Cost Comparison Between the Use of Pertuzumab-Trastuzumab SC and IV Formulations to Treat HER2+ Breast Cancer Patients in Algeria

OBJECTIVES: Compare costs and time differences between two administration routes, subcutaneous (SC) versus intravenous (IV) of Pertuzumab-Trastuzumab for treatment of HER-2 positive Breast Cancer.

METHODS: The analysis was conducted in two (02) Algerian healthcare settings (CPMC Algiers and CAC Ouargla). We collected data about procedures, medical staff involved, consumables used in preparation and IV administration of Pertuzumab-Trastuzumab regimen and indirect costs from surveys when visiting the sites. SC formulation is not yet available, and to conduct the comparison equivalent data for Pertuzumab-Trastuzumab SC formulation was extracted from existing literature. Assuming the price for the two formulations are the same the costs were then calculated for a full course of treatment (18 cycles).

RESULTS: Overall time spent per cycle on preparation, administration, and observation is 100 minutes for IV and 20 minutes for SC. For an 18-cycle treatment, the estimated consumable cost per patient is 12,779 DZD for IV and 180 DZD for SC, and estimated staff costs per patient are 21,800 DZD for IV versus 4,762 DZD for SC. SC formulation would potentially allow savings of approximately 29,637 DZD per patient. Taking into consideration patients traveling more than 50km, the SC formulation allows for 7,200 DZD reduction for patients traveling less than 200km [n=90; 86km-196km], and 33,912 DZD for patients traveling more than 200km [n=40; 269km-1465km], as care can be provided in nearby health centers after the first 6 treatment cycles.

CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the cost reductions associated with switching to another administration route at different levels. It also underscores the potential enhancement in patient access.