Cost-minimisation analysis of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride versus topotecan in the treatment of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer in Spain

The study consisted of a cost-minimisation analysis since the findings from a multicentre randomised phase III trial showed that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride was at least as efficacious as topotecan. An economic model from the Spanish hospitals perspective was constructed to compare the costs derived from the treatment using both drugs in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who failed a first-line platinum-containing regimen. The cost evaluation included direct medical costs: drug, drug administration and costs of managing adverse events. Estimation of resources used in managing adverse events was made retrospectively through an expert panel. Results obtained per patient were: cost of drug and administration, 8647.70 euros for pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride and 8519.94 euros for topotecan, while cost of managing adverse events was 967.02 euros in the pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride arm and 3304.75 euros for topotecan. The total cost per patient was therefore estimated to be 9614.72 euros for pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride and 11 824.69 euros for topotecan, showing that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride produces a cost saving of 2209.97 euros per patient in comparison to topotecan. Sensitivity analyses verified the robustness of the results. These findings suggest that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride is an efficient therapy and can be used as a cost-saving option for treatment of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who have failed a first-line platinum-containing regimen.