Direct Costs Associated with Relapsed Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma Therapies

AbstractBackground.About one third of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapse after receiving first‐line (1L) treatment of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP). Relapsed patients may then be eligible for second‐line (2L) therapy. The study's objective was to examine health care use and costs among treated patients with DLBCL receiving 2L therapy versus those without relapse.Materials and Methods.We analyzed Truven Health MarketScan® claims data between 2006 and 2015. Patients (≥18 years of age) had ≥1 DLBCL claim from 1 year before to 90 days after beginning 1L therapy, and comprised those without 2L treatment for ≥2 years (cured controls) versus those who initiated non‐R‐CHOP chemotherapy after discontinuing 1L therapy (2L cohort). 2L patients were further subgrouped: hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT [yes/no]) and time of relapse (months between 1L and 2L): early (≤3), mid (4–12), and late (>12) relapse. The primary outcome was 1‐ and 2‐year health care costs. Hospitalization rate and length of stay were also measured.Results.A total of 1,374 patients with DLBCL received R‐CHOP and fulfilled all criteria: 1,157 cured controls and 217 2L patients (87 early‐relapse, 66 mid‐relapse, 64 late‐relapse). Twenty‐eight percent of 2L patients received HSCT. Charlson Comorbidity Index/mortality risk was higher for 2L patients (4.2 [SD: 3.0]) versus controls (3.8 [2.6]; p...
Source: The Oncologist - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Lymphoma, Health Outcomes and Economics of Cancer Care Source Type: research