Economic evaluation of docetaxel–gemcitabine versus vinorelbine–cisplatin combination as front-line treatment of patients with advanced/metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer in Greece: a cost-minimization analysis

Background: An economic evaluation was undertaken, alongside a randomized phase III study, to assess docetaxel-gemcitabine (DG) relative to vinorelbine-cisplatin (VC) combination as front-line treatment of patients with advanced/metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Methods: No differences were found in efficacy, thus a cost-minimization analysis was carried out. Treatment cost accounts for the administration of first- and second-line chemotherapy, for concomitant medications, for laboratory and biochemical examinations, and for hospitalizations due to adverse events. Unit prices used reflect 2008 and are common among National Health Service hospitals in Greece. Results: The mean total cost of therapy in the DG group [€14045, 95% uncertainty interval (UI) €12628-€15390], was significantly higher than in the VC group (€8143, 95% UI €7314-€9067). Conclusions: Even though the combination VC has similar effectiveness compared with DG in patients with metastatic lung cancer, it is associated with a lower overall treatment cost and hence, it is preferable from an economic perspective. However, it should be noted that although VC is associated with lower cost, it is also more toxic than DG regimen, a significant parameter that should be considered in clinical decisions.