oral ibandronate, intravenous pamidronate and intravenous zoledronate, respectively. The UK results were similar, the costs per patient of treatment with oral clodronate being euro841.79, euro2989.99 and euro3669.19 less than with oral ibandronate, intravenous pamidronate and intravenous zoledronate, respectively.

Hospital Resource Utilization and Treatment Cost of Skeletal-Related Events in Patients with Metastatic Breast or Prostate Cancer: Estimation for the Portuguese National Health System

“…However, in analyses that rely on clinical trial data to estimate cost-effectiveness [26,28,29], the applicability to the real-world setting may be confounded by factors such as higher-than-normal rates of persistence with therapy (in the case of oral BPs).…”

Breast Cancer Attributable Costs in Germany: A Top-Down Approach Based on Sickness Funds Data

“…Even though some economic analyses regarding breast cancer exist [15], [16], [17], breast cancer attributable costs have not yet been reported for Germany. The objective of this study is to estimate breast cancer attributable health expenditures for Germany.…”

Evaluating Route of Administration for Bisphosphonates in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer to the Bone: A Literature Review

“…The pharmacoeconomic implications of each drug vary based on factors such as dosage, spacing of hospital visits, and route of administration. In a 2008 study, researchers created a costeffectiveness analysis using Germany and United Kingdom (UK) health data to compare oral clodronate, oral ibandronate, IV zoledronate, and IV pamidronate as adjuvant treatments, alongside chemotherapy, for metastatic breast cancer [88]. Considering the frequency of hospital visits, drug acquisition costs, cost of transportation, the likelihood of adverse events based on BP, and improvement of quality of life, researchers found that in both countries, oral clodronate had the lowest cost per patient, followed by oral ibandronate.…”