[Safety and costs of dose banding of high-priced drugs for cancer treatments. First Argentine experience].

INTRODUCTION

High-price drugs (HPD) represent an economic problem for the health system. Dose banding has been shown to decrease costs. The objective was to determine the economic impact and safety of HPD dose standardization.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A single cohort study was conducted between May and December 2024 in 20 patients undergoing treatment (docetaxel, paclitaxel, trastuzumab, cetuximab and bevacizumab) at Churruca Visca Hospital. In the first treatment session, a standardized dose was provided and in the following 2 in a conventional way. Costs and safety were compared between the two modalities.

VARIABLES: age, sex, diagnosis, stage, adverse events in the first 24 hours and medication prices.

RESULTS

Eight (40%) were male, mean age 59 years. Eleven patients had a diagnosis of breast cancer (55%). Seventy-two doses were applied in sixty treatment sessions, with four minor adverse events reported. No statistically significant differences were observed between adverse events and type of drug supply. The total price of drugs was $159 362 696.46 (U$S 150 302.46). The total price if they had been provided in a conventional way was $ 164 973 946.48 (U$S 155 594.70) and if it had been done exclusively in a standardized way $ 148 350 031.39 (U$S 139 915.90) representing savings of 10%. Docetaxel and trastuzumab showed greater savings (19%).

DISCUSSION: The use of dose banding is safe and generates significant cost savings.