Cost utility analysis of adult patients with severe aplastic anemia: a single-center study

Objective: There is a need for real-world studies in China to help address evidence gaps supporting precise clinical decision-making with respect to the ideal treatment options for patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Accordingly, we objectively evaluated the efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA) + antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) versus CsA + thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) for such patients. Methods: A cost-utility analysis (CUA) was conducted to compare the quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and total costs associated with the two treatment regimens. Patient utility values were derived from the European Quality-of-Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L) using the Japanese time trade-off conversion method. Results: Patients receiving the CsA + ALG regimen reported higher subjective well-being than those treated with the CsA + TPO-RA regimen from the time of hospital admission through 6 months of follow-up. In addition, the quality-of-life of patients in the CsA + ALG group was significantly higher than that of the patients in the CsA + TPO-RA group, with a difference of 0.08 QALY (P < 0.01). However, the total cost of the CsA + ALG regimen was nearly twice that of the CsA + TPO-RA regimen. The incremental cost per QALY gained with the CsA + ALG regimen relative to the CsA + TPO-RA regimen was 1.63 million yuan. Conclusions: This study utilized CUA to comparatively assess the cost-effectiveness of CsA + ALG and CsA + TPO-RA regimens in the treatment of SAA. Although both regimens were found to be effective, the CsA + TPO-RA regimen presented a viable treatment option with assured therapeutic efficacy while reducing the financial burden, thereby offering greater benefits for patients with SAA and alleviating the societal healthcare costs.