A Pharmacoeconomic Analysis in the management of breast cancer
Abstract
Background: Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of breast cancer treatments is vital for informed decisions, comparing treatment alternatives, and evaluating cost and budget impact. Clinicians' knowledge about the prescription of anticancer treatments enhances patient outcomes.
Objectives: To study the regimen used and pharmacoeconomical analysis for the management of breast cancer.
Methodology: After obtaining approval from the ethical committee, a prospective study was conducted to analyze the pharmacoeconomics of commonly prescribed drugs for breast cancer management over six months. Data was collected from the patient's treatment chart using a well-designed data collection form. The cost of treatment was determined by estimating and analyzing the direct and indirect costs of materials, labor, and laboratory studies.
Result: A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study, and the mean age of the patients was 52±8.9 years. Most of the patients were prescribed chemotherapeutic drugs. The average overall expenditure on breast cancer management was Rs. 293114.67, with total direct and indirect medical costs for the patient being Rs. 616591.7 and Rs. 8374.11, respectively. Targeted therapy costs accounted for 33.57% of the total direct medical costs during the 6-month period. The average cost for patients in the adjuvant setting was Rs. 339314.18, while in the neoadjuvant setting it was Rs. 181111.15.
Conclusion: Breast cancer therapy significantly impacts patients and healthcare providers, necessitating the establishment and strengthening of health insurance coverage mechanisms for pooling resources and risk transfer.
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References
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