A recent analysis highlights KRd (carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone) as a financially viable treatment for patients battling relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in China, compared to the ixazomib-based regimen.
Methodology and Economic Analysis
Researchers employed a lifetime survival model with 4-week cycles to evaluate health states and costs. They incorporated treatment impacts on progression-free and overall survival, utilizing hazard ratios from a network meta-analysis. Direct medical expenses, including drug and disease management costs, were factored in, along with costs of managing adverse events. Both costs and utilities were discounted at an annual rate of 5%, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings.
Significant Cost Savings Identified
The study revealed that KRd not only enhanced quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) but also resulted in savings of $127,513.22 per additional QALY compared to the ixazomib combination. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the price of ixazomib, utility values in the progression state, and the cost of carfilzomib significantly influenced the outcomes. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $40,023.27, KRd demonstrated a 100% probability of being cost-effective.
Key inferences include:
- KRd provides substantial cost savings per QALY compared to ixazomib-based therapy.
- The cost-effectiveness is highly sensitive to drug pricing, particularly ixazomib and carfilzomib.
- Utility values in disease progression significantly impact economic outcomes.
The analysis substantiates KRd as a financially prudent treatment option for RRMM patients in China, supporting its broader adoption within the healthcare system. However, fluctuations in drug pricing could influence its cost-effectiveness, necessitating ongoing monitoring of market dynamics and cost structures to maintain its economic advantage.
Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider the long-term economic benefits of adopting KRd for RRMM, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and optimized resource allocation. Further research may explore the impact of KRd in other regions and its integration with emerging therapies to enhance treatment protocols for multiple myeloma.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
