Leuprolide acetate 1-, 3- and 6-monthly depot formulations in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer in nine European countries: evidence review and economic evaluation

• DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s44855
• Publication Date: 2013-06-23T23:13:10Z
• Authors: Jaro Wex; Sidhu; Odeyemi; Abou-Setta; Retsa; Bertrand Tombal
• Keywords: Depot

Objective: Leuprolide is an established luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist used as first-line treatment in advanced prostate cancer. As different formulations and dosing schedules are likely to have economic implications, we aimed evaluate their efficacy, safety, costs nine European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal. Methods: Database searches identified 13 clinical trials of leuprolide 1- (1 M), 3- (3 M) 6-monthly (6 M). Only data on with Atrigel were compared for all three formulations, which had the same adherence. Cost-minimization analysis accounting cost Eligard ® , specialist consultations, diagnostics during up 12 months follow-up was conducted. The perspective that public payers. Results: No significant differences observed percentages intention-to-treat patients achieving testosterone levels ≤ 50 ng/dL following 1 M (93.3%), 3 (98.3%), 6 (97.3%) ( P > 0.05), adverse event profiles comparable. Overall, least expensive, average total annual from €788 (Belgium) €1839 (Portugal). option between 2.5% (Hungary) 37.6% more expensive than M; formulation most 15.5% 151.6% those countries, respectively. 11.2%–45.3% less M. Total associated frequency visits injection monitoring. required twelve visits, 4.4–4.8 2.1–2.3 visits. Up 50% additional could be funded savings resulting switching eligible Results stable univariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: offer comparable efficacy but require number offers greatest should considered choice Europe. Keywords: prostate, cancer, androgen, leuprolide, Eligard, cost-effectiveness