Multiple myeloma is a disorder of the bone marrow that is associated with
bone pain and osteolytic lesions. These complications can lead to the
development of pathologic fractures and severe patient morbidity. However, the
results of a recent randomized trial in patients with multiple myeloma
demonstrated that single 90 mg monthly doses of pamidronate as an adjunct to
chemotherapy reduced the incidence of skeletal-related events and improved
patients' quality of life. A cost-benefit analysis using an ex-ante
insurance willingness-to-pay (WTP) approach was conducted from a Canadian
societal perspective to estimate the net cost or benefit of prophylactic
pamidronate therapy for patients with multiple myeloma. This included direct
costs for drug administration and hospital savings secondary to avoiding
skeletal-related events. One hundred Canadian taxpayers were then interviewed
to ascertain their maximum WTP for the benefits of pamidronate. The WTP survey
instrument was simple to administer and easily understood by participants.
Respondents stated that they would be willing to pay an average of Can $3,364
(95% CI: $2,096, $4,632) as an income tax increase to be paid over their
lifetime for the value offered by the product. The benefit was then subtracted
from the overall cost of nine monthly doses of pamidronate ($4,153) producing
a net societal cost of $789 per patient (95% CI: (−$479, $2,057). The
administration of monthly pamidronate therapy in multiple myeloma patients
produces a situation of cost neutrality (societal benefits = costs).
Additional clinical trials to identify high-risk patient subgroups that would
most benefit from the drug are needed.