Pharmaceutical cost savings from the treatment of oncology patients in clinical trials

• Published in: Biomedical journal 2024-04, p.100742-100742
• Main Authors: Gómez Mediavilla, Borja, Lanza León, Paloma, Martínez Callejo, Virginia, Cantarero Prieto, David, Lanza Postigo, María, Salcedo Lambea, Matilde, Blanco Mesonero, Yolanda, Ochagavia Sufrategui, María, Durán, Ignacio, Sarabia Cobo, Carmen María
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2320-2890
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100742

The aim of this study was twofold: to assess the annual pharmaceutical savings associated with the treatment of cancer patients at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and to estimate the cost of innovative antineoplastic therapies that patients receive as experimental treatment, both during clinical trials throughout 2020. An observational and financial analysis of the drug cost related to clinical trials was applied. Direct cost savings to the Regional Health System of Cantabria and the cost of innovative therapies used as an experimental treatment in clinical trials were quantified. This study includes 38 clinical trials with a sample of 101 patients. The clinical trials analyzed provide a total cost savings of €603,350.21 and an average cost saving of €6,630.22 per patient. Furthermore, the total investment amounts to €789,892.67, with an average investment of €15,488.09 per patient. Clinical trials are essential for the advancement of science. Furthermore, clinical trials can be a significant source of income for both hospitals and Regional Health Systems, contributing to their financial sustainability.