ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
autologous bone marrow transplantation
;
cost
;
Hodgkin’s disease
;
melphalan
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: Few data are available on the cost, safety, and long-termefficacy of single agent high-dose melphalan (HDM) followed by autologousbone marrow (ABMT) or blood stem cell (ABSCT) transplantation in the salvagetherapy of Hodgkin’s disease (HD). Patients and methods: From February 1981 to September 1996, 23 patientswith relapsed (n = 15) or refractory (n = 8) HD received salvage therapywith HDM 140–200 mg/m2 followed by non-cryopreservedABMT (n = 18) or cryopreserved ABSCT (n = 5). The cost of HDM/ABSCT in 1996,from initial consultation until transfer back to referring physician, wasdetermined and compared to the estimated costs of two multi-agent regimenscommonly used for HD. Results: HDM was well tolerated with no early transplant-relatedmortality. The five-year overall and progression-free survival rates were52% and 50%, respectively. The average total cost in Canadianfunds of HDM/ABSCT in 1996 was $34,400/patient. This cost wasestimated to be $4,700–6,800 cheaper per patient than themulti-agent high-dose regimens. Conclusion: These data suggest that HDM is safe, feasible, active, andreasonably inexpensive salvage therapy for patients with relapsed/refractoryHD.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008268027332
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