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Cost-effectiveness of treating cancer anaemia

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Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology

Abstract

It may seem strange that the efficacy of erythropoietins in treating cancer related anaemia was decided beyond doubt in 1995 yet more than a decade later there is still debate about whether they are cost-effective. In 1995, cumulative meta-analysis reviewing randomised trials against date of trial completion showed an unequivocal positive effect (Clark 2002). Health economic study is an evolving area of medicine. In contrast to the familiar standard format of phase I, II and III clinical trials, there is no agreed methodology or unequivocal definition of a positive or negative result. This may seem frustrating to haematologists and oncologists, but the importance of reimbursement and economic appraisal in determining patients’ access to treatment makes this an important area of erythropoietin and anaemia research.

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  1. Institution — Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Horfield Road, Bristol, BS2 8ED, UK

    Dr. Paul Cornes

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  1. Department of Internal Medicine (Cancer Research), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany

    Mohammad Resa Nowrousian

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Cornes, P. (2008). Cost-effectiveness of treating cancer anaemia. In: Nowrousian, M.R. (eds) Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-69459-6_34

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-69459-6_34

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