The economics of abiraterone acetate for castration-resistant prostate cancer

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2014 Apr;14(2):175-9. doi: 10.1586/14737167.2014.891444. Epub 2014 Feb 25.

Abstract

Abiraterone acetate is an oral medication that has recently been granted approval for the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) prior and/or after chemotherapy with docetaxel. In this article we assess the economics of abiraterone acetate in mCRPC. Relevant studies demonstrated that abiraterone acetate had a minimal budget impact on health plans. A relevant advantage was the cost savings due to the lack of chemotherapy-related side effects as well as the ease of administration. The results of cost/benefit comparative studies with other novel agents (i.e. cabazitaxel, enzalutamide, sipuleucel-T) are warranted as well as the close collaboration between urologists and medical oncologists.

MeSH terms

  • Abiraterone Acetate
  • Androstadienes / economics
  • Androstadienes / therapeutic use*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / economics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant / pathology
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years

Substances

  • Androstadienes
  • Abiraterone Acetate