Cost-Utility Analysis of Recombinant Human
Erythropoietin in Anemic Cancer Patients
Induced by Chemotherapy in Thailand
Jirapan Roungrong Pharm D*,**,***,
Yot Teerawattananon MD, PhD*, Usa Chaikledkaew MA, PhD*,**
Affiliation :
* Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Thailand
** Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Thailand
*** School of Pharmacy, Naresuan University Phayao Campus, Thailand
Objective : To conduct a cost-utility analysis on recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) for treating
anemic cancer patients induced by chemotherapy compared to blood transfusion alone under the Thai health
care setting.
Materials and Methods : A health care provider’s perspective was used to examine relevant costs and outcomes
using the Markov model. Cost data were estimated based on the reference price set by the Ministry of Public
Health. The effectiveness data were obtained from a systematic review of published literature. The results were
presented in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in Thai Baht per Quality Adjusted Life Years
(QALYs) gained. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis method was performed.
Results : The ICERs of rHuEPO compared to blood transfusion alone were 3.7 and 2.7 millions Baht per QALY
for patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dl and 8-9 g/dl, respectively. The rHuEPO required additional
resources (more costly) with less benefit compared to blood transfusion for patients with hemoglobin 9-10 g/dl.
Conclusions: The rHuEPO may be cost-ineffective for the treatment of anemia caused by chemotherapy in
cancer patients in Thailand.
Keywords : Anemia, Cost-utility analysis, Erythropoietin, Blood transfusion, Cancer, Thailand
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